COLUMBUS OHIO -- Lee has been in the news lately with his latest film, the self-financed; low-budget “Red Hook Summer,” which recently played the world-famous Sundance Film Festival. The controversial drama is about an Atlanta boy who is sent to spend the summer with his preacher grandfather in Brooklyn, N.Y.Like all of Lee’s work, the movie explores themes of race, class and other provocative subjects.

Filmmaker Spike Lee will headline The Ohio State University’s United Black World Month Celebration. Lee will appear at OSU’s Archie Griffin Grand Ballroom in the Ohio Union on Thursday, Feb. 9, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. for a lecture and discussion that will provide insights into his films, his life and upcoming projects.

Lee has been an award-winning filmmaker, trendsetter and overall cultural force since his debut movie, “She’s Gotta Have It,” in 1986. His production company, 40 Acres and a Mule, has produced 35 films since then, including classics such as “Malcolm X,”  “Do the Right Thing” and  “School Daze” and mainstream hits such as “Inside Man,” starring Denzel Washington and Jodie Foster.

Lee has been in the news lately with his latest film, the self-financed; low-budget “Red Hook Summer,” which recently played the world-famous Sundance Film Festival. The controversial drama is about an Atlanta boy who is sent to spend the summer with his preacher grandfather in Brooklyn, N.Y. Like all of Lee’s work, the movie explores themes of race, class and other provocative subjects.

Lee grabbed headlines around the world in mid-January when taking questions from the audience after a “Red Hook Summer” screening at Sundance. When asked by comedian Chris Rock how the film would have been different if it would have been financed by a major studio, Lee went on an extended rant about racism in the movie industry. Throughout his more than two decades as a boundary-defying filmmaker, Lee said he has found that “Hollywood knows nothing about Black people.”

In addition to Lee’s appearance, other OSU United Black World Month activities include:

Opening reception, Wednesday, Feb. 1, 6 p.m.-8 p.m. The theme of the event will be “Black Women in History and Culture.”

“A Night of Drama and Theater,” Friday, Feb. 3, 7-8:30 p.m. The Frank Hale Black Cultural Center, Black Student Association and Multicultural Center will present the production of “The Trip” by the Jifunza Theater Company.

The Second Annual Harambee Youth Rally for Education and Leadership,” Saturday, Feb. 4, 2:30-5 p.m. The Second Annual Harambee Youth Rally for Education & Leadership. The Office of Diversity and inclusion will host an opportunity for high school students and their parents to learn more about OSU and campus activities.

“For Colored Girls” screening, Tuesday, Feb. 7, 6:30-9 p.m. The Council of Black Leadership will present a viewing of Tyler Perry’s movie, “For Colored Girls,” followed by a dialogue.

Extraordinary Stories Lunch Series: “Passion, Purpose & Perseverance.” Occurring every Wednesday throughout United Black World Month, the lunch will feature African-American female trailblazers from various career fields who will share their backgrounds, how they found their purpose and passion, and how they persevered through her journey to success.

“Threads of Our Fabric Project” and “A Gathering at Lethee’Ma Kitchen Fireplace,” Wednesday, Feb. 22, 6-9 p.m. As part of the Threads of Our Fabric Project, the Multicultural Center, Office of Diversity and Inclusion and Society of Sisters will present a dialogue centered on social issues affecting women of African descent.

“Nappy Roots: The Untold Story of Black Hair in America,” Thursday, Feb. 23, 7-8:30 p.m. The Black Student Association will use Chris Rock’s “Good Hair,” examples from popular culture and session participants’ experiences to untangle the mysteries of Black hair and society’s perceptions and misperceptions.

“Authors, Conversation and Soul Food: Special Tribute Series to Dr. Frank W. Hale Jr.,” Friday, Feb. 24, 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Office of Diversity and Inclusion and The Frank Hale Black Cultural Center will host a book signing, brown bag luncheon and conversation with author and activist Love Dixon.

Modern Day Slavery, Tuesday, Feb. 28, 7-8 p.m. Unplugging Society: Women of Color Think Tank will offer a presentation that will focus on the issue of human trafficking as modern day slavery. Guest speaker Dr. Patricia Cunningham, director of Student Engagement Core for the International Poverty Solutions Collaborative, as she explains how human trafficking issues extends around the world.

Tickets are required for the Spike lee appearance. For tickets and more information, visit www.ouab.osu.edu or www.mcc.osu.edu.