Don Lemon Reflects on Arrest and Civil Rights in Human Rights Campaign Speech

During a recent address at the Human Rights Campaign’s 2026 Greater New York dinner, former CNN host Don Lemon discussed his recent arrest and likened his experience to that of historical civil rights activists. Lemon was detained and subsequently released following allegations related to his involvement in a protest against immigration enforcement at a Minnesota church.

Lemon articulated his personal feelings during this time by saying, Last week, I felt the weight of that truth in a very, very personal way. Can you imagine the state having control of your freedom simply because they don’t like that you are doing your job? So that was very frightening to me. He underscored his reflections by recalling the struggles of past civil rights and LGBTQ rights advocates, including references to Marsha P. Johnson and the Stonewall movement, highlighting their historic roles as foundational heroes.

Despite drawing parallels with civil rights protesters, Lemon was clear in maintaining his identity as a journalist rather than an activist or protester. He stated, I saw how fast a story can be turned into a warning. But I’m not an activist. I’m not a protester. I am a journalist. And my calling is not to shout, but my calling is to witness. And that’s what they’re afraid of, of that witness to tell.

Lemon’s arrest charges included conspiracy to deprive rights and a violation related to the FACE Act due to his participation in demonstrations at St. Paul’s Cities Church. Released without bail, he later shared his thoughts in a Substack post, where he juxtaposed his experiences with those of influential figures such as James Baldwin, Martin Luther King, Jr., and Malcolm X. He poignantly noted, James Baldwin understood that clarity carries consequences. Dr. King knew that truth invites punishment. Malcolm X saw that systems built on hierarchy will always attempt to silence those who name them. And as voices in the Black prophetic tradition have long warned, truth that threatens power will be met with the full force of authority. And I have felt that force in my own life.