Don Lemon: Echoing Civil Rights and Championing the Truth

Don Lemon is an exemplary advocate for the institution of journalism. The three-time Emmy award winning television journalist became a household name during a nine-year stint as an anchor on CNN. His passion and authenticity made him a favorite on the America’s most popular news platform, the cable news network. Hailing from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Lemon’s television career started decades ago as a weekend reporter in Birmingham, AL. He acknowledges the cultural landscape has changed tremendously since his television debut, but insists the driving force behind the discipline remains constant. “Good journalism is reporting the truth. We have to be cognizant and aware of the times we are in. We are in a time where ppl are attacking institutions, attacking our judicial system and attacking the institution of journalism because they want the truth and facts to be blurred. Pointing that out does not mean that you are being biased, it means you are a good journalist and you are telling the truth,” Lemon explains.

His commitment to truth and integrity are core beliefs that Lemon continues to hold sacred, years after paying his proverbial dues and achieving fame and fortune. In 2024 after his exit from CNN, Lemon accepted an offer to host ‘The Don Lemon Show’ on X, under the leadership of new owner Elon Musk. The highly anticipated show was canceled before it aired on Musk’s newly acquired (Twitter turned X) Committed to sharing the truth, Lemon released the premiere episode on YouTube and shared an update with fans. “Elon Musk is mad at me,” he explained. Lemon assumed his candid line of questioning including topics such as lawsuits filed by and against Musk, his usage of drugs, his political leanings, and his perspective on immigration and the Great Replacement theory. Lemon has continued being an advocate for both people of color and the LGBTQ community.

His clash with Musk wasn’t the first time Lemon’s commitment to truth made him a target. His criticism of President Donald Trump in 2018 made him a public target for the controversial politician but Lemon remained committed to his beliefs. When questioned about President Joe Biden’s decision to pardon his son Hunter before leaving office in 2024, Lemon doubled down on his beliefs about Trump. “You can’t compare Joe Biden to Donald Trump in any capacity. I believe Biden’s decision in this instance was personal not political. As a father who has lost one son, he wanted to make sure his son would be ok. I think it’s the same decision you or I or anyone would’ve made considering the circumstances,” he shared.

Lemon is one of the most celebrated journalists of his time, but his contributions to the country supersede the anchor position on a national news outlet. Lemon has one of the most influential voices in pop culture, and his commitment to using that voice to selflessly advocate for the rights of marginalized groups qualifies him as a civil rights activist and freedom fighter. Lemon’s optimistic outlook on the future of journalism is both inspirational and aspirational for those of us entrusted with providing information to our communities. As we look toward facing a new political regime that many Americans feel trepidation facing, voices like Lemon’s are more important than ever. Trusted voices committed to informing and empowering our country while holding us accountable to truth are invaluable as we embrace the transition of power in January 2024. We salute Don Lemon for the work he has done over the last four decades and look towards unequivocal vocal leadership in the years to come.