August 25, 2005
Purdue's Black Cultural Center brings Spike Lee to campus
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WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Film director Spike Lee will speak about "African-American Images in Hollywood" at a free lecture sponsored by Purdue's Black Cultural Center 7 p.m. Sept. 15 in Stewart Center's Loeb Playhouse.
"Irrespective of race, Spike Lee is one of the country's most influential filmmakers," said BCC Director Renee Thomas. "We're thrilled that he's chosen to come to Purdue during our examination of African-American images on film. I am certain that he will provide a unique perspective that will be of interest to anyone who follows film."
Lee has been making movies since 1980, but became well known in 1986 when "She's Gotta Have It" won the Prix de Jeunesse award at Cannes. In addition to his feature films, Lee has produced and directed numerous music videos for such diverse artists as Miles Davis, Tracy Chapman, Anita Baker, Public Enemy and Bruce Hornsby. He also has directed commercials and short films for television.
Born in Atlanta, Lee was raised in Brooklyn. He graduated from Morehouse College in Atlanta and received a master's degree in film production from New York University Tisch School of the Arts.
Established at Purdue in 1969, the Black Cultural Center is nationally recognized and acknowledged by the Association of Black Culture Centers as one of the best centers of its kind. Thomas said the center helps black students gain a greater understanding of their heritage and supports and enhances cultural diversity on campus and in the community.
With four performing arts ensembles, the center also gives students a chance to develop their own artistic expression in dance, song, theater or writing. Students can participate in the Black Voices of Inspiration, Haraka Writers, Jahari Dance Troupe and New Directional Players, each one headed by an artist in residence who has a professional career.
Kevin Iega Jeff, a choreographer from Chicago whose film choreography credits include Spike Lee's "She's Gotta Have It," directs the Jahari Dance Troupe. Jeff is the founder and artistic director of the Chicago-based Deeply Rooted Dance Theatre.
Writer: Maggie Morris, (765) 494-2432, maggiemorris@purdue.edu
Source: Renee Thomas, (765) 494-3092, rathomas@purdue.edu
Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu
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