ATLANTA — The energy inside the historic Fox Theatre on Friday, February 13, 2026, was nothing short of electric. Nearly four decades after he first challenged the world to “Wake Up!”, Academy Award-winning filmmaker Spike Lee returned to the city where it all began. The occasion was a special 38th-anniversary screening of his 1988 classic, School Daze, and for the thousands of HBCU students, alumni, and fans in attendance, it felt less like a movie night and more like a family reunion.
The event, held in the heart of Atlanta, drew a massive crowd from the Atlanta University Center (AUC)—including students from Morehouse College, Spelman College, and Clark Atlanta University. For Lee, a 1979 Morehouse graduate, the night was a powerful homecoming.
A Legacy Beyond the Screen
When School Daze first hit theaters in 1988, it was a revolutionary piece of cinema. It was the first time a major motion picture pulled back the curtain on the complex, vibrant, and sometimes messy reality of life at a Historically Black College or University (HBCU). Set at the fictional Mission College, the film tackled internal issues that many in the community were hesitant to discuss publicly: colorism, classism, and the divide between Greek life and political activism.
Reflecting on the film’s impact nearly 40 years later, Lee was visibly moved by the sea of faces in the theater. Standing on stage before the lights dimmed, he addressed the audience with the same passion that had defined his career.
“That’s the legacy,” Lee told the cheering crowd. “I think that’s the most important legacy of School Daze—that people still today, 38 years later, say School Daze is why they went to a Black school. But more than that, people say School Daze is why they went to college, period.”
Lee’s words resonated deeply with the audience. For many in the room, the film wasn’t just a musical comedy; it was a blueprint for Black excellence and a mirror reflecting their own identities.
The Sound of a Movement
The screening itself was far from a quiet affair. As the film’s iconic musical numbers played, the Fox Theatre transformed into a concert hall. When the opening notes of the go-go anthem “Da Butt” by the band E.U. filled the room, the entire audience rose to their feet. It was a moment of pure, unadulterated Black joy, with different generations of Divine Nine fraternity and sorority members throwing up their signs and dancing in the aisles.
The film’s soundtrack, composed largely by Spike’s father, the late Bill Lee, remains a cornerstone of the movie’s identity. From the soulful “I’m Building Me a Home” to the pointed social commentary of “Straight and Nappy,” the music continues to drive the narrative of self-pride and cultural awareness.
Still Relevant, Still Necessary
While the fashion and hairstyles in School Daze might scream the late 80s, the themes remain strikingly relevant in 2026. The film’s exploration of “Wannabes” versus “Jigaboos”—a satirical look at colorism and hair texture—still sparks vital conversations on campuses today.
Lee noted that he originally hoped some of the social issues explored in the film would have been resolved by now. However, he encouraged the younger generation of students to embrace the film’s themes of community and self-awareness to continue the work of those who came before them.
The director’s connection to Atlanta is foundational. Though he famously represents Brooklyn, Lee was born in Atlanta and comes from a long line of AUC graduates. His father and grandfather attended Morehouse, while his mother and grandmother were Spelmanites.
“Morehouse is where I became a man,” Lee has often said. “I never truly left.”
A Night to Remember
The anniversary event served as a reminder of Lee’s unique ability to use film as a tool for social change. By centering Black stories and Black voices without seeking outside approval, he opened doors for generations of filmmakers and storytellers.
As the credits rolled and the lights came up, the “Wake Up!” call from the film’s final scene seemed to linger in the air. The event wasn’t just a look back at a successful movie; it was a celebration of the enduring strength of HBCU culture and the man who put it on the map.
For the students of the AUC, the message was clear: their history is rich, their voices are powerful, and their education is a legacy worth celebrating every single day.
