On the heels of being arrested over his reporting of an anti-ICE protest at a Minnesota church, Don Lemon is set to receive a lifetime achievement award at the 12th annual Truth Awards.
The ceremony, presented by Better Brothers Los Angeles in partnership with Emmy winner Sheryl Lee Ralph’s the DIVA Foundation and powered by ViiV Healthcare, is set to take place at the Beverly Hills Hotel on March 21.
The Truth Awards are “dedicated to honoring Black LGBTQ+ trailblazers and allies whose impact spans popular culture, media, politics and the arts.” Specifically, Lemon will be feted for his “unwavering dedication to journalism that informs, challenges and inspires change.”
He will be joined on the honoree program by new Grammy winner Durand Bernarr who will receive the music and arts award for “redefining musical expression through bold creativity and vocal excellence,” reality TV vet Carlos King who will receive the media and arts award for “groundbreaking contributions to storytelling and representation,” and Jenifer Lewis who will take home an ally award for “outspoken advocacy, commitment to inclusivity and fearless pursuit of equity and acceptance.” Additional honorees, performers, presenters and a host will be announced in coming weeks.
“This occasion is more than recognition, it’s a powerful testament to resilience,” said BBLA co-founder Scott Hamilton. “Honoring those who have shaped our world through their truth emphasizes a compelling narrative for future generations.”
Added Ralph: “Celebrating these pioneers is not just an acknowledgment, it’s a call to action. Their stories energize us to break through complacency, demonstrating that true change demands fearless vision and unwavering dedication.”
The ceremony will feature more than just awards being handed out. Scholarships ranging from $3,000- $5,000 will be awarded to students to help them pursue higher education. The ceremony will be preceded by the 4th annual Passing the Torch Awards, powered by Gilead Sciences, on March 20, and followed by Rooted in Grace, a community brunch conversation exploring the intersection of faith, family, and the Black LGBTQ+ community’s relationship to HIV on March 22.
“As the presenting sponsor of the Truth Awards, we are proud to support the change makers who are shaping a brighter future for us all,” offered Randevyn Piérre, head of U.S. external affairs at ViiV Healthcare.
Durand Bernarr, winner of best progressive R&B album for Bloom, poses with his award on Feb. 1, 2026.
(Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty Images for The Recording Academy)
Jenifer Lewis attends her Hollywood Walk of Fame star ceremony in Los Angeles on July 15, 2022.
(Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images)
Carlos King
Courtesy of Subject
Lemon was arrested last month following his reporting of an anti-ICE protest that took place in a Minnesota church during Sunday services on Jan. 18. He shared videos on social media of him interviewing protesters before they interrupted the service, chanting “ICE out” and demanding justice for Renee Good, who was shot and killed by an ICE agent. One of the church officials also allegedly worked at a local ICE office.
The former CNN anchor was charged with violating federal laws by allegedly crossing a line from activity protected by the First Amendment to impeding others’ rights to practice their religious beliefs. During a hearing at a downtown Los Angeles courthouse on Jan. 30, a judge allowed Lemon to be released on a no money bond, and his attorney said he intends to plead not guilty.
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