Amidst the pain and turmoil of the aftermath of Ferguson, Missouri is Devonte Hart. At a Ferguson rally on November 25th in Portland, 12-year-old Devonte gathered with his family and other protestors to be heard and Sgt. Bret Barnum was working his post at a barricade. It started with a simple sign Devonte held reading, “Free Hugs” and turned into a moment that everyone should see. Devonte’s parents, Sarah and Jennifer Hart, told the story behind the photo in a Facebook post:
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 photo, taken by freelance photographer, Johnny Nguyen, serves as a reminder to the world that not all cops are bad, not all African-American kids are up to no good and even when something as tragic as Ferguson, Missouri happens – there is still hope. There are still people with enough love and compassion in their hearts to inspire us all.
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