Man's blindfold experiment for hugs goes viral

David Sadler set up a blind trust experiment in the heart of downtown. It was a risk, but what he got was hundreds of hugs.

Sadler, a black man who lives in Montgomery, was distraught over the division among blacks and whites, whites and blacks, blacks and cops. He saw it all over the news following recent shootings and violence in Dallas, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and around the nation. He just wanted it to stop.

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But more than wishing it, he set up an experiment. A trust experiment that has gone viral.

A video shows Sadler blindfolded, with arms outstretched and standing in front of Riverwalk Stadium. A sign next to him reads, “You do not have to fear me! I count. U count. We count! I trust u, do u trust me? LET’S HUG. God is love.”

While some only looked curiously at the sign and then at Sadler, there were many more — white, black, old, young, police officers, men and women who came up to him with a smile and a hug — sometimes even a double hug.

His video has already received hundreds of likes and shares on Facebook with nearly 4 million views. Sadler is grateful and overwhelmed by the community’s response.

“I would like to thank everyone for all the comments, likes and shares,” Sadler said. “I want everyone to see this. God started this one. I know love will win over fear."

In a time and an election, when everything seems "fueled by hate," Sadler wanted to show people that they count no matter who they are, he said. Around the world people have taken notice and he's received messages from those in India, Australia and Germany thanking him for his video. It wasn't what he was expecting and the outpouring of support and blessings is both encouraging and overwhelming.

“My goal was to restore hope and self-worth through faith," Sadler said. "I know love overs fear every time."