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m watched the actual video and clocked it at 1.1M views (NOT "hundreds of millions of views")
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'''Kenneth E. Nwadike Jr.''' is an American [[Documentary film|documentary]] [[Filmmaking|filmmaker]], [[Motivational speaking|motivational speaker]], and [[peace activist]] popularly known as the '''Free Hugs Guy'''.<ref>{{cite web|title=Man Offers Hugs At Trump And Sanders Rallies, Asks Which America We Want|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/free-hugs-project-bernie-trump-rally-video_us_56fc40eee4b083f5c606a4ff|website=The Huffington Post|accessdate=March 31, 2016|date=March 31, 2016}}</ref> Ken is the founder of the '''Free Hugs Project'''. His "Free Hugs" videos have reached over a million views on [[Facebook]] and [[YouTube]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Deaderick |first=Lisa |date=May 7, 2016 |title=Making the world better, a hug at a time |url=http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/2016/may/07/ken-nwadike-free-hugs-project/ |newspaper=The San Diego Union-Tribune |location= |accessdate=May 8, 2016 }}</ref><!-- Actual video clocks in over 1.1M views as of 01/02/2020.
'''Kenneth E. Nwadike Jr.''' is an American [[Documentary film|documentary]] [[Filmmaking|filmmaker]], [[Motivational speaking|motivational speaker]], and [[peace activist]] popularly known as the "Free Hugs Guy".<ref>{{cite web|title=Man Offers Hugs At Trump And Sanders Rallies, Asks Which America We Want|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/free-hugs-project-bernie-trump-rally-video_us_56fc40eee4b083f5c606a4ff|website=The Huffington Post|accessdate=March 31, 2016|date=March 31, 2016}}</ref> Ken is the founder of the Free Hugs Project. His "Free Hugs" videos have reached over a million views on [[Facebook]] and [[YouTube]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Deaderick |first=Lisa |date=May 7, 2016 |title=Making the world better, a hug at a time |url=http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/2016/may/07/ken-nwadike-free-hugs-project/ |newspaper=The San Diego Union-Tribune |location= |accessdate=May 8, 2016 }}</ref><!-- Actual video clocks in over 1.1M views as of 01/02/2020.
NOT "hundreds of millions" of views as cited by news article. -->
NOT "hundreds of millions" of views as cited by news article. -->


==Career==
==Career==
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 peacekeeping efforts and de-escalation of violence during protests, riots, and political rallies.<ref>{{cite news |last=Peterson |first=Karla |date=October 31, 2016 |title=In failing the homeless, San Diego stands apart |url=http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/lifestyle/people/sd-me-ken-hugs-20161011-htmlstory.html |newspaper=The San Diego Union-Tribune |location= |accessdate=October 31, 2016 }}</ref> Nwadike was featured in Google's 2016 Year in Search video as a highlight among some of the year's most defining moments.<ref>{{cite news |last=Tremelling |first=Miriam |date=December 21, 2016 |title=Google's 'Year in Search 2016' connects with message of hope |url=http://www.campaignlive.com/article/googles-year-search-2016-connects-message-hope/1419337 |newspaper=Campaign US |location= |accessdate=December 21, 2016 }}</ref> Nwadike has made many appearances on news programs and radio broadcasts worldwide, including CNN, USA Today, Good Morning Britain, and BBC News.
In 2014, Nwadike launched the Free Hugs Project with the stated purpose of spreading love in response to the [[Boston Marathon bombing|bombing]] of the [[Boston Marathon]]. The Free Hugs Project gained popularity in 2016, as Nwadike made major news headlines for his efforts towards de-escalation of violence during protests, riots, and political rallies.<ref>{{cite news |last=Peterson |first=Karla |date=October 31, 2016 |title=In failing the homeless, San Diego stands apart |url=http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/lifestyle/people/sd-me-ken-hugs-20161011-htmlstory.html |newspaper=The San Diego Union-Tribune |location= |accessdate=October 31, 2016 }}</ref> Nwadike was featured in Google's 2016 Year in Search video as a highlight among some of the year's most defining moments.<ref>{{cite news |last=Tremelling |first=Miriam |date=December 21, 2016 |title=Google's 'Year in Search 2016' connects with message of hope |url=http://www.campaignlive.com/article/googles-year-search-2016-connects-message-hope/1419337 |newspaper=Campaign US |location= |accessdate=December 21, 2016 }}</ref> Nwadike has made many appearances on news programs and radio broadcasts worldwide, including CNN, USA Today, Good Morning Britain, and BBC News.


Nwadike is the President and CEO of Superhero Events, LLC, which produces the annual [[Hollywood Half Marathon]]. The marathon, held each spring in [[Hollywood]], [[California]] to raise funds for local homeless youth shelters.<ref>{{cite web|title=Hollywood Half Marathon|url=http://www.nbclosangeles.com/the-scene/events/Hollywood-Half-Marathon-146201025.html|website=NBC Los Angeles|accessdate=April 5, 2012|date=April 5, 2012}}</ref>
Nwadike is the President and CEO of Superhero Events, LLC, which produces the annual [[Hollywood Half Marathon]]. The marathon, held each spring in [[Hollywood]], [[California]], with the purpose of raising funds for local homeless youth shelters.<ref>{{cite web|title=Hollywood Half Marathon|url=http://www.nbclosangeles.com/the-scene/events/Hollywood-Half-Marathon-146201025.html|website=NBC Los Angeles|accessdate=April 5, 2012|date=April 5, 2012}}</ref>


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.<ref>{{cite web|title=Free Hugs Project shows difference between Bernie Sanders and Donald Trump rallies|url=http://www.amny.com/news/elections/free-hugs-project-shows-difference-between-bernie-sanders-and-donald-trump-rallies-1.11639468|website=AM New York|accessdate=March 31, 2016|date=March 31, 2016}}</ref> The video became a viral hit and his #MakeAmericaLoveAgain hashtag became a trending topic on Facebook and Twitter.<ref>{{cite web|title=Here's What Happens When You Ask for a Hug at a Trump Rally Versus a Sanders Rally|url=https://www.yahoo.com/news/heres-happens-ask-hug-trump-193100859.html|website=Yahoo News|accessdate=April 2, 2016|date=April 2, 2016}}</ref> Nwadike's "Free Hugs" videos have reached over a million views on [[Facebook]] and [[YouTube]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Deaderick |first=Lisa |date=May 7, 2016 |title=Making the world better, a hug at a time |url=http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/2016/may/07/ken-nwadike-free-hugs-project/ |newspaper=The San Diego Union-Tribune |location= |accessdate=May 8, 2016 }}</ref><!-- Actual video clocks in over 1.1M views as of 01/02/2020
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.<ref>{{cite web|title=Free Hugs Project shows difference between Bernie Sanders and Donald Trump rallies|url=http://www.amny.com/news/elections/free-hugs-project-shows-difference-between-bernie-sanders-and-donald-trump-rallies-1.11639468|website=AM New York|accessdate=March 31, 2016|date=March 31, 2016}}</ref> The video became a viral hit and his #MakeAmericaLoveAgain hashtag became a trending topic on Facebook and Twitter.<ref>{{cite web|title=Here's What Happens When You Ask for a Hug at a Trump Rally Versus a Sanders Rally|url=https://www.yahoo.com/news/heres-happens-ask-hug-trump-193100859.html|website=Yahoo News|accessdate=April 2, 2016|date=April 2, 2016}}</ref> Nwadike's "Free Hugs" videos have reached over a million views on [[Facebook]] and [[YouTube]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Deaderick |first=Lisa |date=May 7, 2016 |title=Making the world better, a hug at a time |url=http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/2016/may/07/ken-nwadike-free-hugs-project/ |newspaper=The San Diego Union-Tribune |location= |accessdate=May 8, 2016 }}</ref><!-- Actual video clocks in over 1.1M views as of 01/02/2020
NOT "hundreds of millions" of views as cited by news article. -->
NOT "hundreds of millions" of views as cited by news article. -->


===Motivational speaker===
===Occupations===
As a motivational speaker, Ken details his former homelessness and states that he overcame insecurities by getting involved in extracurricular activities in school. The support, he says, he received from coaches, teammates, and friends while playing sports and participating in student government activities, helped pave the way for Ken to start a number of businesses and a charitable organization that helps homeless teens.<ref>{{cite web|title=Peace Activist / Motivational Speaker|url=http://www.freehugsproject.com/motivational-speaker/|website=Free Hugs Project|accessdate=October 1, 2016|date=October 1, 2016}}</ref>
As a motivational speaker, Ken details his former homelessness and states that he overcame insecurities by getting involved in extracurricular activities in school. The support, he says, he received from coaches, teammates, and friends while playing sports and participating in student government activities, helped pave the way for Ken to start a number of businesses and a charitable organization that helps homeless teens.<ref>{{cite web|title=Peace Activist / Motivational Speaker|url=http://www.freehugsproject.com/motivational-speaker/|website=Free Hugs Project|accessdate=October 1, 2016|date=October 1, 2016}}</ref>


The Free Hugs Project is a program conducted at workplaces and colleges. Nwadike converses with students and employees during small group discussions. His visit concludes with a keynote address. He has stated that his program intends to promote unity, civility and to bridge the racial divide and to build a more diverse and inclusive culture.<ref>{{cite web|title=Peace Activist / Motivational Speaker|url=http://www.freehugsproject.com/motivational-speaker/|website=Free Hugs Project|accessdate=October 1, 2016|date=October 1, 2016}}</ref>
The Free Hugs Project is a program conducted at workplaces and colleges, designed to bridge racial divides and encourage civility.<ref>{{cite web|title=Peace Activist / Motivational Speaker|url=http://www.freehugsproject.com/motivational-speaker/|website=Free Hugs Project|accessdate=October 1, 2016|date=October 1, 2016}}</ref>


In October 2017, Nwadike filed with the [[Federal Election Commission]] to run for [[President of the United States]] in the [[2020 United States presidential election|2020 election]], seeking the nomination of the [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic Party]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://docquery.fec.gov/pdf/394/201710190300178394/201710190300178394.pdf|title=FEC FORM 2|date=October 18, 2017|first=Kenneth E.|last=Nwadike|work=[[Federal Election Commission]]|accessdate=July 31, 2018}}</ref>
In October 2017, Nwadike filed with the [[Federal Election Commission]] to run for [[President of the United States]] in the [[2020 United States presidential election|2020 election]], seeking the nomination of the [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic Party]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://docquery.fec.gov/pdf/394/201710190300178394/201710190300178394.pdf|title=FEC FORM 2|date=October 18, 2017|first=Kenneth E.|last=Nwadike|work=[[Federal Election Commission]]|accessdate=July 31, 2018}}</ref> He later withdrew from the race.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://kennwadikejr.com/ken-nwadike-jr/|title=About Ken E. Nwadike, Jr.|website=Kenny 2020 |accessdate=April 27, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190427154815/https://kennwadikejr.com/ken-nwadike-jr/|archive-date=April 27, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref>


==Live appearances==
==Live appearances==

Revision as of 07:57, 30 January 2020

Ken Nwadike Jr.
Free Hugs Guy
Nwadike in 2017
Personal information
Born (1981-12-29) December 29, 1981 (age 42)
San Diego, California, United States
Occupations
Websitefreehugsproject.com
YouTube information
Also known asFree Hugs Guy
Years active2014–present
Genres
Subscribers106,429 subscribers
(March 6, 2019)
Total views8.75 million views
(March 6, 2019)
NetworkStudio71
100,000 subscribers2018

Kenneth E. Nwadike Jr. is an American documentary filmmaker, motivational speaker, and peace activist popularly known as the "Free Hugs Guy".[1] Ken is the founder of the Free Hugs Project. His "Free Hugs" videos have reached over a million views on Facebook and YouTube.[2]

Career

In 2014, Nwadike launched the Free Hugs Project with the stated purpose of spreading 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 efforts towards de-escalation of violence during protests, riots, and political rallies.[3] Nwadike was featured in Google's 2016 Year in Search video as a highlight among some of the year's most defining moments.[4] Nwadike has made many appearances on news programs and radio broadcasts worldwide, including CNN, USA Today, Good Morning Britain, and BBC News.

Nwadike is the President and CEO of Superhero Events, LLC, which produces the annual Hollywood Half Marathon. The marathon, held each spring in Hollywood, California, with the purpose of raising funds for local homeless youth shelters.[5]

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.[6] The video became a viral hit and his #MakeAmericaLoveAgain hashtag became a trending topic on Facebook and Twitter.[7] Nwadike's "Free Hugs" videos have reached over a million views on Facebook and YouTube.[8]

Occupations

As a motivational speaker, Ken details his former homelessness and states that he overcame insecurities by getting involved in extracurricular activities in school. The support, he says, he received from coaches, teammates, and friends while playing sports and participating in student government activities, helped pave the way for Ken to start a number of businesses and a charitable organization that helps homeless teens.[9]

The Free Hugs Project is a program conducted at workplaces and colleges, designed to bridge racial divides and encourage civility.[10]

In October 2017, Nwadike filed with the Federal Election Commission to run for President of the United States in the 2020 election, seeking the nomination of the Democratic Party.[11] He later withdrew from the race.[12]

Live appearances

Aside from YouTube and Facebook videos, Nwadike has appeared on worldwide news programs and radio broadcasts.

  • April 4, 2012 – Nwadike was featured on an NBC 4 Los Angeles special, titled, Life Connected.[13]
  • April 5, 2016 – Nwadike interview with Pix 11 news to share why he launched the Free Hugs Project.[14]
  • 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.[15]
  • September 16, 2016 – Ken teams up with the hosts of Good Morning Britain in London to launch Free Hugs Friday.[16]
  • September 23, 2016 – Nwadike was interviewed live on CNN with Poppy Harlow after Charlotte Protests.[17]

Awards and nominations

Year Nominated Award Result
2017 Ken E. Nwadike, Jr. Most-Admired Public Leader in San Diego[18] Won
2017 Ken E. Nwadike, Jr. Simeon Booker Award for Courage Won
2017 Ken E. Nwadike, Jr. Citizen Achievement Award Won

Filmography

Film
Year Title Role Notes
2016 Accidental Courtesy: Daryl Davis, Race & America Himself Netflix Documentary
2017 The L.A. Riots: 25 Years Later[19] Himself History Channel Documentary
2019 Anarchy: Standing Between Police and Antifa[20] Himself Documentary

References

  1. ^ "Man Offers Hugs At Trump And Sanders Rallies, Asks Which America We Want". The Huffington Post. March 31, 2016. Retrieved March 31, 2016.
  2. ^ Deaderick, Lisa (May 7, 2016). "Making the world better, a hug at a time". The San Diego Union-Tribune. Retrieved May 8, 2016.
  3. ^ Peterson, Karla (October 31, 2016). "In failing the homeless, San Diego stands apart". The San Diego Union-Tribune. Retrieved October 31, 2016.
  4. ^ Tremelling, Miriam (December 21, 2016). "Google's 'Year in Search 2016' connects with message of hope". Campaign US. Retrieved December 21, 2016.
  5. ^ "Hollywood Half Marathon". NBC Los Angeles. April 5, 2012. Retrieved April 5, 2012.
  6. ^ "Free Hugs Project shows difference between Bernie Sanders and Donald Trump rallies". AM New York. March 31, 2016. Retrieved March 31, 2016.
  7. ^ "Here's What Happens When You Ask for a Hug at a Trump Rally Versus a Sanders Rally". Yahoo News. April 2, 2016. Retrieved April 2, 2016.
  8. ^ Deaderick, Lisa (May 7, 2016). "Making the world better, a hug at a time". The San Diego Union-Tribune. Retrieved May 8, 2016.
  9. ^ "Peace Activist / Motivational Speaker". Free Hugs Project. October 1, 2016. Retrieved October 1, 2016.
  10. ^ "Peace Activist / Motivational Speaker". Free Hugs Project. October 1, 2016. Retrieved October 1, 2016.
  11. ^ Nwadike, Kenneth E. (October 18, 2017). "FEC FORM 2" (PDF). Federal Election Commission. Retrieved July 31, 2018.
  12. ^ "About Ken E. Nwadike, Jr". Kenny 2020. Archived from the original on April 27, 2019. Retrieved April 27, 2019.
  13. ^ "Formerly Homeless Man Directs Race to Benefit Local Shelters". NBC 4 Los Angeles. April 4, 2012. Retrieved April 4, 2012.
  14. ^ "'Free Hugs' man wants to make America LOVE again with free hugs". Pix 11 News New York. April 5, 2016. Retrieved April 5, 2016.
  15. ^ "'Free Hugs' guy brings project to San Diego". Fox 5 San Diego. May 23, 2016. Retrieved May 23, 2016.
  16. ^ "Time to celebrate Free Hugs Friday!". ITV Good Morning Britain. September 16, 2016. Retrieved September 16, 2016.
  17. ^ "Activist hands out 'Free Hugs' amid violent protests in Charlotte". CNN. September 23, 2016. Retrieved September 23, 2016.
  18. ^ Murphy, Nelson (April 24, 2017). "The Malin Burnham Awards - Vote for the Most Admired Leaders in San Diego". MNM Communications. Retrieved June 5, 2017.
  19. ^ https://www.imdb.com/name/nm8908462/
  20. ^ https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9065248/

Further reading

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