June 2nd Keynote Speaker
Erin Gruwell
Erin Gruwell is an acclaimed teacher, author, and activist dedicated to championing equity and social justice. She first captured national attention through an ABC PrimeTime Live special with Connie Chung, where she and her 150 students, known as the Freedom Writers, shared their powerful stories. These students, hailing from backgrounds filled with poverty, gang influence, and violence, faced significant risks of dropping out due to the school-to-prison pipeline. However, under Erin’s inspirational guidance, all 150 Freedom Writers graduated from high school and pursued higher education. Their journey was chronicled in the 1999 book, “The Freedom Writers Diary,” which became a #1 New York Times bestseller and highlighted their transformation from adversity to triumph.
As the Freedom Writers celebrate their 30th anniversary, Erin’s story remains as impactful as ever. The book’s success led to its adaptation into the major motion picture “Freedom Writers,” starring two-time Academy Award-winner Hilary Swank as Erin. The film amplified Erin’s impact, and she has since leveraged her platform to further advocate for equity and inclusion through her non-profit organization, the Freedom Writers Foundation.
Erin’s transformative work has earned her numerous humanitarian accolades, including the prestigious Spirit of Anne Frank Award. She and the Freedom Writers have appeared on prominent television programs such as Oprah, The View, Good Morning America, and NBC’s TODAY, and have been featured on National Public Radio and in major publications like People magazine. Their story was also showcased in the Emmy Award-winning PBS documentary “Freedom Writers: Stories from the Heart.”
In addition to her educational reform efforts, Erin hosts “The Freedom Writers Podcast,” featuring conversations with authors, activists, and civil rights icons. In 2022, Erin and the Freedom Writers Foundation released their latest book, “Dear Freedom Writer,” which pairs heartfelt letters from a new generation of students with personal responses from the original Freedom Writers.
Erin Gruwell’s compelling message of hope and possibility resonates deeply with audiences, inspiring them to stand up, speak up, and speak out. Her powerful narratives and tireless advocacy make her an exceptional choice for keynotes and presentations, where she continues to motivate and empower listeners around the world.
Updated List of Books & Resources
- The Freedom Writers Diary
- The Freedom Writers Diary: Teacher’s Guide
- Teach With Your Heart
- Teaching Hope
- Dear Freedom Writer
- The Freedom Writers Podcast
- Freedom Writers – feature film
- Freedom Writers: Stories from the Heart