‘Do the Right Thing’ block party marks iconic film’s 35th anniversary

Festival goers told News12 the film's themes of fighting racism and coming together as a community were in full display, as was the inspiring nature of the film's breakthrough success for Lee.

Rob Flaks

Jul 1, 2024, 12:34 AM

Updated yesterday

Share:

Legendary Film Maker Spike Lee returned to the street in Bed-Stuy where his film "Do The Right Thing" was filmed over 35 years ago for a block party celebration of the film and its legacy Sunday.
The event featured food, dancing, music and Lee himself addressed the audience, spun tunes and even brought out actor Giancarlo Esposito who played the character Mookie in the film.
Festival goers told News12 the film's themes of fighting racism and coming together as a community were in full display, as was the inspiring nature of the film's breakthrough success for Lee.
"Spike lee is just somebody for anybody who's from Bed-Stuy. They know they always see him around, does a lot of cool things. He's an inspiration to a lot of people, artists... if it wasn't for him, a lot of people wouldn't be chasing their dreams right now, so that's what I'm doing," said attendee Kenal James.
Members of the film's crew also attended and said they had no idea the film would go on to be the smash hit it became.
They say they were also not prepared for the demographic changes of the neighborhood the film depicted to be so different 35 years later.
"This was Bed-Stuy, do or die. It was the jungle. It was really precarious, you really had to know how to navigate, and now with gentrification, it's a whole other vibe," said film crew member Robin Downs.
Many attendees told News 12 that the film continues to spire them in their own art and in the film's narrative of coming together, and the resonance it still has with audiences to this day.
"It's just about the nuances between different cultures and how us as a community have to maneuver around that. It's really dope, it's really powerful. A lot can be learned from it, from everybody," said attendee Joffy Jo. "Spike Lee has created an avenue for Black storytellers to find their voice, and so I'm here in support of that and the history of this movie and what it's done for me myself as a filmmaker as myself."


More from News 12
1:36
Nonprofit buys Hell's Kitchen buildings for affordable housing

Nonprofit buys Hell's Kitchen buildings for affordable housing

1:40
United Airlines expecting record numbers of travelers for Fourth of July holiday

United Airlines expecting record numbers of travelers for Fourth of July holiday

1:31
FDNY: At least 3 firefighters hospitalized after massive fire in Port Morris

FDNY: At least 3 firefighters hospitalized after massive fire in Port Morris

1:34
Traveling for the Fourth of July? Here are the best and worst times to drive.

Traveling for the Fourth of July? Here are the best and worst times to drive.

0:48
NYPD seeks public's help identifying Lower East Side assault suspects

NYPD seeks public's help identifying Lower East Side assault suspects

2:46
‘Don’t trust the banks.’  Sen. Menendez’s sister takes the stand to defend her brother

‘Don’t trust the banks.’ Sen. Menendez’s sister takes the stand to defend her brother

1:46
Made In New Jersey: Shaking things up at The Juice House in Freehold

Made In New Jersey: Shaking things up at The Juice House in Freehold

1:35
Best of New Jersey: Visiting Tenmomi, a small ghost kitchen in Nutley

Best of New Jersey: Visiting Tenmomi, a small ghost kitchen in Nutley

1:48
Demolition of partially collapsed Yonkers building continues amid Saw Mill River concerns

Demolition of partially collapsed Yonkers building continues amid Saw Mill River concerns

0:46
Massive tree knocks down scaffolding, blocked road in Wakefield

Massive tree knocks down scaffolding, blocked road in Wakefield

1:54
Coney Island-bound F train sees major changes this summer

Coney Island-bound F train sees major changes this summer

1:28
Community mourns 6-year-old girl killed in multialarm fire inside Bayonne home

Community mourns 6-year-old girl killed in multialarm fire inside Bayonne home

1:56
15% fare hike for NJ Transit bus and rails takes effect

15% fare hike for NJ Transit bus and rails takes effect

0:42
NYPD seeks public's help to identify Central Park assault suspect

NYPD seeks public's help to identify Central Park assault suspect

1:33
Trans activists rally to demand NYC honor shelter agreement

Trans activists rally to demand NYC honor shelter agreement

1:08
Funding for Brooklyn libraries restored in new announcement ahead of city budget deadline

Funding for Brooklyn libraries restored in new announcement ahead of city budget deadline

1:05
Thousands of JCP&L customers remain without power following powerful storms

Thousands of JCP&L customers remain without power following powerful storms

1:57
Severe storm forces popular Wall Township camp to close Thursday

Severe storm forces popular Wall Township camp to close Thursday

2:00
Funding for Bronx libraries restored in new announcement ahead of city budget deadline

Funding for Bronx libraries restored in new announcement ahead of city budget deadline

2:11
Community meeting held in West Islip amid residents' concern over proposed cell tower

Community meeting held in West Islip amid residents' concern over proposed cell tower