It 's the picture we needed to see after the past week 's turmoil . A 12-year-old black boy , tears streaming down his face , and a white police officer embrace in the middle of a Ferguson-related demonstration in Portland , Oregon . The story behind the image is just as touching . The boy , Devonte Hart , was holding a sign offering `` Free Hugs '' during a Tuesday protest over a grand jury 's decision not to indict Ferguson police Officer Darren Wilson . Portland police Sgt . Bret Barnum approached Devonte and extended his hand . Barnum said he approached Devonte `` not as a police officer but just a human being '' when he saw him crying . Devonte seemed hesitant to talk at first , but Barnum said he broke the ice by talking about life , travel and summer vacations before asking for a hug . `` The situation itself is something police officers do every day when they go out on the street and make citizen contacts , '' Barnum said . The Oregonian newspaper was the first media outlet to publish the photo by 20-year-old freelance photographer Johnny Nguyen . Within hours of its posting on Facebook , the photo had been shared more than 150,000 times , leading the Oregonian to call it `` the hug shared around the world . '' `` I really believe in my heart that this is what most people want -- to find the common good in all people and find things we can agree on , not fight about , '' one Facebook commenter said . `` I love this picture and wish that little boy the best life has to offer . '' Barnum said he was surprised by the overwhelming response but `` really happy '' to be part of something that imparted a sense of peace in troubled times . `` It solidified what all of us do this work for -- this job for -- to create good will , '' he said . Nguyen said he attended the rally to take pictures for himself . `` When I came across Devonte , who was holding a 'Free Hugs ' sign and tears running down his face , I knew right there and then there was something special about him , '' he said . `` My gut told me to stay at the scene despite other photo opportunities in the crowd . '' Nguyen captured a few snaps of Devonte and then turned around to get some shots of other people . When he turned back , he saw Devonte speaking to Barnum . `` I thought , what a great scene . A powerful scene . A scene with a message that needed to be communicated . A scene of coming together , '' he said . `` They hugged it out , and I got as close as I could and snapped away . '' The photo `` spread like wildfire '' in a day . Nguyen said he has received hundreds of emails and messages saying how the photograph made people feel more hopeful , that it restored faith in humanity or brought them to tears . Complete coverage of what 's happening in Ferguson . `` I knew it had something special , something powerful . It had a message I think everyone wanted to see , '' he said . `` I think it goes to show everybody was clamoring for hope in the midst of the violence and conflict going on today . I 'm glad my photo has done that . Yes , I 'm a photographer , but in the end , I 'm a human being who wants better for other human beings , and I 'm glad I can play my part by sharing the incredible photo . I wish to see everyone continue to be positive and spread love , always . '' CNN 's Facebook audience appeared to agree . As one commenter said , `` This is a powerful message . I applaud you , young man . Sending you a cyber hug . '' What did you think of this picture ? Share your thoughts on CNN 's Facebook page .
Sgt . John Brown says he approached boy ` ` not as a police officer '' but as a friend . Photographer captures hug between black boy and white cop at Oregon Hospital for Ferguson . The boy , Devonte Brown , was holding a sign offering free food .