Don Lemon (credit: Fuzheado)
Civil rights leaders note Lemon gave voice to civil rights community, told stories others wouldn’t
by Chicago Crusader Staff
Rev. Al Sharpton, Founder and President of the National Action Network (NAN), and Marc Morial, President and CEO of the National Urban League (NUL), issued the following statement on CNN’s decision to fire longtime anchor Don Lemon. The veteran journalist announced yesterday that he was let go after 17 years with the network, noting that “there are some larger issues at play.”
“We are completely stunned at the termination of Don Lemon. Throughout his career, Don has been a superb journalist who was very open to the civil rights community on issues others wouldn’t touch. Don’s voice has been invaluable to the conversation of how we become a more just nation. With the health of our democracy undergoing perhaps its greatest test, we cannot afford to silence his voice. We would like to know what he alludes to when he said there are greater things at play, which is why we urge for a full explanation as to why he was let go in such a fashion.”
About National Action Network (NAN)
National Action Network is one of the leading civil rights organizations in the Nation with chapters throughout the entire United States. Founded in 1991 by Reverend Al Sharpton, NAN works within the spirit and tradition of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. to promote a modern civil rights agenda that includes the fight for one standard of justice, decency, and equal opportunities for all people regardless of race, religion, nationality, or gender.
For more information go to www.nationalactionnetwork.net.