Social Justice Ambassadors Participate in Community Building
October 30 , 2024
Huntington High School’s Social Justice Ambassadors club members traveled to the Shea Theater on the Ammerman campus of Suffolk County Community College in Selden to hear motivational speaker Ken Nwadike share a message that is more important than ever.
The initiative was part of a community-wide Unity Day observance. “Mr. Nwadike is known as ‘Free Hugs Guy’ for his social media presence advocating tolerance through recognizing our shared humanity,” said Huntington High School social studies teacher James Graber, who serves as the Social Justice Ambassadors club faculty advisor.
With the mission to “spread love, inspire change and raise awareness of social issues,” the Free Hugs Project is internationally known for its work in deescalating conflict between and among Americans.
“Mr. Nwadike spoke to students from Huntington and other area high schools about the importance of what we share as humans and citizens in the midst of strife and conflict,” Mr. Graber said. “Inspired by Martin Luther King’s messages of peace and tolerance, Mr. Nwadike spoke of his work with community groups, police officers and students in advocating for tolerance and dialogue.”
The Huntington contingent enjoyed what was billed as a community building event. “Everyone left with a profound appreciation for the work of the ‘Free Hugs Guy’ and a renewed energy to promote those values in their own school and community,” Mr. Graber said.
