Boombox carried by Radio Raheem in the film Do the Right Thing

Social Media Share Tools

Object Details

Description: A Promax Super Jumbo boombox (2014.270.2.1a) used as a prop by the character Radio Raheem in the Spike Lee directed picture, "Do the Right Thing". The boombox includes a dual audio casette tape deck, an equilizer section, radio dial, colored light display, and a pair each of 8" subwoofers, midranges, and tweeters. There are sections of red, yellow, and green electical tape with black ink text on the sides and top of the player. There are also rectangular black, green, and yellow "Public Enemy" stickers adhered to both the PR and PL side of the player. On the lower back of the boombox is handwritten text in gold ink reading [BROOKLYN, N.Y. / 3/17/90 / To Gene / RADIO RAHEEM LIVES / LOVE, Spike Lee / "FIGHT THE POWER"]. There is a metal handle attached to the top of the player, around which two braided bracelets (black-and-white 2014.270.2.1b, colored 2014.270.2.1c) and multi-colored printed cloth (2014.270.2.1d) have been tied. The "rewind" button on the PR tape deck has fallen off but is stored with the boombox (2014.270.2.1e). The boombox had an audio cassette in the PR deck that has been removed (2014.270.2.2), titled "JAZZ CLUB / Vocal". The cassette is off-white with black text and is printed with track titles, manufacturing information, and serial number.

Credit Line: Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

1989

Restrictions & Rights: No Known Copyright Restrictions; Proper usage is the responsibility of the user.

Medium: plastic, metal, wire, cloth, pressure-sensitive tape, ink
Dimensions: H x W x D (2014.270.2.1a Handle Up): 19 1/2 × 31 1/4 × 9 in. (49.5 × 79.4 × 22.9 cm)

Place used: Brooklyn, New York City, New York, United States, North and Central America

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Classification: Tools and Equipment-Audiovisual; Tools and Equipment-Props and set design
Exhibition: A Changing America: 1968 and Beyond
On View: NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Concourse 1, C1 053

National Museum of African American History and Culture

GUID (Link to Original Record): http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd54128e04e-eefb-4683-b41d-6cd0f099b052