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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsPolice officer and young demonstrator share hug during Ferguson rally in Portland
As thousands gathered to make their voices heard during a rally earlier this week, one officer and a young man paused to hear each other out.
This image, shot by freelance photographer Johnny Nguyen, shows Portland Police Sgt. Bret Barnum hugging 12-year-old Devonte Hart during the Ferguson demonstration in Portland on Nov. 25, 2014.
According to Sgt. Barnum, the interaction 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 "" target="_blank">Free Hugs" sign among a group of people.
Sgt. Barnum motioned him over and the two started talking about the demonstration, school, art and life. As the conversation ended, Sgt. Barnum pointed to his sign and asked, "Do I get one of those?" The moment following his question was captured in the photo above, which shows Devonte's eyes welling up with tears once again as he embraces the officer.
Devonte, it turns out, has a life story that's almost as big as his heart.
After the exchange, Devonte rejoined his family and friends participating in the rally and Sgt. Barnum, a 21-year-veteran, went back about his duties.
LINK: http://www.oregonlive.com/multimedia/index.ssf/2014/11/photo_police_officer_and_citiz.html
EDIT:
From the link about his life story:
Another video of little huggmeister Devonte: &feature=youtu.be&t=8m32s
And another photo of this inspiring kid:
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Police officer and young demonstrator share hug during Ferguson rally in Portland (Original Post)
Triana
Nov 2014
OP
Wonderful. We now have this one policeman that can be trusted. More need to step up. At least it is
jwirr
Nov 2014
#2
Tears soften hard hearts. Thanks, Devonte! May you be surrounded by love, always!
freshwest
Nov 2014
#3
jillan
(39,451 posts)1. I have something in my eye.
Why can't there be more of this???
jwirr
(39,215 posts)2. Wonderful. We now have this one policeman that can be trusted. More need to step up. At least it is
a start.
The expression on the young mans face speaks volumes. Tears.
freshwest
(53,661 posts)3. Tears soften hard hearts. Thanks, Devonte! May you be surrounded by love, always!
sheshe2
(83,875 posts)4. Oh freshwest, the look on Devotes precious face~
sheshe2
(83,875 posts)5. Okay, that did it!
Tears, yet a beautiful sweet story. Devonte, you are so beautiful as is your amazing family.
Thank you so very much for your Op, Triana.
MrBig
(640 posts)7. Devonte is mature well beyond his years
12 years old and bringing a sign like that to the rally true shows heart and compassion.
And credit to Sgt. Bret Barnum - I'm hopeful that more police officers took Devonte up on his offer (and just weren't photographed), but Sgt. Barnum appears to have an understanding of the role police officers should have in their community.