from Bev Smith
 

From the first time I saw the professional, believable way Don Lemon anchored CNN's News Desk, I started praying.  Lord, don't let this be another brother kicked to the curb by the white power structure in media because he can handle the news desk just like Anderson Cooper or Wolf Blitzer. That's what happens to qualified blacks in the media and everyone knows it.  They rarely get the opportunity, the assignment or comparable paychecks that their white counterparts get. Remember what happened to Max Robinson on ABC?  Think about it.  Have we had a permanent, Monday through Friday, black anchor on the 6pm or 11pm news since Max called his network racist?  Remember I said permanent.  CNN has recognized Don's value.  And I appreciate them backing him.  CNN is truly the network of diversity, hallelluia.  Feeling comfortable, having a talented, good-looking black professional on TV, I relaxed my concern. Then I heard that his book, "Transparent" was out ,and in it, he confirmed some of the outside rumors that he was gay. I wanted to run to his side, hug him like I did one of my best friends when he came out.  I wanted to assure him he had a black woman who supported his talent and professionalism.  Most of us simply don't care about his sexuality.  I wanted to tell him that those who put more value on his sexuality than his talent were ancient, victorian relics.  I tried getting him to come on my nationally syndicated radio talk show as he has done in the past to talk about it, but his handlers had a protective screen around him.  Unlike the past, we couldn't get him on The Bev Smith Show.

 

So, Don, here's what I want to say - your life is a living example of professionalism, you know the news, you are quick on your feet and have not fallen into the pitfalls others have by interviewing folks and asking stupid questions with no real meaning.  You're good.  I love the way you represent blacks in the media.  God bless you for the strength you've shown. God bless you for dealing with your truth and for not hiding under the veil of the

'down low' syndrome that so many others in the media have done and continue to do.  God bless and keep you well as you maneuver through the rocky waves of our business, and know that Mama Bev appreciates, respects and has you in her prayers.