Demond Aikens was walking along Court Street in Newark, minding his own business, when he heard a loud, unusual request Saturday from a complete stranger.

"Hey, bruh. Can I get a hug?''

He looked up, puzzled, wondering if that sentiment was meant for him. The sincerity came from Al-Tariq Best, founder of FP Youth Outcry Foundation, a nonprofit that runs enrichment programs for young people.

Best was on the other side of the street, motioning for Aikens as he and his supporters did with many people that day -- to show Newark some love.

"It' ain't going to take about a second, '' Best said.

He extended his outstretched arm again, hoping Aikens would accept the invitation as they looked at each other where Court and Broome streets intersect.

"Come on, bruh."

Aikens sensed the positive energy from Best and the group with him. He walked across the street and hugged Best.

"That's what I'm talking about,'' Best said. "Thank you, man.''

Aiken agreed, and Best left, leading the others toward Prince Street.

For two miles, the small band of huggers hit the Central Ward, where FP Youth Outcry is located, to make a point that was well received.

"It's unusual, but we need more of this," Aikens said.

"We have to step up and we have to love on each other and be an example to these young people," Best said. "There is so much hate going on in our city, so much wrong stuff that's going on, we wanted to spread some hugs so that you can understand what love meant.''

With a police escort, they walked holding up colorful signs that said it all: Hugs4Healing. Stop Mean Muggin' and Start Huggin'.

A supporter of FP YouthOutcry Foundation Inc. hugs a motorists during the organizations Hugs4Healing campaign to spread love in Newark.

It was all smiles from people getting hugged on the sidewalk and lots of honking horns from motorists at stop lights. The hugs came in waves, with some short and heartfelt, while others were long and strong.

Only a few rejected the love offering. One man said he didn't do hugs. He did a fist bump instead. A woman in front of an apartment building on Washington and Court streets ran back inside.

With each encounter, people were not bum-rushed with affection. Everyone was asked first, then hugged.

"Some people have emotional triggers,'' said Denisah Lennon-Williamson, a social worker and chief operating officer of FP YouthOutcry. "They don't want to be touched.''

Lamar Clifton and Demetrius Thompson were on board when the group walked by Pilgrim Baptist Village on Eighteenth Avenue and asked them for hugs.

Clifton said the hug request caught them off guard, but the outgoing outreach was motivational, uplifting and definitely would foster unity.

"The sky is the limit,'' he said. "Love conquers all.''

Zaneen Thompson didn't mind at all when they reached Irvine Turner Boulevard near Eighteenth Avenue.

"Absolutely,'' Thompson said. "I want my hug. This is a beautiful thing.''

Further down the boulevard, Nasir Shakur, said this kind of effort is a step in the right direction.

Steve Vierra, left, is a member of FP YouthOutcry Foundation. He hugs Nasir Shakur, of Newark, during the organization's Healing4Hugs campaign to spread love in the city.

"That's big statement,'' he said. "It's different, but I respect it.''

The group turned the corner onto Avon, and headed to Jesse Allen Park, where residents there had just finished up their own hug fest that had been planned, unbeknownst to Best's group.

The Friends of Jesse Allen Park and the Boys and Girls Club hugged the block with a unity circle. Positive messages were left on the sidewalks in colored chalk. There was dancing, singing, drums playing and poetry.

When Best met them at the park, the gathering of the two groups looked like family reunion, with everyone in an embrace.

Minutes later, they were at McDonald's on Clinton Avenue near Lincoln Park, hugging people in line or sitting down having a meal.

Rachelle Brown, a patron, who hugged the huggers, said this kind of movement makes you stop and think about someone else.

"Everybody is so desensitized now,'' Brown said. "This lets them know that they are not alone.''

That's the point.

Barry Carter may be reached at bcarter@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @BarryCarterSL. Find NJ.com on Facebook.