HBCU Events at SMC
School Daze - Movie Screening
Wednesday, October 25, 6 - 9 p.m.
Student Services Center, Orientation Hall (SSC 183)
Based in part on Spike Lee's experiences as a Morehouse student in the Atlanta University Center during the 1970s, it is a story about undergraduates in a fraternity and sorority clashing with some of their classmates at a historically black college during homecoming weekend. It also touches upon issues of colorism, elitism, classism, political activism, hazing, groupthink, female self-esteem, social mobility, and hair texture bias within the African-American community. The second feature film by Spike Lee, School Daze was released on February 12, 1988 by Columbia Pictures.
Written and directed by Spike Lee, starring Laurence Fishburne, Giancarlo Esposito, and Tisha Campbell.
The film will be followed by a discussion moderated by faculty member, Redelia Shaw with:
Leander Sales, long time assistant editor/editor for Spike Lee and apprentice sound editor for School Daze will answer questions about the film.
Wendi DeMorst, SMC Associate Dean of Student Instructional Support, was a Spelman College student in college at the time of production.
History of HBCUs
Historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) were established to serve the educational needs of black Americans. As a result, HBCUs became the principle means for providing postsecondary education to black Americans. Today, HBCUs must fulfill educational goals far beyond those initially set.
Why HBCU’s Still Matter (from United Negro College Fund): “The reason is clear: HBCUs outperform non-HBCU institutions in retaining and graduating first-generation, low-income African American students. Diversity within college graduates is vital because more voices from all corners of the United States makes us a better formed, positive, successful society. From making college affordable, to supporting African American students seeking degrees and careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields, HBCUs play a crucial role.”
HBCU Links

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