Bio:
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.
Once a homeless athlete himself, Ken is a leader who exemplifies resiliency and the power to pivot, creating a PPE company during the pandemic to protect his loved ones and those at risk who could not find them. He began the Black and Blue Podcast in 2020 with Sherriff Chris Swanson to make Unity cool and engage students in the civil discourse necessary for us all to move forward. With so many feeling alone due to the impact of COVID-19, Ken has the power to create truly important connections and positive human interaction .
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 of 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. Ken has spoken at hundreds of Colleges and Universities and is a favorite at high-schools and corporations. Ken was the 2017 featured keynote speaker at NACA National convention, and was also chosen to speak at the 2018 and 2020 National convention and many regional NACA events.
Programs:
CONVERSATIONS WITH KEN
Ken Nwadike, Jr. has done many things in his life. He founded the Hollywood Half-Marathon to help the homeless after overcoming homelessness himself as a student athlete. He created successful businesses it the midst of a world crashing pandemic. As The Free Hugs Guy, He risked his life on the frontlines of protests across the nation, de-escalating violence in the midst of intense anger. Daily he provides loving example of family connection for his 5 children. Despite all these seemingly large accomplishments, sometimes the most powerful thing Ken does, is done softly. Ken is a master of difficult conversations, of bridging divides, and helping the many parts of an organization or team feel connected. As one participant remarked after a conversation with Ken, “Now I know how to talk with my uncle this Thanksgiving!” This is the quiet work of building relationships. Relationships that change hearts and minds. The relationships we all really want. The relationships that remind us that we belong. We belong in Unity, we belong in understanding, and we belong in Love. In Conversations with Ken, Ken brings your group together for these important conversations. Whether through a conference keynote, small group leadership facilitation, or breakout workshops, Ken always inspires. He is a leader’s leader, and he leads with kindness, respect and hope.
Ken’s talks at our events were something to behold: he touched and moved people in a way I’ve rarely witnessed on that large scale. His affable, approachable and humorous demeanor made every person in the room feel that he was their friend, and partner. He inspired masses of people to take a deep look at how they can contribute to a society that emphasizes compassion over alienation, unity over division, and peace over conflict. He is a speaker who changes the game around notions of conflict resolution and peaceful protest, and I will always look to include him in my programming for future events: I owe that to future generations. –Karina Mackenzie – Wanderlust
College
THE POWER OF POSITIVE HUMAN INTERACTION
In this fun, creative and interactive program Ken brings his “Free Hugs Project” to engage students in conversations of understanding, and compassion amidst the rising tide of hatred and racism. Ken will interact with student leaders during small group discussions, to encourage them to spread love and kindness to transform the campus climate. His visit concludes with a keynote address that explores the power of positive human interaction.
Format: 45-60 Minute Keynote w/ Optional Q&A
The audience will leave with:
Ken’s keynote address explores the power of positive human interaction and ways to bridge the racial divide by spreading love. The goal of this program is to create unity, civility, and build a more diverse and inclusive culture on your campus.
AMAZING! STUPENDOUS! EYE OPENING! INSPIRATIONAL! AWESOME!” Those are words students used. It was a pleasure to work with him. – Austin L. Duckett – Widener University
High School / Middle School / Elementary
DEVELOPING A LOVING SUPPORT TEAM
As a motivational speaker for students, 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.
Format: 45-60 Minute Keynote w/ Optional Q&A
The audience will leave with:
This program teaches students to be more loving and supportive of one another to accomplish life-changing goals. It also motivates and encourages students to get involved in activities on campus to enhance personal growth and preparation for college.
I wanted to send a heart-felt “thank you” for everything you did to put together our convocation last week at Peru JR/SR High School in Peru, Indiana. Please tell Ken that the students (and staff) were very engaged and enjoyed his message very much…The kids instantly trusted him. I believe he broke down some barriers and inspired our students to see the bigger picture of our culture and how we treat each other. We are also very appreciative of the time and that Ken spent with students at lunch and at the community event. I believe these experiences will have a huge impact on those students as they move throughout their high school careers. Thank you again for facilitating a platform that allows Ken to share his message and truly be a force for good in our world. – Jessica Jones- Guidance Director – Peru Highschool, IN
Corporate / Small Business/ Non-Profit
RESTORING CIVILITY IN THE WORKPLACE
Creating safe and inclusive work environments begins with how civil we are towards our fellow men and women. As a business keynote speaker, Ken shares stories of de-escalating intense confrontations on the front-lines of riots and protests. He describes ways that peacekeeping principles can be used proactively in the workplace and community to prevent heightened situations from occurring.
Format: 45-60 Minute Keynote w/ Optional Q&A
The audience will leave with:
The keynote inspires business leaders to be more supportive and respectful towards one another. Restoring civility in America improves the way we treat our families, coworkers, and people within our communities. Ken has received numerous awards from law enforcement agencies and community groups for his peacekeeping efforts during uprisings.
