Childhood and Education Journey of Spike Lee in Timeline

How education and upbringing influenced the life of Spike Lee. A timeline of key moments.

Spike Lee is an influential American filmmaker known for his thought-provoking explorations of race relations, social justice, and political issues within the Black community. His films often tackle urban crime, poverty, and the impact of media on contemporary society. Throughout his career, Lee has received numerous prestigious awards, including an Academy Award, BAFTA Award, Emmy Awards and Peabody Awards. He has also received nominations for Golden Globe Awards and a Grammy Award, solidifying his status as a prominent figure in the entertainment industry and a powerful voice for social change.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

March 20, 1957: Spike Lee Born

On March 20, 1957, Shelton Jackson "Spike" Lee was born. He is an American filmmaker known for exploring race relations and political issues.

Others born on this day/year

1963: 16th Street Baptist Church Bombing

In 1963, the 16th Street Baptist Church bombing occurred in Birmingham, Alabama. Spike Lee's 1997 documentary, 4 Little Girls, is about this event.

February 21, 1965: Malcolm X Assassination

February 21, 1965, was the date of Malcolm X's assassination, an event depicted in Spike Lee's 1992 film Malcolm X.

1979: Graduation from Morehouse College

In 1979, Spike Lee graduated with a B.A. in mass communication from Morehouse College.

1982: Master of Fine Arts from New York University

In 1982, Spike Lee earned a Master of Fine Arts in film and television from New York University's Tisch School of the Arts.

1983: Student Academy Award for Joe's Bed-Stuy Barbershop: We Cut Heads

In 1983, Spike Lee directed his student film Joe's Bed-Stuy Barbershop: We Cut Heads at New York University Tisch School of the Arts, which won a Student Academy Award.

1983: Premiere of Joe's Bed-Stuy Barbershop: We Cut Heads

In 1983, Spike Lee premiered his independent short film Joe's Bed-Stuy Barbershop: We Cut Heads, which won a Student Academy Award.

1991: Taught a Course at Harvard

In 1991, Spike Lee taught a filmmaking course at Harvard University.

1992: Met his wife Tonya Lewis Lee

In 1992, Spike Lee met his future wife, attorney Tonya Lewis Lee.

1993: Began Teaching at NYU's Tisch School of the Arts

In 1993, Spike Lee began teaching at New York University's Tisch School of the Arts in the Graduate Film Program, where he also earned his master of fine arts degree.

2002: Appointed Artistic Director at NYU

In 2002, Spike Lee was appointed as the artistic director of New York University's Tisch School of the Arts.

April 7, 2006: Lee Discusses Do the Right Thing Oscar Snub

In an April 7, 2006, interview with New York magazine, Spike Lee discussed the Academy Awards snub of his film Do the Right Thing and the success of Driving Miss Daisy.

2014: Death of Christopher Lee

In 2014, Christopher Lee, one of Spike Lee's siblings, passed away.

May 18, 2016: Commencement address for The Johns Hopkins University Class of 2016

On May 18, 2016, Spike Lee delivered the Commencement address for The Johns Hopkins University Class of 2016.

2018: Cited Favorite Films in GQ Interview

In 2018, during an interview with GQ, Spike Lee cited *On the Waterfront* (1954), *A Face in the Crowd* (1957), and *Mean Streets* (1973) as some of his favorite films. He also befriended Martin Scorsese after attending a screening of *After Hours* at NYU.

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March 2020: Disagreement at Madison Square Garden

In March 2020, Spike Lee had a disagreement with the security team at Madison Square Garden over which entrance to use, leading him to state he would not attend the rest of the games for the season.

October 24, 2024: Endorsed Kamala Harris at Campaign Rally

On October 24, 2024, Spike Lee endorsed Kamala Harris in the 2024 United States presidential election and spoke at one of her campaign rallies.

2024: Attended New York Liberty games

In 2024, Spike Lee has been frequenting New York Liberty games at Barclays Center, sitting courtside during the WNBA playoffs in a Sabrina Ionescu jersey.