When Damon Weaver was only 11-years-old, he was chosen to interview then-President Barack Obama and was invited to the White House to discuss education and funding. At age 23, CNN reports, the young man died from a cause of death that remains unknown. His family, however, says that Weaver passed away due to “natural causes.”
A medical examiner in Palm Beach County, Florida, confirmed that Weaver died on May 1. Details surrounding his death haven’t been made public. According to the Palm Beach Post, Weaver’s sister Candace Hardy confirmed his death on Thursday.
According to POLITICO, Weaver interviewed several prominent Black stars, including Oprah Winfrey and Dwyane Wade. But in 2009, the child journalist got his start when he was selected to interview Obama about his education policy.
Dressed in a tailored black suit, the young Weaver shook the president’s hand before sitting down with his clipboard of questions. “I’m here with President Obama. Thank you for meeting with me Mr. President,” he started the interview.
“I’ve heard that you would like to make an announcement about education? Can you tell me about the announcement?” Obama then detailed his plans for a speech addressed to the youth where he discussed education reform and the importance of school.
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Weaver also asked Obama during the sit-down what can be done about students like him who come from poor neighborhoods, and how parents can be more involved in their child’s education. Towards the end of the 10-minute interview, he asked Obama to be his “homeboy,” to which the Head of State immediately replied “Absolutely!” shaking the young journalist’s hand again.
The former child journalist was a native of Pahokee, located about 45 miles west of Palm Beach, Florida, but recently lived in West Palm Beach. Following his interviews, he graduated from Royal Palm Beach High School and received a scholarship to Albany State University, an HBCU in Georgia.
According to the Palm Beach Post, Weaver planned to go back to school this fall to continue pursuing his degree in Communications.
Our hearts go out to the Weaver family during this difficult time. May he rest in peace.
