Known as the godfather of Black cinema, if it was not for the get the job done of Melvin Van Peebles there would be no "Shaft" or any of the other legendary work from the Blaxploitation movement and beyond. The work of Van Peebles can be uncovered in every little thing from Spike Lee to Van Peebles' son, Mario Van Peebles ("New Jack City"). Walter died in her snooze at her house in New York City on March 24, in accordance to Bowman.