BlackTree TV Hostess, Ms. Ameerah Banks, catches up with 3 time NBA Champion turned actor Rick Fox, who credits Spike Lee with diversifying his career. The actor talks about "He Got Game" the Spike Lee Joint he starred in, and the future including his new movie with Tyler Perry, "Meet The Browns" and more.
Spike Lee Honored With Sixth Annual Chrysler Behind the Lens Award Friday March 28, 1:52 pm ET BEVERLY HILLS, Calif., March 28 /PRNewswire/ -- - Lee's production company, 40 Acres and A Mule Filmworks, has produced more than 35 films since 1983 and opened entertainment industry d
oors to many actors, filmmakers and craftspeople of color - Hollywood turns out to celebrate the Academy Award-nominated filmmaker behind such movies as "Jungle Fever," "Malcolm X," "Do The Right Thing" and the Emmy-winning 2007 miniseries "When the Levees Broke: A Requiem
in Four Acts," documenting the devastation of New Orleans by Hurricane Katrina - In addition to writing, producing, directing and acting, Lee teaches film at Columbia University and New York University, and is the author of nine books - The Chrysler Foundatio
n will donate $25,000 in Lee's name to his alma mater, Morehouse College in Atlanta Spike Lee, one of the most influential figures in contemporary cinema, became the sixth recipient Wednesday of the Chrysler LLC Behind the Lens Award. Some 400 guests attended the award ceremony at the Beverly
Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills, California in recognition of the outstanding achievements of the director of such groundbreaking films as "Jungle Fever," "Do The Right Thing" and "Malcolm X"; who helped launch the big-screen careers of Halle Berry, Samuel L. Jackson and John Turturro, as well as n
umerous other actors, filmmakers and craftspeople. "Spike Lee epitomizes the ideal of the Behind the Lens Award," Frank Fountain, Chrysler LLC Senior Vice President - External Affairs and Public Policy, said. "His thoughtful films and activism in Hollywood have inspired a generation of filmmakers,
encouraged actors, challenged basic assumptions and expanded the field to include many more African-Americans in key roles behind the lens. We are thrilled to have him as the award's latest honoree and to celebrate his commitment and passion." In addition to the award, The Chrysler Foundation will
donate $25,000 to Lee's alma mater, Morehouse College in Atlanta, in recognition of his accomplishments. The donation will benefit the Morehouse College School of Sports Journalism, a program created to expand the field of sports journalism for African-American students. The program, which began wit
h seed money donated by Lee, launched its first course offerings in January 2007. Lee, who received his bachelor's degree in 1979, is a third-generation Morehouse graduate and now serves on the school's board of trustees. To date, his efforts have raised more than $1 million to benefit the program.
Hosted by CNN anchor and special correspondent Soledad O'Brien, the evening paid tribute to Lee as Academy Award-nominated actress (Best Supporting Actress 1993 for her role in "Fearless") Rosie Perez discussed her fond memories of working with Lee. Perez made her feature-film debut in "Do The Righ
t Thing." The evening featured special performances by long-time friend and composer Terence Blanchard, which included a tribute to New Orleans and Lee's documentary "When the Levees Broke: A Requiem in Four Acts," along with a Patti Austin collaboration "A Change is Going to Come." Tap dancer and c
horeographer Savion Glover performed a dance number to Public Enemy's "Fight the Power," a song that also was featured in "Do the Right Thing." "It's an honor to join the group of trailblazing artists and professionals who have received this award before me," Lee said. "I'm particularly thrilled to
accept this award in the presence of so many of the family members, friends, mentors and collaborators without whom this recognition would not have been possible. I also want to thank Chrysler for sponsoring the Behind the Lens Award, which recognizes the creative individuals whose work affects our
lives every day." A BlackTree Media Production Produced By Jamaal Finkley Camera Earl Crowe Host Ms. Ameerah Banks http://www.blacktree.tv

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