The Stephen A. Smith Show: Detailed Summary of "Stephen A’s Take: NBA Players Can Learn from Malcolm X"

Release Date: February 22, 2025

Introduction: Honoring Malcolm X’s Legacy (01:07 - 02:18)

In this poignant episode, Stephen A. Smith delves into the enduring legacy of Malcolm X, marking the 60th anniversary of his assassination on February 21. He begins by addressing common misconceptions about Malcolm X, clarifying, “Malcolm X was not a man that preached violence” (01:07). Instead, Malcolm emphasized self-defense and the importance of standing up against oppression, advocating for empowerment without inciting unnecessary conflict.

Current Events and Their Intersection with Malcolm X’s Ideals (02:18 - 04:04)

Stephen transitions to recent events that echo the tensions Malcolm X once addressed. He references the Four Nations Hockey Tournament in Boston, where political rhetoric, such as Donald Trump’s provocative comments about making Canada the 51st state, heightened national sentiments. “Donald Trump talking about making Canada the 51st state… it's a different subject for another day,” Stephen remarks (02:50), highlighting how political discourse can inflame rivalries, both in sports and society.

The discussion then shifts to the NBA All-Star Weekend in San Francisco, criticizing the perceived lack of effort from players: “We saw players, new rules implemented because players hadn't been given effort and they were walking around like they didn't care” (04:04). Stephen questions the disconnect between athletes' responsibilities off the court and their performances on it, drawing parallels to Malcolm X’s call for purposeful action within the community.

Malcolm X’s Vision for Unity and Empowerment (04:04 - 08:08)

At the heart of the episode is Malcolm X’s advocacy for black empowerment and economic independence. Stephen emphasizes Malcolm’s belief in unity: “He wanted us to maximize those opportunities and achieve all we could, but in the process of that, uplift one another along the way, become a coalition, not be a collection of individual parts” (05:09). This vision underscores the importance of solidarity over individualism, especially within the African American community.

Stephen critiques the current state of athlete activism, suggesting that instead of isolated acts of protest like taking the knee, athletes could achieve more by pooling their resources to influence political agendas. “If the athletes themselves had pooled their resources and used that money to funnel the lobbyists on Capitol Hill to push their agendas…” he hypothesizes (07:26), proposing that collective action could address systemic issues more effectively.

The Power of Collective Action in Modern Society (08:08 - 09:44)

Expanding on the theme of unity, Stephen reflects on the potential impact of athletes banding together to influence legislation and societal change. He contemplates, “Think about the fear that's permeating through our nation where you talk about people losing their rights…” (07:52), suggesting that united efforts could mitigate fears around rights erosion and entitlement program cuts.

Stephen draws a comparison to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s concerns about his legacy, citing Harry Belafonte’s account: “He said, I fear that I've led our people into a burning house” (08:55). This metaphor illustrates the fear that advocacy for desegregation and civil rights might lead to fragmentation rather than unity. Stephen urges listeners to consider whether current activism fosters togetherness or division, emphasizing the need for collective strategies to sustain progress.

Reflection and Call to Action (09:22 - 10:17)

Concluding the episode, Stephen poses introspective questions to his audience: “How together are we? How together should we be? And if indeed we ever came together, how much beneficial would it be for all of us, not just the black community, but America as a whole?” (09:27). He encourages listeners to reflect on the importance of unity inspired by Malcolm X’s teachings and to consider how collective efforts can lead to meaningful societal advancements.

Stephen's final thoughts resonate as a motivational call to harness the strength of community, urging both athletes and the broader audience to embody Malcolm X’s principles of empowerment and solidarity.

Notable Quotes:

• Stephen A. Smith: “Malcolm X was not a man that preached violence” (01:07).

• Stephen A. Smith: “If the athletes themselves had pooled their resources and used that money to funnel the lobbyists on Capitol Hill to push their agendas…” (07:26).

• Stephen A. Smith: “How together are we? How together should we be? And if indeed we ever came together, how much beneficial would it be for all of us, not just the black community, but America as a whole?” (09:27).

Conclusion

In this episode, Stephen A. Smith masterfully intertwines the historical insights of Malcolm X with contemporary issues in sports and society. By advocating for unity and collective action, he challenges NBA players and listeners alike to draw inspiration from Malcolm X’s legacy to foster empowerment and drive meaningful change. This thoughtful analysis provides a compelling perspective on how athletes can play a pivotal role beyond their sports careers, contributing to societal progress and unity.