Who Do You Think You Are? Season Two

Fridays 8/7c

Biography

SPIKE LEE is a writer, director, actor, producer and author who revolutionized the role of black talent in cinema. Widely regarded as a premier African-American filmmaker, Lee is a forerunner in the "do it yourself" school of independent film. An avid sports enthusiast, Lee recently completed a one-day, 18-camera documentary shoot focusing on NBA standout Kobe Bryant. The unique piece, produced for ESPN, is entitled "Kobe - Doin Work." Another current project, "Passing Strange" -- the critically acclaimed Broadway musical -- follows the travels of a young African-American musician in search of himself. "Passing Strange" debuted at the Sundance Film Festival. His most recent theatrical release is "Miracle at St Anna." Set in 1944, it chronicles the story of four black American soldiers who are members of the U.S. Army as part of the all-black 92nd "Buffalo Soldier" Division, trapped behind enemy lines in Tuscany, Italy during World War II.

This film comes on the heels of "When the Levees Broke," a groundbreaking documentary focusing on the plight of Americans stranded in New Orleans after hurricane Katrina. Other critical and box office successes have included such films as "Inside Man," "25th Hour," "The Original Kings of Comedy," "Bamboozled" and "Summer of Sam." Lee's films "Girl 6," "Get On the Bus," "Do the Right Thing" and "Clockers" display his ability to showcase a series of outspoken and provocative socio-political critiques that challenge cultural assumptions, not only about race, but class and gender identity as well ... [ Read More ]

Spike Lee is one of America's best-known film directors. He has done more than anyone in his generation to bring African-American history and experience to the screen. The name of his production company, 40 Acres and a Mule, refers to the broken promise made by the federal government to provide ex-slaves with land and a mule. However, Spike does not know much about his mother's slave ancestry and in this journey he hopes to discover more about his slave roots and the people who owned his ancestors.

videos

Changing Everything

Full-Episode: Spike Lee
Spike begins his journey in Atlanta, Georgia, where his grandmother Zimmie worked in the segregated Southern systems for many years. Here, Spike follows the trail of his ancestors dating back to the Civil War and discovers a shocking family connection. Watch full episode.

Highlight

Highlighted Moment: Crazy History
Spike Lee journeys to the site of a destroyed town and discovers that his third great-grandfather made pistols for the Confederacy. Watch clip.

Video Clip

Bonus Scene: Remembering Zimmie
Watch as Spike learns about his grandmother's impressions of the racy scenes in his first feature film. Watch clip.

episode recap

Recap The Journey
Spike Lee is one of America's best-known film directors. The success of his first film, "She's Gotta Have It" allowed Spike to start his own production company, 40 Acres and a Mule Filmworks....
Read the full episode recap.

galleries

Spike's Family
View photos of Spike Lee's family. View now.

Historical Documents

Spike Lee's Journey
See the great photos taken on location during Spike's episode! View now.

Family Photo Album

A Reflection on Slavery
Browse pictures from America during the era of slavery, a time when human beings were sold for property, and the nation was split in two. View now.

featured

Did You Know? The Other Side of Emancipation
There's more to know that wasn't in the episode. Read more about the historical facts here. Find out now.

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