Freedom Writers: The Transforming Power of a Teacher

Michelangelo painted the Sistine Chapel and Da Vinci portrayed the Mona Lisa. Through the works of artistic masters, people can glimpse moments of darkness and brutality, but also find serenity, comfort, and inspiration. But above and beyond the mastery of all of the world's greatest artists, only a teacher can mold the heart of a child and the future of a nation.

In the newly released movie Freedom Writers, a teacher is able to transform the hardened hearts of her students. It is the dramatic retelling of the true story about Erin Gruwell, who was able to connect with her students who are trapped in a world of gangs, intolerance and violence. Utilizing The Diary of Anne Frank, she is able to teach the class about the horrors of the holocaust and compare the actions of the Nazis to the depravity of gang violence.

America is under siege with the pervasiveness of the debased gang mentality, so profoundly influenced by broken families, shattered communities, drugs for pleasure and profit, despair, disillusionment and the crisis of leadership. Freedom Writers delivers hope through the power of a dedicated, passionate and persevering teacher who can mold hearts and transform lives, a classroom, a school and the community.

Learn more about the Freedom Writers Foundation

Visit the Freedom Writers Movie website