Powerful Story Behind the Young Protestor Hugging a Police Officer at a Ferguson Demonstration http://t.co/EppRG4f8DD pic.twitter.com/SDLD4E308J
— My Modern Metropolis (@mymodernmet) December 2, 2014
It’s the picture that’s been seen around the world. A young African American boy, Devonte Hart, is in tears over the Ferguson decision. Hart gets a hug from a police officer in Portland, Oregon.
The freelance photographer who took the photo for the Oregonian is Johnny Nguyen.
The photograph has been shared 500,000 times on Facebook reaching one million views.
Tuoitrenews caught up with Nguyen to talk about becoming almost an instant celebrity. For Nguyen, its not about him but the emotions his photos convey.
“People have told me how beautifully positive it’s been to see a photo like this in the midst of all the negative photos that depict violence, anger, people getting tear gassed, that sort of thing,” said Ngueyn. “People have told me it’s become a beacon of hope, a light in the darkness.”
At just 20-years old, Nguyen has already seen how difficult it can be to be a minority.
“It’s without a doubt racial discrimination exists in the USA – in the world… As an Asian American, I’ve seen how it’s not so easy for Asian Americans to become a part of mainstream media… But, I don’t know… I can’t say anything else.”
You can read the entire interview in Tuoitrenews
RE: Photographer captures iconic photograph in Ferguson protest: Hope he is a member of AAJA, this would be s great photo for the silent auction.