Freedom Writers Documentary Screening

            Last night we had the opportunity to attend a screening of the documentary “Stories from an Undeclared War,” the inspirational story of a group of people who in the midst of violence and hatred found the courage to change their lives, and the world.  Their story is one that proves that the power of the human spirit can overcome any obstacle.  The documentary itself was incredible, giving viewers a chance to really experience the emotion of Erin Gruwell and her students, and to hear their story from their perspective.  It was amazing to watch a group of young adults who had been written off beat the odds and become the voice of a generation. 

Following the documentary, during a question and answer session, we got to hear two of the writers Sue Ellen Alpizar and Tony Becerra, and Erin about talk about their experiences and how their lives were affected. It was great to see that years later they are still as passionate about their cause as they were in 1998.

Not only did we have the privilege of viewing the documentary, but we had the chance to meet the remarkable people behind the story.  As inspiring as they are in the documentary, they are even more so in person.  They are unbelievable individuals and are as kind as they are driven.  Through the Freedom Writers Foundation, Erin and the Writers continue to help students all over the country who like them had been given up on.  Meeting Erin, Tony and Sue Ellen, and seeing the documentary was a touching experience for all of us.   It was really a great night!

On a final note we here at edWeb.net are proud and excited to be working with Erin and the Freedom Writers to produce a series of webinars about Freedom Writer teachers and their stories entitled the Freedom Writer's Teachers Diary.  If you would like to join the community, you can do so at www.edWeb.net/freedomwriters.   To find out more about the Freedom Writers and their story you can visit their website at www.freedomwritersfoundation.org.