The Hug Seen Round The World

It seems that everybody in the USA has some kind of reaction to the grand jury decision not to indict Officer Darren Wilson in the shooting death of Michael Brown.

After they announced the decision not to indict, last week, some protesters set fire to buildings and cars in Ferguson, Missouri. There was looting and arrests, fires and chaos.

There were protests across the country about the decision. 12 year old Devonte Harris went to one in Oregon.  He wasn’t protesting, he wanted to help the country heal by giving out free hugs, he even carried a sign. “Free Hugs”.

That is where Devonte met Portland Police Sgt. Bret Barnum.

I want to thank everyone who shared my photo today!!! You guys are playing a great role in spreading the message of hope and humanity as seen here in the photo of Sgt. Barnum and Devonte Hart. I also want to thank @theoregonian for being the first to publish my photo and writing the incredible story behind it. You guys are the best. I don’t really use Twitter but now I have a reason to. Follow me on Twitter @chambersvisuals to stay updated! Spread love, Johnny.

A photo posted by johnny h. nguyen (@chambersvisuals) on Nov 11, 2014 at 2:24pm PST

 Devonte’s mom says the boy was very emotional during the rally. He started crying. Sgt. Barnum noticed the tears and called the boy over to him.

In her Facebook post, Devonte's mother said the interaction was a little uncomfortable at first, with Barnum making generic chit-chat. But then he asked Devonte why he was crying.

Devonte said he was worried about police brutality towards young black kids,  the officer responded. “Yes. I know. I’m sorry. I’m sorry.”

Next, Sgt Barnum asked if he could have one of the “Free Hugs” advertised on the sign.

Devonte was hesitant then said yes.

They hugged and freelance photographer Johnny Nguyen, happened to be there to snap the photo.  It has now gone viral with people all over the world sharing and hoping that soon we will all be able to just get along.