
Higher Learning with Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay ‘Sinners,’ Jasmine Crockett, and the Black Panthers
Jan 13, 2026
The hosts dive into awards season, sharing their thoughts on the NAACP Image Awards and the recent nominations. They discuss the unsettling situation in Minnesota regarding police accountability. A lively debate unfolds about the Black Panthers, exploring their role in educating citizens about their rights. Jasmine Crockett faces scrutiny, leading to a conversation on political image and accountability. Lastly, they reflect on Steve Nash’s critique of youth sports capitalism, connecting it to broader issues in healthcare and education.
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Awards Are Cultural Currency
- Variety's defensive over-promotion of Sinners reads like an overcorrection after criticism of their initial cynical framing.
- Van says awards recognition matters because trophies act as currency that converts small indie projects into multimillion-dollar assets.
Hollywood Rewards Familiar Black Narratives
- Van argues Hollywood often rewards black suffering stories more readily than films about black joy or mysticism.
- He suggests Sinners' cultural specificity may limit its mainstream awards understanding despite its brilliance.
Don't Model Life On Monetized Highlight Reels
- Avoid modeling your life on social-media highlight reels because creators monetize curated personas.
- Protect your individuality and separate public hustles from private relationship work to reduce performance pressure.



