It's the hug shared around the world.
In the hours after The Oregonian posted a freelance photographer's photo Friday of a young African-American demonstrator tearfully hugging a Portland police officer, more than 150,000 Facebook users shared the photo. And dozens of Oregonlive readers wrote supportive comments.
Dougie
: "Let me just say that as an Oregonian who now lives in Texas (and I've lived here for 25 years), that picture makes me proud to be an Oregonian."
Elwood P. Suggins: "
I regret only that I am not in a position to award the Pulitzer Prize for Photography. "If you, my fellow reader, have not clicked Devonte's
link yet, do yourself a huge favor and click it now. Oh, and take some kleenex with you."
DonRon:
This is what happens when a child who began life destined to be a child of the streets, is adopted by loving, stable, parents. This young man has a kind heart, is wise beyond his years and he undoubtedly has a bright future ahead of him. His parents must be very proud.
Devonte Hart with his family at the annual celebration of "The Goonies" movie in Astoria in June 2014.
In a long Facebook posting of their own, the parents of Devonte Hart, Sarah and Jennifer Hart, told the story behind the photo. Freelance photographer Johnny Nguyen captured the moment during a Nov. 25 protest in Portland after a grand jury decided against indicting the Ferguson, Mo., police officer who shot and killed an African-American theft suspect, Michael Brown:
We hit the streets (Nov. 25) with the intention of spreading love and kindness, and to remind (ALL) people that they matter in this world. ... I noticed Devonte was struggling. Tears. He wouldn't speak. He was inconsolable. My son has a heart of a gold, compassion beyond anything I've ever experienced, yet struggles with living fearlessly when it comes to the police and people that don't understand the complexity of racism that is prevalent in our society. ...
It was one of the most emotionally charged experiences I've had as a mother. He trembled holding a Free Hugs sign as he bravely stood alone in front of the police barricade. Tears rushing from his eyes and soaking his sweater, he gazed upon them not knowing how they would react. After a while, one of the officers approached him and extended his hand. Their interaction was uncomfortable at first. ... There were generic questions about his favorite subject and what he liked to do in the summer, but the one that mattered hit straight to the heart. He asked Devonte why he was crying. His response about his concerns regarding the level of police brutality towards young black kids was met with an unexpected and seemingly authentic (to Devonte), "Yes. *sigh* I know. I'm sorry. I'm sorry." The officer then asked if he could have one of his hugs.
The officer was later identified as Portland Police Sgt. Bret Barnum.
Barnum said the interaction with Devonte took place at the beginning of the rally. With emotions running high as speakers were addressing the crowd, he noticed a young man with tears in his eyes holding a "Free Hugs" sign among a group of people.
After talking to Devonte about such things as school, art and life, Barnum said he pointed to the sign and asked, “Do I get one of those?”