EVENT DETAILS

Advance screening of the new documentary "Freedom Writers: Stories from the Heart," followed by Q & A and book signing with UCI alumna Erin Gruwell (English '91)

“Stories from the Heart” is an in-depth documentary screening of the events that created the Freedom Writers. Told from the perspective of Erin Gruwell and her students, “Stories” depicts what happened before, during and after the Freedom Writers entered Room 203 twenty years ago. Encouraged by Gruwell, her students discovered a new way to express themselves, and they began to embrace history, humanity, and hope. By sharing their stories, they rewrite their futures and become catalysts for change. This event is free and open to the public.

Erin Gruwell is a teacher, an author, and the founder of the Freedom Writers Foundation. By fostering an educational philosophy that values and promotes diversity, Erin transformed her students’ lives. She encouraged them to re-think rigid beliefs about themselves and others, reconsider daily decisions, and ultimately re-chart their futures. Erin and her students captured their collective journey in The Freedom Writers Diary. Erin currently teaches educators around the world how to implement her innovative lesson plans into their own classrooms. She created the Freedom Writers Methodology, a progressive teaching philosophy, and curricula designed to achieve excellence from all students. Erin continues to fight for equality in education and inspires teachers and students all over the world with her work. Erin’s favorite Humanities courses at UCI included anything by Dr. Lupton, specifically her British Lit classes; as well as an autobiography class that Erin took which helped her immensely when writing her memoir.
 
Sponsored by Illuminations, School of Education and School of Humanities.