Film director and producer Spike Lee had a message for America during the 2025 NBA All-Star Game on Sunday night.
The New York Knicks superfan attended the basketball showcase at Chase Arena on the night and observed the league’s new format. He also wore clothing bearing a bold demand.
The 67-year-old was pictured with a black jacket with the words “WE WANT OUR 40 ACRES AND A MULE, YES REPARATIONS, NO SUBTERFUGE.”
Check him out in the photo below:
Lee, who is probably the most famous NBA fan and most definitely the most famous Knicks supporter, drew some attention with his jacket, which is, of course, what he wanted. And the comments came in thick and fast.
“Ppl not ready for that Convo,” a fan wrote.
“Yes, he’s been so oppressed, in his court-side seats,” another said.
“Message like this will definitely help those NBA Ratings,” a third commented.
“$60 million net worth btw. You can’t make this stuff up,” said a fourth.
Spike Lee’s Message Wasn’t Out Of The Blue
It doesn’t appear that the message struck a chord with the majority, given that Spike Lee is one of the wealthiest men in America.
As someone noted above, the actor is rumored to have a net worth of $60 million, so it would always be tough to get people to feel any sympathy. Still, he used his appearance at the game to make a statement, and it got him a lot of attention.
It is worth noting that Lee founded the 40 Acres and a Mule Filmworks production company way back in 1979, so his latest appearance was right in step. Last week, he thanked Kendrick Lamar for using the reference to begin his Super Bowl halftime show performance, which is probably why he felt inspired to wear the jacket.
“I Want To Thank My Brother Kendrick For The 40 Acres And A Mule Shoutout Which Has Been The Name Of My Production Company Since NYU Grad Film School,” he wrote in an Instagram post. “And I Want To Send A Special Shoutout To My Morehouse Brother Samuel Jackson Who Started This Super Bowl Halftime Extravaganza As Uncle Sam And You Might’ve Seen Him As Dolmedes In CHI-RAQ. The Term 40 Acres And A Mule Was A Proposal For Reparations To Former Enslaved African-Americans In The Aftermath Of The Civil War. The Proposal Was Intended To Provide Land And Resources To Provide Land And Resources To Help Free People Achieve Economic Independence. This Promise Was Ultimately Broken. HAPPY BLACK HIS-HERSTORY.”
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