Spike Lee’s late grandmother, Zimmie Reatha Shelton (1906-December 24, 2006) (3rd from left), was an art teacher for 50 years in the state of Georgia. Because of Jim Crow laws, Zimmie never taught any white students and it’s something that Lee laments to this day because “white students missed out on a great art teacher.” Spike Lee is a renowned filmmaker, tenured professor, and artistic director of NYU’s graduate film program. He has been a critical voice and supporter of the BLM movement and an ardent lover of his grandmother- crediting her for his own education and work as an artist.