Film Director, Producer Spike Lee Visits Colorado State University April 1

Director Spike Lee, one of Hollywood’s most influential filmmakers of the past decade, will speak April 1 at Colorado State University. He will address the issues of multiculturalism in education and diversity on campus, including the controversial teaching of Ebonics in schools

"This is an exciting event because it’s not often that someone of Spike Lee’s stature and reputation visits Colorado State," said Randy McCrillis, assistant director of student government programs. "We chose him because the African-American perspective is rarely heard on campus." The presentation begins at 7:30 p.m. in the Lory Student Center Main Ballroom. Tickets are free for Colorado State students with valid identification and activity card. Tickets for non-students are $12.50. Tickets are only available in video-feed areas

Lee was born in Atlanta and raised in New York City. After earning a bachelor’s degree from Morehouse College and a master of fine arts in film production at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts, Lee founded his own production company, 40 Acres and a Mule. In addition, Lee owns a record label and a retail company

Lee emerged as a promising new talent in the film industry after his debut film, "She’s Gotta Have It," won the Prix de Jeunesse Award at the Cannes Film Festival. Since then, he has directed ten films, including "Clockers," "Jungle Fever," "Mo’ Better Blues" and the critically acclaimed "Malcolm X." With his 1989 film, "Do The Right Thing," Lee gained an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Screenplay as well as awards for Best Film and Director from the Los Angeles Film Critics Association

In addition to his work in the film industry, Lee has produced and directed music videos for Miles Davis, Chaka Khan, Tracy Chapman, Anita Baker, Public Enemy, Bruce Hornsby and Michael Jackson. He also has made television commercials for Levi’s, Nike, American Express, Snapple and Taco Bell, among others

The visit is sponsored by the Distinguished Leaders Program of the Associated Students of Colorado State University along with other student groups and departments on campus

For ticket information, contact the Lory Student Center Box Office at (970) 491-5402.