Former President Donald Trump was in Fayetteville on Saturday to give a speech at Lynette Hardaway’s Lifetime Ceremony. Lynette Hardaway is also known as the Diamonds and Silks of the political commentary group Diamonds.
Hundreds of people turned up to pay tribute to Hardaway, and those who loved her remembered her as “a jewel, a mighty voice and a patriot.”
Sisters Diamond and Silk rose to prominence in 2016 with a social media video endorsing then-President Trump.
He often shared their videos and invited them to the White House. They campaigned for him in his 2020.
Trump shares Hardaway memories, talks about 2024 campaign
Mr. Trump appeared on the stage to the cheers of “USA USA”. He spoke at length about his memories of Hardaway.
“She was a passionate woman with a great, big, beautiful brain. The world has lost one of its brightest stars.”
Trump also used the celebration of life to speak about his political plans to reclaim the White House. He said 15 million people were allowed into the country during the Biden administration and talked about issues like open borders.
“We had the safest borders in our history and now I would say we have the most dangerous borders in the history of the world,” he said.
He also attacked inflation, which rose during Biden’s presidency, saying gasoline had risen from $1.87 to more than $5 a gallon.
“Inflation is a death sentence for the country,” he said. “America is in decline. It’s a country in decline.”
But Trump promised to “make it right.”
He credits some of his success to Diamond and Silk, saying he needs to win the presidency in 2024 with enough votes that “you can’t steal the election from him.”
Trump hinted at endorsing Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson for governor in 2024
Local leaders honor Diamond’s achievements, son honors Diamond’s memory
Robinson, who was also in attendance, praised Diamond, saying, “Her voice will live on forever.”
He described her as “North Carolina in top shape”.
During the ceremony, Reverend Mark Burns commented that diamonds are definitely in heaven and asked God to make Trump the next president.
Hardaway’s son Paris also spoke on behalf of his mother, saying, “My mother was a true patriot to her country.”
He praised her for raising her as a single mother and for being so proud of him.
“There is an emptiness in my heart. I cannot explain it,” he said.
Paris also thanked Trump for giving her aunt and mother the opportunity to shine a light on the world.
The community comes out to say goodbye
Those who attended the ceremony felt the need to say goodbye.
“They’re just wonderful people. So when she passed away, I thought I should come over and say goodbye properly,” said Charlotte resident Bernadette Ingemann.
