Don Lemon reflects on Black voters who are choosing rest over activism during the Trump era: I get it…mainly for Black women”

Jan. 11, 2026 – 01:54 – This Juneteenth, many are prioritizing rest and protecting their joy. In a recent conversation with @natashasalford, Don Lemon spoke to a growing sentiment—especially among Black women—about the exhaustion that comes with always having to show up. From marching to organizing to voting, some are choosing to pause, and Lemon says… he gets it. “Black women have kept Black men, raised white people’s children, and kept our democracy intact,” he said. “They’ve been the bulwark between us and autocracy. So I know Black women are tired—and they deserve a rest.” Some are reclaiming peace, sitting this one out, or calling for non-Black allies to step up more in the fight for rights. But Lemon also acknowledged both sides of the conversation—the call to rest, and the continued push to engage. When challenged online with “What would John Lewis do?” he responded: “I think John Lewis would understand why people are tired… But I think he would encourage them—probably to protest.”