Spike Lee To Speak At Hopkins Commencement

RadioOnFire.com - Filmmaker Spike Lee will speak at Johns Hopkins University's May 18 commencement, university officials announced Wednesday.

The writer and activist was nominated for an Oscar for 1989's "Do the Right Thing." His filmography also includes "Jungle Fever," "Malcolm X" and, most recently, the 2015 Amazon satirical musical drama "Chi-Raq."

“More than 25 years since the release of his groundbreaking 'Do the Right Thing,' Spike Lee’s films continue to resonate from the stoops of BedStuy to the classrooms of Johns Hopkins,” Hopkins President Ronald J. Daniels said in a statement.

“On screen and off, as a filmmaker and educator, Spike Lee challenges all of us to confront the pressing questions of equality and justice that shape our country and inspires the next generation to find their voices. I know he will challenge and inspire a graduating class whose voices can — and will — make a resounding impact on our world.”

In November, Lee was awarded an honorary Oscar. He was a number of invitees who boycotted February's Academy Awards in protest for diversity among the nominees.

The May Hopkins commencement will be held at Royal Farms Arena. It is not open to the public.