The Freedom Writers
The Freedom Writer movement was born in 1994 from a teacher's, Erin Gruwell's, simple notion - inspire young, underprivileged students to pick up pens instead of guns. Since then the Freedom Writers Foundation has evolved into a renowned charitable organization led by Erin Gruwell, with the unwavering support of the original Freedom Writers. The Foundation is dedicated to replicating the Freedom Writers' success in classrooms across the country by equipping teachers with the tools they need to reach and empower their students.
In the spring of 2006, hearing that Erin Gruwell was coming to the Bushnell, The Young Poets were determined to see her. They held a pancake breakfast at Applebees and raised enough money to purchase their tickets. I sent Erin a poster board filled with photos of The Young Poets and a letter explaining who they were. Imagine our surprise when Erin walked out on stage in tears and asked The Young Poets to stand and be acknowledged by a packed Bushnell audience. It was a life changing moment for all of us.
After her presentation, Erin invited The Young Poets to the VIP room where they stole the Freedom Writers' hearts. Erin asked me if I would join her and 149 other teachers she was gathering across the United States and Canada to work together to spread the message of teaching hope. I have had the honor of working with Erin, the Freedom Writers and 149 Freedom Writer teachers ever since.
Over the 2007-2008 school year all of the Freedom Writer teachers were asked to keep a journal. Each of us submitted one entry to be included in the book. Set up like the original Freedom Writers Diary, this book includes 150 entries, but from the 150 Freedom Writer Teachers. All of us were assigned a number and our entries are anonymous, just like the original Freedom Writers. The book, Teaching Hope, was released in August and is available at all the major bookstores as well as on-line. It gives an up-close and personal look at the reality of education today.
The Young Poets raised money in 2009 and brought Freedom Writers Maria Reyes and Tony Becerra to Windham Middle School. Their presentation was powerful and and a memory the middle school students will never forget. We are hoping to bring Erin and the Freedom Writers back to Connecticut very soon.
On December 3, 2009 the documentary featuring the original Freedom Writers was aired in New York Cityand will soon be in theaters. Be prepared for an emotional rollercoaster. There wasn't a dry eye in the house.
Erin, The Freedom Writers and The Freedom Writer teachers continue to work together and support each other as we strive to continue spreading the message of hope in education today.
