Everyone should know about the Freedom Writers. But if you, don’t the original freedom writers were a group of students from Long Beach, California. This group of 150 teenagers claimed they were “fighting an undeclared war” with gangs, racism, and violence. Most of these students were ready to give into all the pressure and violence, but a new teacher, Erin Gruwell, helped them see a new light. Erin Gruwell started as a 23 year old teaching freshman English at Woodrow Wilson Classical High School in Long Beach. Ms. Gruwell had her students write journals about the troubles of their past, present, and the fears of their future. It was a way of reflecting their emotions, but also a way to perfect their English. She taught her students how to use English to change the way they think about themselves and the  world around them.

Wildcat students Nicole Carrington and Elaine Garcia (center) with Freedom Writer Maria Reyes (l) and Erin Gruwell (r)

      The Freedom Writers name came from group of civil rights activists, Freedom Riders, who fought against segregation. Ms. Gruwell’s Freedom Writers thought they had it really bad, but didn’t realize others around the world may have had it worse. Erin Gruwell made them read books about other people that have gone through a lot tribulations and problems. As a class they read books like The Diary of Anne Frank, and Zlata's Diary: A Child's Life in Sarajevo. These books helped them realize that they weren’t the only ones suffering; it also showed them that they could make a change if they really put their minds to it.  Many students were touched by the stories. Maria Reyes in particular was very touched by the story of Anne Frank. She cried because she thought and wished so hard that Anne Frank made it. Maria wanted to believe that Anne Frank survived because she looked up to her in so many ways. She felt that if Anne couldn’t make it, she was doomed to failure as well. Even though these students put everything they had into their sessions (classes) with Ms. Gruwell, they didn’t think that their life would change so drastically.  

      Erin Gruwell and her students created a diary made up of the students journals. The collection of journals is called The Freedom Writers Diary.  The Freedom Writers Diary holds a lot of private and controversial information.  Some of the school boards banned the freedom writers’ books. Many administrators objected to racial slurs and sexual content in portions of the book, but they don’t see the strong lessons that can be taught by reading. As Erin Gruwell said "The best way to get a teenager to read a book is to ban it. When someone who is a daunting authority figure says, 'Give us your book', I think these students [thought], 'There must be something powerful in these words'.” I am a teenager and I agree with the statement. These books have powerful writing, but it can teach people many things. These books can help many students in need, and many people in general that go through the same problems. 
     

      On Thursday, December 3rd, 2009, there was a Freedom Writers event. They showed a film called Voices Unbound: The Story of The Freedom Writers. It’s a documentary about the original freedom writers. It shows their struggles, fears, doubts, and progress. They are now successful leaders, and are helping others. Following the documentary there was a Q&A with Erin Gruwell and Maria Reyes [Ava]. They answered questions from the students, teachers, and other people in the audience.  The answers satisfied many of the people there; including me. Erin Gruwell, the freedom writers, and the foundation are all heroes to many people.
     

     The story of Erin Gruwell and the Freedom Writers has touched hearts and brought hope to thousands of teachers, students, and people all over the world. Since the Freedom Writers Diary was first published ten years ago, Erin Gruwell and the Freedom Writers have continued their quest to empower students and to inspire those who teach them. A Freedom Writers Foundation was started in 1997th, and is still striving to help students succeed in life.  The motto of the foundation is to, “inspire young, underprivileged students to pick up pens instead of guns." There are many freedom writer teachers now, and they are all trying to help students to succeed in life.   Now, 210 Freedom Writers Teachers open their classrooms and their hearts to share with us the reality of their lives (including our very own Mr. Steiner.)

By Elaine Garcia