"Crooklyn." "Do The Right Thing." "Malcolm X." These are just a few of the many films that world-renowned director and documentarian, Spike Lee, has cultivated.
Spike Lee came to speak to the students of Howard University in the Howard University Hospital Friday, Nov. 20, 2009, as a follow-up of his pre-inauguration seminar on Jan. 19, 2009 titled "Refresh the World" held in Cramton Auditorium.
"I am always happy to come to Howard University and share my film making experience," said Lee.
Lee started off the interactive discussion as he spoke of his journey until this day. Attending Morehouse College in Atlanta, Lee was a mass communications major. He continued his education at New York University.
When an audience member asked Lee a question on what is more difficult, acting in his films or directing. He answered, "I hate to act," adding that writing is more difficult than directing also.
"I did not feel confident until my third film, "Do The Right Thing," Lee said.
Howard alumnus James Shields studied marketing at Howard University then realized that art was his passion. He is currently living in New York pursuing his art career. He was inspired by this Spike Lee Joint, "Do The Right Thing," and has created different art murals depicting "Buggin' Out" illustrations.
"I came because a friend of mine, Kyle, told me Spike Lee was going to be here. He's a big inspiration to me. I feel like I've experienced a lot of his films, they definitely put me on black culture," said Shields. Spike Lee represents a lot in the black community and I appreciate what he's done."
Lee said his inspiration "music, sports, [and] walking down the street."
The short film, "Jesus Children of America", was based in Brooklyn and portrayed a young teenage girl who learns she was born HIV-positive.
Students also viewed two music videos from Michael Jackson, "They Don't Really Care About Us," and "This Is It", both directed by Spike Lee. Act III of the groundbreaking documentary, "When The Levees Broke" was also shown. Lee is planning to do a sequel to this documentary.
Taylor Martin, sophomore professional theatre major from North Caroline A&T, said that she missed her rehearsals to come and listen to Spike Lee speak.
"Spike Lee is the man. He has such a big impact on my life," said Martin. "One of my goals before I die is to work with him. I would be honored to be in one of his films."
The short film "Jesus Children in America" was sophomore photography major, Keri Douglass' favorite part.
"I think it was very generous of him to take time to generate such information," said Douglass.
And what is next for Spike Lee? "More films," he said. "Everybody has a talent, but if you do not expose yourself you will not birth the talents within you."
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