photo by steed media service

Spike Lee has done a formidable job of attacking and analyzing the effects of racial injustice in American society through a successful series of thought-provoking and controversial films. But the Brooklyn-born filmmaker has recently gone beyond the big screen to give voice to his provocative opinions.

Lee, an avid sports fan, has criticized several national and local media outlets because of the lack of black journalists covering sports. Taking it upon himself to help solve the problem, Lee raised over $1 million to start a sports journalism program at his alma mater, Morehouse College. In addition to serving Morehouse students, the program is available to students at Spelman College, Clark Atlanta University and Morris Brown College. Courses include newswriting and history of the media.

“Black players make up 75 percent of the NFL and the numbers are even higher in the NBA, but blacks are absent in the press box. There’s a great divide between the media and black athletes. When all of the reporters are white and all of the players are black, it’s easy to have a difference of opinion. And the press is where opinions are molded and shaped,” Lee says, adding that the program is sure to lessen the divide. “Everyone can’t play professional sports, but a lot of people still love sports and can be connected to the games in different capacities. This allows students to have a voice on something that they’re interested in.” Lee also believes that athletes who are fortunate enough to play professional sports should think about life after their careers are over.

“If your knee blows out, your career can be over after one game,” he says. “Hopefully, these young brothers will start getting it together and think of ways to be more productive off of the field.” –amir shaw

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