They ease your fears, decrease stress and are good for your heart. What’s better than a hug – particularly when it’s free?
As part of its celebration of Black History Month, SJC Long Island’s Office of Multicultural Student Life is set to welcome Ken E. Nwadike, Jr., founder of the “Free Hugs Project,” March 7 at 1 p.m. in the McGann Conference Center of O’Connor Hall.
Ken E. Nwadike, Jr., peace activist and video journalist, will speak about his “Free Hugs Project,” a creative and interactive program that engages students in conversations of understanding and compassion. Nwadike, whose February visit to campus was postponed due to a snowstorm, is one of the nation’s top motivational speakers for young adults, having spoken at hundreds of schools and conferences, inspiring students and professional groups of all ages.
Nwadike, Jr. has been featured on CNN, NBC and FOX, and in the New York Times, Boston Globe, San Diego Union-Tribune, Buzzfeed and USA Today.
Health studies have shown the many health benefits of hugging.
“In celebration of Black History Month and diversity, we invited Mr. Nwadike to speak on campus,” said Christy Banks, director of multicultural student life at SJC Long Island. “He will share with us how spreading love can begin to combat any racism or hate that exists in our communities and the world.”
Additional Black History Month events at SJC Long Island include a Black Inventors & Activists art exhibit, a Baptist gospel performance and a talk on race relations by Deputy Police Commissioner Risco Mention-Lewis, the first African-American and woman to be appointed to the position of Suffolk County Deputy Police Commissioner.
The “Free Hugs Project” event is free and open to the public. For more information about Black History Month at SJC, call the Office of Multicultural Student Life at 631.687.4593 or email mhassanin@sjny.edu.
