Spike Lee is here to educate anyone not aware of Kendrick Lamar’s “40 Acres and Mule” reference.
On Monday, Feb. 10, Academy Award-winning actor lauded Lamar for his epic performance at the Super Bowl Halftime Show. He then gave some much-needed context to one of the jewels Lamar dropped.
“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,” Lee wrote on Instagram.
Lee then went on to congratulate Samuel L. Jackson, who he’s worked with on several films, for his appearance during the performance.
“And I Want To Send A Special Shoutout To My Morehouse Brother Samuel Jackson Who Started This Super Bowl Halftime Extravaganza As Uncle Sam,” Lee wrote. “And You Might’ve Seen Him As Dolmedes In CHI-RAQ,” he continued.
“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,” he added.”This Promise Was Ultimately Broken. HAPPY BLACK HIS-HERSTORY.”
At the halfway point of the set, Lamar rapped, “40 acres and a mule / this is bigger than the music. They tried to rig the game / but you can’t fake influence.”
Dave Free, Lamar’s close and creative partner, said that their mission was to try to convey “Black America” to the audience watching.
“The feel of it is Black America. What does Black America look like, and how to control that narrative of what it means to be Black in America versus what the world’s perspective of that is,” he told the Wall Street Journal.
Since 1979, Lee’s company 40 Acres and Mule has produced his films and TV projects.
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