Don Lemon returns to the limelight with a rousing speech at the Native Son Awards
Page Six that inviting Lemon to host this year’s event “feels like a full circle moment for Native Son.”Lemon has made headlines this year for reasons he’d no doubt prefer to put behind him.
He faced a barrage of criticism for saying during one CNN segment that Nikki Hayley, aged 51, was past her “prime”. In April, the media giant ousted him.
He’s kept a low profile since that time. Lemon used his speech at the Native Son Awards to warn the audience of the wave of anti-LGBTQ legislation sweeping the US.“These bills range from banning gender-affirming care for transgender youth to banning drag performances,” Lemon said.“There’s also been an avalanche of book bans attempting to censor stories that center us.
And let’s be real: these book bans are rooted in anti-blackness, transphobia, and queerphobia.”Lemon called on corporations to stand up and show courage in the face of such prejudice.“Too many corporations have lacked the courage to stand up against extremist demands to discriminate against us.“Some corporations have gone as far as removing Pride Gear and decorations from their stores.“And to think they pair those actions with some type of empty statement claiming they still respect our communities.”He continued, “Corporations today should be inspired to act on the side of justice and equity, and never concede to the demands of a bigoted minority because actions speak louder than words.“And as the great James Baldwin, one of my personal heroes, would say, ‘I can’t believe what you say because I see what you do.’”Those honored on the night included:Native Son also honored three power couples making waves in the worlds of business and entertainment.These included: celebrity stylist Jason Bolden and his husband interior.
