Actions

Local 12-year-old addresses Clinton supporters at DNC

Posted at 8:06 PM, Jul 28, 2016
and last updated 2016-07-28 23:57:19-04

HENRICO COUNTY, Va. -- A 12-year-old Henrico boy had a big moment in the spotlight Thursday after saying some motivational words to Hillary Clinton supporters at the Democratic National Convention.

Elijah Cole-Brown hosted a watch party Thursday at Buzz and Ned’s in Henrico County, and appeared at the convention via Skype video.

“This is a monumental event and we’re here to celebrate,” Eli said about the occasion.

Eli Coles-Brown

Eli Coles-Brown

Eli was one of four hosts, from watch parties across the county, who were able to celebrate Clinton’s historic nomination as the first female nominee of a major American political party.

He said he was honored to be a part of history.

“It means very much to me. I’m very grateful,” he said. “I feel very blessed that God has sent me to speak on the same day that Hillary Clinton is accepting her nomination and doing her acceptance speech.”

At 7 p.m. Thursday, it was time for his big moment.

“Hello America. Hello America. We are here to celebrate the next President of the United States, our first woman president, Hillary Clinton,” Eli said to thousands inside Wells Fargo Arena in Philadelphia.

This wasn’t the first time the charismatic host has spoken in front of a large group.

Eli Coles-Brown

Eli Coles-Brown

The middle schooler is a motivational speaker and travels across the country to educate and inspire others about social justice issues.

“What makes want to be able to speak is, I get to encourage different sets of people, adults, youths… It’s important to make sure everyone can get a message and learn something new,” he explained.

Eli was also the recipient of the NAACP Great Expectations Youth Award in 2015 for his work.

While the 12-year-old loves to speak in public, he said he’s not interested in getting into politics.

“I am very enthusiastic about continuing to speak like this publically at different venues, but I also want to be an engineer.”

CBS 6 reporter Melissa Hipolit with have more on Elijah on CBS 6 News at 11 p.m. 

CBS6-News-at-4pm-and-Jennifer-Hudson-480x360.jpg

Entertainment

Watch 'The Jennifer Hudson Show' weekdays at 3 p.m. on CBS 6!

📱 Download CBS 6 News App
The app features breaking news alerts, live video, weather radar, traffic incidents, closings and delays and more.