The act of hugging is to squeeze one another tightly enough to express affection. It is a movement dedicated to love, care and unity as arms and bodies physically and emotionally become closer. Ken Nwadike has decided to give these tokens of affection out for free.
Free hugs. Nwadike started this project following the devastation of the Boston Marathon in 2013. Nwadike was determined to participate in the marathon the following year, only to miss the qualifying time by 23 seconds. Seemingly immune to discouragement, Nwadike endured as he participated in the race via the sidelines. Wearing a ‘FREE HUGS’ shirt, Nwadike encouraged the 2014 Boston Marathon runners with a simple, spirit-lifting squeeze.
The Free Hugs motto: A simple embrace will put a smile on your face. And it did as Nwadike’s actions made national news headlines. Soon enough, the Free Hugs campaign trips went viral as motivational videos on YouTube.
Ken Nwadike soon became the ‘Free Hugs guy’ even though his inspiringly selfless efforts began long before the video series. Nwadike is director of the Hollywood Half Marathon event, which is a mid-sized running event dedicated to the promotion of a healthy lifestyle for all levels of runners. The event allows its runner to traverse the starred walkways of Hollywood, while the proceeds support local charities including the Los Angeles Youth Network and the Covenant House California.
As CEO of Superhero Events, Nwadike sponsors a multitude of similarly themed running events like the Awesome 80’s 5k/10k Run in Pasadena, San Francisco and San Diego.
Recently, the Free Hugs guy attended a candlelight vigil for Dallas’ fallen police officers. Nwadike is seen consoling mourners, uplifting the spirits of police officers and even at one point catalyzing a photo between African-American vigil attendees and white police officers. Nwadike is seen taking endless selfies throughout the vigil as his fan following seems grows nationwide.
A video of Nwadike hugging police officers on the street went viral on Friday as the officers showcased an outpour of gratitude for Nwadike and his efforts. After hugging the group, one of the officers said, “[Your video] showed up on my news feed last night.” Another added, “We need more of this, right here,” referring to Nwadike and his Free Hugs project.
More often than not, our media is plagued by images of black versus white. The horrors of racial discrimination. We see guns, bombs and varying methods of terrorism. Nwadike is showing us a different image. The power of a hug. The power of humanity. And how this token of love could change the nation and uplift a dying spirit.
Nwadike is changing minds and actions, one hug at a time.
