Free Hugs Project Coming To Oriskany New York Free Hugs Project founder Ken E. Nwadike Jr will be outdoors under a big tent on A peace activist, motivational speaker, and video journalist, Nwadike is known as the “Free Hugs Guy” online. His goal is to motivate people to spread love, inspire change and raise awareness of social issues. The Free Hugs Project launched in 2014 in response to the Boston Marathon bombing. According to the Rome Sentinel, it gained popularity in 2016 as Nwadike made major news headlines for his peace-keeping efforts and de-escalating violence during protests, riots, and political rallies. His ‘Free Hugs’ videos have been viewed by hundreds of millions on Facebook and YouTube, according to the CCE."