Infants, teens, and elders. Brownstone stoops. Printed clothing, graphic t-shirts and hats all pay homage to renowned director Spike Lee’s films. Though the Do the Right Thing 35th Anniversary Block Party had started only two hours prior, by 2 p.m. it was already crowded. By 3:30, people came in droves. Local families took to the crowded street to dance, people watch, and take phone photos. Others found a haven on their stoop with family and friends, grilling and enjoying what must’ve been the best day in the neighborhood all year.
On Sunday, June 30, 2024, the Do the Right Thing 35th Anniversary Block Party set up a stage on the corner of Do The Right Thing Way (Stuyvesant Avenue between Lexington Avenue and Quincy Street in Bed-Stuy), where Spike Lee’s classic movie, “Do The Right Thing,” was filmed. Spike wore clothing representing Sal’s Pizzeria from the movie, while event goers held signs reading, “JUSTICE FOR RADIO RAHEEM,” blurring the line between fiction and real life. Every year in the Brooklyn community, film lovers, photographers, fashionistas, people who have traveled across the country, and sometimes across the world, come out to enjoy music and experience the greatness and fun that is the Block Party.
Siyaka Taylor-Lewis photos
A woman poses with a DIY classic Radio Raheem radio 
Large groups of people dance together while everyone watches 
Community members enjoy festivities; a portrait from a scene in “Do The Right Thing” hangs on the door. 
Partygoers fill the street, while community members hang out on their stoops 
A woman holds a “Justice For Radio Raheem” sign 
A Teenage boy attempts double-dutch for the first time 
A woman shades herself from the 90-degree sun 
A group of attendants pose, hoping to get a great picture from the day 
Partygoers take cover in a bus shelter hoping to return to the party 
Spike Lee smiles as a Sals Pizzeria representative comedically shouts at the crowd 
Everyone could feel the love, happiness, and joy of the event. Autographed hats were being sold, along with Lee’s 40 Acres and a Mule merchandise. Food and drink vendors had a field day, while everyone was comfortable, ate, and partied properly. The entire crowd looked amazing. At around 4:30, large dark clouds rolled in and the crowd began to disperse, preparing for certain rain, which started light, but picked up quickly making it clear the party was over.
Folks made solid memories at The Do the Right Thing Block Party. Although the ending was abrupt, the party was a success for everyone, especially the BIPOC community. It’s extremely important to remember the film, which this party pays homage to, and the still relevant issues within the Black community including gentrification and systemic oppression; but the party is a celebration about Brooklyn Pride and togetherness. All was well in Bed-Stuy. If you didn’t come, you didn’t Do The Right Thing.
I didn’t get the chance to go
But it was a beautiful event my daughter and granson went