Tyriq Withers on 'Him', Biracial Identity, and Debating Stephen A. Smith

Discussion on 'Him' and Biracial Identity

• 🎬 Tyriq Withers joins the show to discuss his new movie, 'Him', which has sparked significant discussion and is described as a sports horror film dealing with cosmic and demonic forces intertwined with capitalism.
• 🧠 Withers shares his personal journey with biracial identity, navigating his Black American and white Maine heritage, and how he chooses to embrace his Blackness daily.
• 🎭 He discusses the psychological toll of filming 'Him', emphasizing the need to 'survive' the intense themes rather than just 'enjoy' the movie, and highlights the importance of art that sparks conversation.
• 🌟 Withers reflects on his humble beginnings, sleeping on air mattresses, and the surreal experience of seeing his name on a movie billboard, attributing his current success to hard work and a desire to be a vessel for meaningful stories.

Stephen A. Smith Controversy and 'Operating Accordingly'

• 🗣️ The hosts address Stephen A. Smith's response to their previous criticism, focusing on his use of the phrase "operate accordingly."
• 💡 Van Lathan argues that historical figures like Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X adapted and strategized, which is what "operating accordingly" means, not capitulating.
• 📺 Smith clarifies his stance, emphasizing that "operating accordingly" means adjusting to political realities, referencing Jimmy Kimmel's situation with ABC and local affiliates as an example of needing to strategize in the media landscape.
• ✊ Rachel Lindsay counters that historical figures were overtly disruptive and organized to protect each other, contrasting this with Smith's interpretation, and questioning his lack of clear strategy for combating political subversion.

'Fearless Debaters' at Tennessee State University

• 📢 A group called 'Fearless Debaters' visited Tennessee State University (TSU) with MAGA hats and signs, promoting controversial messages.
• 🚫 TSU police escorted the group off campus for lacking proper approval and permits for their demonstration.
• 😤 The hosts express strong disapproval of the group's actions, calling it harassment and