Written by | Ray Cornelius
Award winning filmmaker Spike Lee hosted a very special 30th anniversary screening of his classic film School Daze Monday (February 19) night in Atlanta, GA and it was lit!!!!
The evening took place at the historic Fox Theatre and was attended by throngs of black Greek-letter fraternity and sorority members, HBCU students and alumni and fans of Lee’s cinematic work.
I had the pleasure and privilege of welcoming the nearly sold out crowd and introducing the 60th Mayor of Atlanta – Keisha Lance Bottoms. She presented Lee with the prestigious Phoenix Award, the highest honor an individual can received from the Mayor.
Lee was recognized for his contributions to Atlanta’s bustling film and entertainment industry and for shooting School Daze at the Atlanta University Center in 1988. It was movie projects like his that has helped Georgia become the #1 film location in the world.
I have to admit, watching the movie with thousands of other people was absolutely thrilling. We knew all the lines, the jokes, the dance moves, the steps and the songs including the Tisha Campbell led “I Don’t Wanna Be Alone Tonight” to EU‘s rump shaking classic “Da Butt.”
Noted singer Keisha Jackson and her One Voice Music Group even surprised attendees with a pop-up performance of the film’s opening number, “I’m Building Me a Home.”
Check out their video + see more photos below:
Photo Credits: Mark Angel Photography