Winsted – Northwestern Connecticut Community College will host a virtual appearance by documentary filmmaker, motivational speaker, and peace activist Ken E. Nwadike, Jr. on Wednesday, September 23, 2020, at 7 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.

Known as The Free Hugs Guy, Nwadike launched The Free Hugs Project in 2014 to spread love and compassion in response to the Boston Marathon bombings. The project gained popularity in 2016 when Nwadike made news headlines for his peace-keeping efforts during protests, riots, and political rallies. He has made appearances on CNN, USA Today, Good Morning Britain, and BBC News. His videos have been viewed online more than 150 million times. Nwadike is also the President and CEO of Superhero Events, LLC, which produces the annual Hollywood Half Marathon that raises funds for homeless youth shelters.

Nwadike’s interactive program will engage attendees in conversations about the need for understanding and compassion amid our current racially and politically charged atmosphere. As a motivational speaker, Nwadike talks about his own former homelessness and how he overcame his insecurities by getting involved in activities at school and receiving support from coaches, teammates, and friends – all which paved the way for him to start a number of businesses and a charitable organization to help homeless teens.

The appearance by Nwadike is part of NCCC’s student Welcome Week, hosted by the Student Activities Department. Welcome Week invites new and returning students to be informed and engaged in campus activities, including clubs and cultural events. To attend the event, go to www.nwcc.edu/welcome-week and click on the link to join the virtual meeting at the scheduled time. For more information please contact Student Activities Director Andrew Wetmore at awetmore@nwcc.edu.