Ken E. Nwadike Jr
Ken E. Nwadike Jr | |
---|---|
Personal information | |
Born |
San Diego, California, United States | December 29, 1981
Occupation |
|
Website |
freehugsproject |
YouTube information | |
Pseudonym | Free Hugs Guy |
Years active | 2014–Present |
Genre | |
Subscribers |
44,337 subscribers (28th November 2016) |
Total views |
2.9 million views (28th November 2016) |
Network | Studio71 |
Ken E. Nwadike Jr is a peace activist, motivational speaker, and video journalist known as the Free Hugs Guy online.[1] Nwadike Jr is the founder of the Free Hugs Project, which produces motivational videos to spread love, inspire change, and raise awareness of social issues. His 'Free Hugs' videos have reached hundreds of millions of views on Facebook and YouTube.[2]
Career
Ken E. Nwadike Jr is the President and CEO of Superhero Events, LLC, which produces the Hollywood Half Marathon. The Hollywood Half Marathon is an annual road running event, which is held each spring in Hollywood, California to raise funds for local homeless youth shelters.[3] As a video journalist, Nwadike produces motivational videos to spread love, inspire change, and raise awareness of social issues. His 'Free Hugs' videos have reached hundreds of millions of views on Facebook and YouTube.[4] On March 30, 2016, Nwadike released the controversial Donald Trump Rally Free Hugs vs Bernie Sanders Rally Free Hugs video to his "Free Hugs Project" channels on YouTube, Facebook and Twitter.[5] The video became a viral hit and his #MakeAmericaLoveAgain hashtag became a trending topic on Facebook and Twitter.[6]
As a motivational speaker, Ken shares his personal story of overcoming homelessness and insecurities by getting involved in extracurricular activities in school. The support he received from coaches, teammates, and friends while playing sports and participating in student government activities, helped pave the way for Ken to start numerous businesses and a charitable organization that helps homeless teens. His presentation teaches students and co-workers to be more loving and supportive of one another to accomplish goals life-changing goals. [7]
Ken's "Free Hugs Project" college program engages students in conversations of understanding, and compassion amidst the rising tide of hatred and racism. Ken interacts with student leaders during small group discussions, to encourage them to spread love and kindness to transform the campus climate. His visit concludes with a keynote address that explores the power of positive human interaction and ways to bridge the racial divide by spreading love. The goal of his program is to create unity, civility, and build a more diverse and inclusive culture on your campus. [8]
Live Appearances
Aside from Youtube and Facebook videos, Nwadike has appeared on news programs and radio broadcasts nationwide.
- April 4, 2012 - Nwadike was featured on an NBC 4 Los Angeles special, titled, Life Connected.[9]
- April 5, 2016 - Nwadike interview with Pix 11 news to share why he launched the Free Hugs Project.[10]
- March 23, 2016 - Free Hugs Guy interviewed live on set during the Fox 5 San Diego morning show to discuss the Free Hugs Project and give hugs to news anchors.[11]
References
- ↑ "Man Offers Hugs At Trump And Sanders Rallies, Asks Which America We Want". The Huffington Post. 31 March 2016. Retrieved 31 March 2016.
- ↑ Deaderick, Lisa (7 May 2016). "Making the world better, a hug at a time". The San Diego Union-Tribune. Retrieved 8 May 2016.
- ↑ "Hollywood Half Marathon". NBC Los Angeles. 5 April 2012. Retrieved 5 April 2012.
- ↑ Deaderick, Lisa (7 May 2016). "Making the world better, a hug at a time". The San Diego Union-Tribune. Retrieved 8 May 2016.
- ↑ "Free Hugs Project shows difference between Bernie Sanders and Donald Trump rallies". AM New York. 31 March 2016. Retrieved 31 March 2016.
- ↑ "Here's What Happens When You Ask for a Hug at a Trump Rally Versus a Sanders Rally". Yahoo News. 2 April 2016. Retrieved 2 April 2016.
- ↑ "Peace Activist / Motivational Speaker". Free Hugs Project. 1 October 2016. Retrieved 1 October 2016.
- ↑ "Peace Activist / Motivational Speaker". Free Hugs Project. 1 October 2016. Retrieved 1 October 2016.
- ↑ "Formerly Homeless Man Directs Race to Benefit Local Shelters". NBC 4 Los Angeles. 4 April 2012. Retrieved 4 April 2012.
- ↑ "'Free Hugs' man wants to make America LOVE again with free hugs". Pix 11 News New York. 5 April 2016. Retrieved 5 April 2016.
- ↑ "'Free Hugs' guy brings project to San Diego". Fox 5 San Diego. 23 May 2016. Retrieved 23 May 2016.
Further reading
- This Man Giving 'Free Hugs' At The Boston Marathon Is Wonderfully Uplifting - Buzzfeed'
- Reactions That A Free Hugs Campaign Advocate Received At Donald Trump And Bernie Sanders’ Rallies Are Glaring- Vibe Magazine
- How Trump supporters in Wisconsin responded to the 'Free Hugs Guy' - DailyMail.com
- "#MakeAmericaLoveAgain brings Free Hugs Project to political rallies - USA Today College"
- Boston Marathon supporter offered runners free hugs - NBC The Grio
- "At Trump Rally, Man Offers Free Hugs, Gets Racism - USNews.com"