By
If someone asked you if you were a Wanna Be or a Jigga Boo, how would you respond? Some of you may or may not recall the reference, so let’s dive in.
This year marked the 30th anniversary of Spike Lee’s film School Daze, which centered on Greek life at a historically black college and generally, Spike’s personal experiences as an undergraduate in the Atlanta University Center.
Earlier this year, Lee had a special screening that a few of the people I follow were fortunate enough to attend. Fast forward a few months as I was tagged on Facebook about a viewing of School Daze at the Memphis Orpheum Theater. The event poster caught my eye straightaway and I knew I had to attend.
Truth Moment: Until this event, I had never seen the film School Daze (gasp). Trust that a few of my peers were jokingly asking to take away my ‘Black card’ but I’m holding on to it pretty tight.
The School Daze Old School College Party and Movie Night was put together as a brotherhood collaboration between Chef Phillip Ashley Rix (CEO of Phillip Ashley Chocolates), Elliott Sayles (creator of MANE T-shirts), and the illustrious men of the TKO TakeOver – Michael Suggs, Terel Key, and Tracy Davis.
The event started with a live DJ in the opening area of the Orpheum Theater, and attendees were able to dance, mingle, and even shop with food vendors such as the talented jewelry designer David Quarles IV, Dr. Dena Granger with The Chiro Place, and Pops Kernel Gourmet Popcorn (which was delicious). Talented photographer Wiley Brown captured some great moments throughout the afternoon. After a few hours of experiencing the day party, the event was moved into the theater where a trivia contest was held. A few audience members were tested to see how knowledgeable they were about the movie. It was hilarious to see the exchange between the contestants and the audience. Following the trivia contest, prizes were given out to the person with the most inventive costume.
I admit I was a bit hesitant about staying to watch the film, but I am SO GLAD I did. I really enjoyed it! It was nostalgia like no other. Although I never attended an HBCU (but wish I did), I imagined that there were some experiences similar to the ones shown in the film. I loved how the audience stay so engaged throughout the whole film. From shouting out their favorite lines and reppin fraternity/sorority calls to dancing in their chair at the musical scenes, those who came out took movie night to new levels.
I won’t go into the full movie (you’ll have to watch or re-watch and it’s a guaranteed enjoyable flick), but I will say that some of the themes and undertones of the film are still pretty prevalent today in many ways. How we talk about what ‘Blackness’ is and what that means in society today is indeed a most challenging discussion. Lee’s portrayal in this fictional historical black college expounded on colorism, sexism, the pressures of fitting in, and more.
I look forward to more of these events in the Memphis area. Kudos to the organizers for a successful and quite unique way of merging an old school college party and movie night at the Orpheum Theater.
Have you ever seen School Daze? What are your favorite scenes in the movie?
What do you think?