Free Hugs

 

Free Hugs

 

It may come as a surprise to some of you but I read Runner’s World magazine.  As a former (and hopefully future) runner I’m interested in the sport/exercise/activity for all three reasons.  However, I read something in the magazine recently that piqued my interest for none of them.

When I first saw the article about Ken E. Nwadike Jr. I thought he was probably one of those people whose soft heart was matched by a soft brain.

I owe Ken an apology.

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Most of us are familiar with the old song that starts, “What the world needs now is love, sweet love.  That’s the only thing that there’s just too little of.”  My first impression when I flipped through the magazine and ran across a picture of Mr. Nwadike was, “Ain’t that sweet.  He wants everybody to love everybody.”

Don’t get me wrong, I agree with the sentiment in the song.  The world really could use more loving treatment of one person to another.  My problem is the cynicism that comes with age.  I so often see people saying one thing because it sounds like the thing to say but what they really mean is, “You do this.  I’ll do whatever I feel like doing.”

You know, “Do as I say, not as I do.”

Not Nwadike.

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As a homeless teenager Ken Nwadike was encouraged by all the support he received from coaches, teammates, and friends.  He learned that anything worth having was worth working for.  He learned to get along with others of disparate backgrounds and found that understanding their point of view helped with that.

As he matured he started several successful companies.  He is the CEO of Superhero Events and Director of the Hollywood Half Marathon.  Besides business, in his effort to succeed in various endeavors he found an interest in running.  Like me, he read about running and watched it on TV sometimes.  And it was the television that would encourage him to make a difference.

Many of us love the sport because of the relaxation of running alone or with a friend or two.  It’s quiet, relaxing, and peaceful.  Usually.

A few years ago he was transfixed by the horror of the terrorist bombing at Boston.  “While viewing the devastation of the 2013 bombing of the Boston Marathon, I was determined to be a participant in the next race,” he said.  “I failed to qualify by just 23 seconds, so I decided to attend the event in a different way.  I provided free hugs to runners as encouragement along the route.  This simple act made national news headlines and lifted runners’ spirits.  Hugs produced smiles and gave runners an extra boost as they ran.”

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Ken thought about how many smiles he saw at the race.  People of all races and economic levels were happier and encouraged because of him.  Would it work in more serious situations?

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He was in Charlotte, North Carolina during the protests in response to the deadly police shooting of Keith Lamont Scott.   He tried out his ideas for promoting peace between sides.  “I wasn’t sure what to expect from the riot police because I did see a number of peaceful protesters that were pepper sprayed or maced,” he said during an appearance on “CNN Newsroom.”

“I wasn’t sure if I would get grabbed by the police officers. But also on the protest side…because there was so much anger and frustration.  I didn’t know what to expect.”

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His ideas are not accepted universally.  He was taunted by some of the protestors at Charlotte.

He explained, “I don’t think they understand the message of unity. They looked at the police officers as the enemy.  What I was trying to help them understand was that these individual police officers that are standing here are not the reason why the protest is even taking place.”

But on that night of anger, hatred, and violence, there is one scene that speaks volumes.  It’s Nwadike, standing between protesters and police, trying to keep the peace.  An officer approaches him and the two speak for a bit, then hug.

“There are good cops and there are bad cops,” Nwadike believes. “Every time that we have one of these cases that pops up, we can’t go and get upset at the other 90-something percent of police officers that are just trying to do their job.”

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Obviously, Ken’s method won’t work in all circumstances or with every person but, if it prevents one of the horrible acts of violence against the police…or by the police for that matter, I say, more power to him.

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If our paths ever cross, I’ll shake Mr. Nwadike’s hand.  Heck, I’ll even give him a hug.  After all, they’re free!

 

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(above) Ken E. Nwadike Jr. give his perspective on the “Black Lives Matter” issue.

 

(below) Nwadike stands on the sideline at the Boston Marathon.  Look at all the smiles from people breaking stride to get a hug.  Notice the accompanying music is Dione Warwick’s rendition of, “What the World Needs Now, is Love, Sweet Love.”

 

(below) Warning!  There is very strong language in this clip.  If you are offended by foul language, PLEASE, don’t listen to it.  After much debate with myself, I included it to show people that Nwadike puts his money where his mouth is and stands between protesters and police lines trying to open a dialogue between the two sides.

4 Comments on "Free Hugs"

  1. Bobby Matthews | August 6, 2018 at 3:56 pm |

    Hugs always make things better.

    • davidscott | August 6, 2018 at 4:19 pm |

      Sure, and the way he’s doing it, he can take some people from mad to at least open to conversation. The more open minded people are the more cooperative they can be. It sounds like his idea can be a big part of the solution.

  2. Great message and I completely agree with his approach. What a positive way to approach a problem or life in general.

    • Scott Matthews | August 7, 2018 at 7:04 pm |

      It is a good way. Getting people to listen is tough sometimes, but it works well when it works. It’s a valuable tool for the tool box.

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