Don Lemon: ‘I will not be on CNN, however I’m nonetheless a journalist’

Don Lemon returned because the host of a present for the primary time since he was axed from CNN — however it wasn’t a newscast.

On Friday, Lemon hosted the seventh annual Native Son Awards on the IAC constructing in New York, and reminded the gang, “I will not be on CNN, however I’m nonetheless a journalist.”

Lemon then spoke to the viewers of Black homosexual and queer males about legislative payments focusing on the LGBTQ group.

“In 2023, there have already been over 520 anti-LGBTQ+ items of laws launched in state legislatures throughout the nation,” he stated.

“Practically half of these payments goal our transgender and non-binary siblings,” he added.

Lemon additionally blasted firms that “lacked the braveness to face up towards extremist calls for to discriminate towards us” which might be “eradicating Satisfaction gear and decorations from their shops.”

“And to assume they pair these actions with some sort of empty assertion claiming they nonetheless respect our communities,” he stated.

The previous cable information host kicked off his speech recalling that he was one of many first Native Son Awards recipients again in 2016. He stated that on the time, “I needed to run out and get again to work,” as a result of he was internet hosting his CNN present, “Don Lemon Tonight.”

“I don’t have a job now, in order quickly as I’m performed right here, I’m going to have many drinks and we’re going to rejoice,” he quipped.

Lemon’s former community got here up a number of instances all through the night.

Native Son founder Emil Wilbekin stated he requested Lemon to host the present across the time he was fired from CNN, and TV and filmmaker Patrik-Ian Polk, who was honored, stated, “I don’t watch CNN anymore,” throughout an acceptance seaside.

Lemon blushed when Polk advised him he’s a “large fan… I can’t wait to see what you do subsequent. I will likely be there with bells on.”

Additionally among the many night time’s honorees have been Jordan E. Cooper, Chester Algernal Gordon, Class Bratton, James Cole Jr., Nicco Annan, Bishop O.C. Allen, Rashad Burgess, Jason Bolden and Adair Curtis have been among the many honorees.

The awards purpose to purpose to spotlight “the achievements of Black homosexual and queer males who’re leaders of their respective industries.”