‘Free Hugs’ event set in response to recent tensions
When Ashlyn Sullivan and Taishma Owens-Council saw the recent violence between police officers and the public, they decided the world needed a little more love.
The two have invited all of Wichita to come hug it out at an event Wednesday night called “Free Hugs to Stand United in Love.”
From 6 to 9 p.m. in front of the Old Town Warren Theatre, anyone can come join in the “free hug” line.
The idea was sparked after the two heard about the police shootings of two black men and an ambush in Dallas where five law enforcement officers were killed. Owens-Council said she realized there was a divide that needed to be bridged.
“I just feel like there’s a gap between authority and community, and I just hope this event … will close that gap,” Owens-Council said.
Sullivan said the event is family friendly, with facepainting for the kids and iced tea and coffee courtesy of Starbucks.
In an email, Mayor Jeff Longwell said he will attend. Sullivan said they have asked him to make some remarks, but nothing is set yet.
She hopes the community will come together for friendship and healing.
“I just think that the world needs one giant group hug,” Sullivan said.
Lara Korte: 316-268-6290
This story was originally published July 17, 2016 at 3:29 PM with the headline "‘Free Hugs’ event set in response to recent tensions."