Van Lathan Frames Ballot As Weapon In New Documentary

Oscar-winning producer Van Lathan Jr. joined The Morning Hustle to discuss the release of the documentary '14th.'

Lathan, a native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, argued that the Black community must treat the ballot as an active tool rather than a passive one. He rejected the concept of voting as simple harm reduction, describing the act as a negotiation instrument. "Think about a vote that is a weapon," he said, comparing the ballot to an order at a restaurant for the world one wants to see.

The producer called the MAGA movement distinctly anti-Black. He cited workplace pressures on Black women, the treatment of Black children in schools, and weakened environmental protections in South Louisiana's Cancer Alley as evidence. Lathan said he wants to understand what Black Trump supporters are missing in their calculations.

He also addressed his public disagreement with Stephen A. Smith, stating the conflict is not personal. Lathan described his own approach as people first, while characterizing Smith's stance as a top-down view focused on being palatable in specific rooms. "I do not feel that way," Lathan said.

The film, directed by Ava DuVernay, examines the refounding of America after the Civil War. It covers birthright citizenship and the lost cause ideology associated with the Confederate flag. Lathan noted the production revisits the moment he pushed back against Kanye West on air at TMZ.

He traced his career at TMZ from tour guide to field camera work, writing, and senior producer. Lathan closed by addressing ICE raids in Chicago and threats of denaturalization, warning that no one is safe from fascistic tyranny. His final charge was that the nation has to train for freedom.