On this day in 1957, visionary filmmaker, actor, and die-hard New York Knicks fan Shelton “Spike” Lee was born in Atlanta, Georgia. Raised in Brooklyn, Lee would later turn the borough into the backdrop for some of his most iconic films, including Do the Right Thing, He Got Game, Summer of Sam, She’s Gotta Have It, and Crooklyn.
With more than two dozen feature films to his name, the Academy Award-winning director has never shied away from controversy. His work has sparked debates on race, gender, and culture, with critics accusing him of everything from blaxploitation to antisemitism to problematic depictions of women. Yet, through it all, Lee has remained unapologetic, using his platform to tell raw, unfiltered stories about the Black experience in America.
For over 40 years, Spike Lee has been a fearless storyteller, capturing history, struggle, and triumph through his unique cinematic lens. The Northstar Group/The Source Magazine salutes Mr. Lee on his birthday and wishes him many more years of success and impact!