At last week’s Democratic National Convention in Chicago, a cultural highlight was the party’s enthusiastic embrace of social media influencers, with 12-year-old Knowa De Baraso emerging as a standout figure.
This Atlanta-based prodigy, homeschooled and living with his mother, became an overnight sensation after a viral encounter with Mike Lindell, CEO of MyPillow and a staunch supporter of Donald Trump. Captured on multiple cell phone cameras, De Baraso’s witty rebuttal to Lindell’s exaggerated claims about election fraud in Georgia—“So your source is ‘Trust me, bro?’”—quickly turned into a merchandise tagline. The footage made its way onto NBC’s “Late Night With Seth Meyers” and earned him a spot on “The Breakfast Club.”
De Baraso impressed audiences internationally with his articulate three-minute interview on Sky News, where he discussed the importance of defeating Trump and electing competent leaders. Dressed in a white polo and khaki shorts, he demonstrated both political savvy and an understanding of engaging younger voters.
His political journey began with a meeting in 2022 with Stacey Abrams, which sparked his deep commitment to Democratic causes and policy debates. His active presence on X, TikTok, and Instagram reflects his dedication to promoting Democratic candidates and progressive causes.
During the DNC, De Baraso networked with outstanding figures, including veteran journalist Roland S. Martin. Impressed by De Baraso’s energy and insight, Martin offered him a show on Black Star Network, a platform Martin launched in 2018.
Black Star Network, built on a $350,000 investment and early sponsorship from AFSCME, has grown seriously, generating substantial revenue through branded content and direct corporate deals. Despite challenges with advertising agencies, Martin’s focus on content quality and audience engagement has driven his success. His mentorship of De Baraso aims to leverage his experience to guide the young influencer’s future in media.