Movie director Spike Lee stimulated thoughts on Martin Luther King
Maria-Pia Negro
Issue date: 1/26/10 Section: News
On Wednesday January 20, McGuire Hall was filled with Loyola students, faculty, and administrators and people from the Baltimore community, including college and high school students to listen to famous director Spike Lee. His talk stimulated thoughts on Dr. Martin Luther King's impact, race, and career success during the 17th annual Martin Luther King, Jr., Convocation.
Spike Lee's address was more a casual conversation rather than a speech. It was filled with anecdotes, inspiring realizations in regard of his career, jokes about current events and sports, political commentary and even advice for young filmmakers. Although the address did not have a central moment, there were several main points and messages he wished the audience to take home.
He stressed how important it is for young people to learn more about Martin Luther King and to go beyond the surface knowledge. Having grown up during King's time, Lee recalled the tremendous impact his assassination had, especially amongst African Americans.
But he emphasized that "Dr. King should not be martyrized" because then the rest of his efforts and causes are forgotten. Lee said that in order to know about this, it is necessary to read his work and learn more. Encouraging students to learn even what is not taught by teachers. "Do research. With the Internet today there is no excuse for not to doing research. See how he was perceived," said Lee.
Lee also shared his experiences as a college student at Morehouse College, Clark Atlanta University -where he took his major classes-and New York University Film School and how he decided his career path.
Lee also talked about the importance of hard work and perseverance in order to succeed in anything you do. He used the example of his first feature movie, She's Gotta Have It, where he had to piece the project together nickle by nickle. He also had to wait 10 years before his first successful project.
"I got lucky because I knew what I wanted to do and love," said Lee. "Hopefully you choose your major based upon what it is that you love and not how much money you are going to make."
Spike Lee's address was more a casual conversation rather than a speech. It was filled with anecdotes, inspiring realizations in regard of his career, jokes about current events and sports, political commentary and even advice for young filmmakers. Although the address did not have a central moment, there were several main points and messages he wished the audience to take home.
He stressed how important it is for young people to learn more about Martin Luther King and to go beyond the surface knowledge. Having grown up during King's time, Lee recalled the tremendous impact his assassination had, especially amongst African Americans.
But he emphasized that "Dr. King should not be martyrized" because then the rest of his efforts and causes are forgotten. Lee said that in order to know about this, it is necessary to read his work and learn more. Encouraging students to learn even what is not taught by teachers. "Do research. With the Internet today there is no excuse for not to doing research. See how he was perceived," said Lee.
Lee also shared his experiences as a college student at Morehouse College, Clark Atlanta University -where he took his major classes-and New York University Film School and how he decided his career path.
Lee also talked about the importance of hard work and perseverance in order to succeed in anything you do. He used the example of his first feature movie, She's Gotta Have It, where he had to piece the project together nickle by nickle. He also had to wait 10 years before his first successful project.
"I got lucky because I knew what I wanted to do and love," said Lee. "Hopefully you choose your major based upon what it is that you love and not how much money you are going to make."
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brebdonera
posted 3/22/10 @ 1:25 PM EST
I bookmarked this article. Thank you for good job!
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