Stephen A. Smith, a radio host, show host and reporter for ESPN, spoke at the Philips Center on Nov. 12 for the Accent Speakers Series.
Smith is most well-known for his talk show “First Take,” co-hosted by his bantering arch nemesis — but close friend — and ESPN figurehead Skip Bayless.
Smith was born in the British Virgin Islands, but grew up in Queens, NY. He attended Winston-Salem State University, a historically black institution, and began his career as a journalist while in school. He wrote for two different beats for the college newspaper as a menu and television reporter and a sports reporter for local high schools. He eventually settled at the Philadelphia Inquirer where he covered sports for 20 years and was promoted 11 times before making it to ESPN.
My expectations were high preceding the show, and although Smith’s performance did not disappoint, the content was different from what I envisioned. Rather than talk about his upbringing and progression through the intense world of journalism, Smith ranted about the capitalist juggernaut that is corporate America.
Via: Deadspin
“It’s a dog-eat-dog world out there, people,” he said. “You have to have a competitive, killer mentality.”
Smith went as far to say that our friends sitting by our side in the audience were in fact our enemies. Though intimidating and surprising, I was digging it.
Stephen A.’s analogies were on point every step of the way, as well. He compared young people’s position in a capitalist society as a “woman having a ‘brother’ who can’t get it done” or, better yet, “a man having a honey that he ain’t satisfied with.” In other words, there are going to be trials and tribulations in every situation, but those experiences will shape you into a success story if you fight through it.
Smith has a reputation for his strong opinions on controversial subjects. He was suspended by ESPN for saying that domestic violence is sometimes “provoked” when commenting on the Ray Rice scandal. He was very apologetic for his comment and wished he had used a different word to get his point across.
“I’m not negative, I’m real,” he said.
Via: Chocolate Covered Lies
My favorite part about Smith’s speech was his message regarding the advantage college students have against the rest of the world, and the workforce specifically. The drive and perseverance we have to succeed will never exceed the level it’s at right now. If we aren’t willing to strive for greatness at this age, then we will never find success.
“When climbing the ladder of success, know that temptation is following you every step of the way…stay focused and stay hungry.”
At times, it seemed like Smith’s message was that the world is going to chew us up and spit us out, and it just might for some of us. But when he concluded, I realized that his message was that we have the resources at our disposable to prevent that from happening, but it’s up to us to take charge.
Feature photo courtesy of: The Huffington Post
