Although the movie released in June of 1989, this week, while honoring Black History Month ImageNation at Lincoln Center celebrates the 20th Anniversary of Do The Right Thing with Spike Lee.

FOR THOSE WHO DON’T KNOW…

This is a CLASSIC!  Filmed on Stuyvesant Avenue, this movie portrayed racial conflict in a multi-ethnic Brooklyn neighborhood (BED-STUY, Do or Die!).  Written, produced, directed and even starred in by Spike Lee (Mookie), the cast included Ossie Davis, Ruby Dee, Samuel L. Jackson, Bill Nunn, Giancarlo Esposito, John Turturro… debuting both Martin Lawrence and Rosie Perez.

Ossie and Spike

Samuel L. Jackson

Danny Aiello and Giancarlo

Rosie Perez

Ruby Dee and Ossie Davis

Bill Nunn

PUBLIC ENEMY

Not only will the film be screened, but the event will kick off with Chuck D and the Apollo Heights performing the rock rendition of “Fight The Power” (the first release from the Do The Right Thing soundtrack).  Then a discussion with members of the cast and crew to follow the movie.

Chuck D (bottom center) and Public Enemy

PARTY AT THE WHITE HOUSE…

President and First Lady Obama held their first shindig at the White House Sunday evening, inviting the nation’s governors (Alaska Governor Sarah Palin did not attend.  Wonder why?).  With a well planned out menu by the lovely First Lady, Earth, Wind and Fire got things heated up with Boogie Wonderland.

President and First Lady looking INCREDIBLE!  Look at the stroll on that man.

Social Secretary Desiree Rogers planned the event

New York Governor David and Michelle Paterson

Massachusetts Governor  Deval and Diane Patrick

California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and wife Maria Shriver

Sr Advisor Valerie Jarrett

WOW (word of the week)

SEDULOUS (adj) – showing dedication and diligence

Ralph Lauren closed out Fashion Week with a sedulous runway presentation.

Preppy, the classic and WASP style of dressing is making a comeback. And celebrities and fashion designers alike are getting their “old money” look on. In the ’80s when there was a financial boom and crisis, hip hop was in it’s infancy, crack was ruining American cities and the Cosby’s were cool, preppy was all the rage. Flash forward to this year and everything seems very familiar except the soundtrack in now T.I., Beyonce and M.I.A.. Imagine Kanye West appearing on “Gossip Girl” and you get the point. Black, bougie and powerful. Now, we even have the first Black President in U.S. history who went to the Ivy League both Columbia and Harvard. Here is a look at the return of the Prepster.

Red and black checkered plaid is the hottest trend on the streets of New York City. From hip hop to hipsters, fashionistas to footwear, Buffalo checks are making style statements. At Q-Tip’s recent performance at The Knitting Factory, the Renaissance man, rocked the mike in a red and black check shirt.

When Lil’ Wayne celebrated his 26th birthday last month in Miami, and received a milli from the Birdman, he was wearing a red and black Buffalo check hat and scarf.

Checkerboard plaid is described as even squares of two alternating colors to form a row resembling a checkerboard. It’s also called Buffalo Check. Brands like Polo Ralph Lauren, Woolrich and Penfield all offer checkered clothing. Rockport even has a boot with check detail.

So whether you are hiking in the forest, chopping it up in the ‘hood or just keeping it fresh in the city, Buffalo plaid is a way to check-mate your style.

After rocking Ralph Lauren’s Official Parade Outfit to the opening ceremony at the Olympics earlier this year, the Cleveland Cavaliers baller LeBron James and the all-American apparel designer have teamed up again to create a product of an unlikely, but valuable, nature.

Made in the signature colors of Lauren’s Purple Label, 300 limited-edition basketballs have been signed by the NBA All-Star and are being sold at $1,000 a piece to benefit his eponymous Family Foundation.

Thanks to his silver script work (set against a black surface with purple lining), 100% of the net proceeds are going to the organization which aims to inspire children to participate in athletics, maintain an academic focus, and also empowers and offers benefits to single-parent families.

This King James knows just what his people need.

-Danielle Cheesman