Last week tension and anger filled many hearts after hearing the grand jury’s verdict on the murder of 18-year-old Michael Brown. Around the country protests erupted with emotions running high. Sadly even today police brutality and racism are very much alive. But we have to contribute to minimize the magnitude of these issues. We need to open ourselves to everyone regardless of class or race. We have to let us connect; we have to let us love each other.
On November 25th 2014, 12 year old Devonte Hart wanted to show the world that even with racism persisting, his humble heart had nothing but love to offer. As hundreds of demonstrators walked the streets of downtown Portland, tears streamed down the young teenagers face while peacefully holding a “free hugs” sign high into the crowd,
Sergeant Bret Barnum, who was patrolling the protesting areas in Downtown Portland, approached Devonte and asked him if he could get one of those hugs. The emotionally charged hug between Sargeant Barnum and Devonte was captured by freelance photographer, Johnny Nguyen, whose image has made international news. With over 150,000 shares on Facebook alone, people realize the photo demonstrates how love is more powerful than any other emotion. Love is what moves change. Let’s open our hearts to start acceptance and understanding.
Photo by: Johnny Nguyen