Good or Bad Hair: The New Class

As many of my friends, family and followers know, back in September, I had the opportunity to choreograph and co-produce a short film referencing the Straight and Nappy scene from famed director and producer, Spike Lee's, "School Daze". While conceptualizing the piece with thee A-MAZ-ing! Tina Fears, we realized how relevant the original material was - even today. While adding a few new elements and all-new choreography, we were adamant about keeping true to the integrity of the original piece.




The scene we re-envisioned is commonly known to most as Good or Bad Hair, as the song reiterates in the lyrics. It pits the fictional college subgroups, the Jigaboos and Wannabees, against one another. Jigaboos are proud of their hair texture and embrace their darker complexions, while the Wannabees strive to be as mainstream and fair-skinned as possible. The song delves into the stereotypes associated with both groups concerning hair textures, style of dress, attitudes, dating, socio-economic status and class; all issues that still persist today. Contrary to how the scene and song open, the Jigaboos and Wannabees do find a mutual respect for their counterparts' differences, even if they don't totally agree, they at least come to an understanding that who we are is who we'll be and that the true testament and measure of a person is what's on the inside. Throughout the film we see a dynamic internal shift in the main characters, which is apropos for college life and the evolution of a young adult.

This year "School Daze" celebrates its 25th Anniversary, and like most Spike Lee films, it was, and evidently still is, steeped in controversy. Say what you will about Mr. Lee, but his films are genius and his delivery is gripping and slightly uncomfortable at times, but it works for him and his audiences can't get enough.

"School Daze", originally released in February of 1988, help catapult the careers of many famed celebs, such as Tisha Campbell-Martin, Laurence Fishbourne, Giancarlo Esposito, and Jasmine Guy. It featured cameos by Cassie Davis, AJ Johnson, and Samuel L. Jackson, the three of whom were students at Spelman and Morehouse colleges in that era, which was fitting, since the film was shot in the West End, a municipality of Atlanta, Georgia. Spike Lee's role of Half Pint was easily the most noted. He was awkward, impressionable, and easily swayed, which is so common for many college students.


We decided to wait for a 2013 release to be able to coincide with the 25th Anniversary of the film. Our director, Katie Smith, actually had the opportunity to meet Spike Lee prior to us shooting the piece and he was very excited and supportive of our efforts. 2013 is already gearing up to be a fantastic year for the arts. Stay tuned!

The premiere party of the short film will take place Sunday, January 6th at 4pm at the Student Center Ballroom, 350 Ferst Drive, Atlanta, GA 30332. The event is RSVP only. Please submit all RSVP's and inquiries to goodorbadhair2012@gmail.com. Thanks!