Robert Alexander-Jordan
Genius in Real Time
A Detroit Story
Genius: In Real Time—A Detroit Story is an 18-minute mini documentary that follows four Detroit high school students, Shayla, Mackenzie, Amelia, and Armond, as they reflect on their educational journeys and personal growth. Framed as interviews with me, the filmmaker, each student discusses how Detroit has shaped their dreams, challenged their confidence, and nurtured their brilliance. Kicking off their stories, is a poignant reflection from an interview with Detroit icons Helen Moore and Khary Frazier, anchoring the students’ voices in the legacy of community advocacy for education. Through personal storytelling, archival audio, and neighborhood b-roll, this narrative captures how students grow into their genius while still becoming, and how Detroit is both the backdrop and the catalyst for that process. The film explores:
- Early dreams and childhood curiosity
- Key moments of doubt, encouragement, and discovery
- The impact of teachers, representation, and community
- Aspirations for college, trade, entrepreneurship, and beyond
- How genius shows up in everyday resilience, self-awareness, and cultural pride
About The Storyteller
Robert D. Alexander-Jordan, MSL, BA
Robert D. Alexander-Jordan is a doctoral candidate in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies at Wayne State University, where his research explores how trauma-informed policies shape school leadership and student well-being. A Detroit native and lifelong advocate for equity in education, he serves as Assistant Program Director for Community Engagement in the College of Engineering and Multi-Site Coordinator for the C2 Pipeline program in the College of Nursing. Through his company, WOODSY, LLC., Robert develops youth programming, creative workshops, and storytelling projects that amplify Black voices and community narratives. His work bridges academia, art, and activism, rooted in Detroit’s legacy of resilience and reinvention.