Website freehugsproject.tv Years active 2014–Present | Pseudonym Free Hugs Guy | |
 | ||
Born December 29, 1981 (age 35) ( 1981-12-29 ) San Diego, California, United States Occupation Motivational Speaker
Video Journalist
Event Director
Race Director Genre Motivation
Random Acts of Kindness
Social Justice Subscribers 51,115 subscribers
(29th January 2017) | ||
Ken E. Nwadike Jr is a peace activist, motivational speaker, and video journalist known as the Free Hugs Guy online. 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.
Contents
In 2014, Nwadike launched the Free Hugs Project to spread love in response to the bombing of the Boston Marathon. The Free Hugs Project gained popularity in 2016, as Nwadike made major news headlines for his peace-keeping efforts and de-escalating violence during protests, riots, and political rallies. Nwadike was featured in Google's 2016 Year in Search video as a highlight among some of the year's most defining moments. Nwadike has made many appearances on news programs and radio broadcasts worldwide, including CNN, USA Today, Good Morning Britain, and BBC News.
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. 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. 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. The video became a viral hit and his #MakeAmericaLoveAgain hashtag became a trending topic on Facebook and Twitter.
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 life-changing goals.
Ken's "Free Hugs Project" speaking program engages students and staff in conversations of understanding, and compassion amidst the rising tide of hatred and racism. Ken interacts with students and employees during small group discussions, to encourage them to spread love and kindness to transform campus climates and attitudes among co-workers. 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 at businesses and college campuses.
Live Appearances
Aside from YouTube and Facebook videos, Nwadike has appeared on worldwide news programs and radio broadcasts.