FREEDOM WRITER
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Darrius always knew he wanted better out of life, but he could only find a way out once inspired by his teacher Erin Gruwell. An immediate change overcame him after a few life-changing events as a Freedom Writer, such as the "toast for change" and his life-changing meeting with Miep Gies, the woman who hid Anne Frank, as depicted in the movie "Freedom Writers." He realized that he didn't want the street life anymore, and he tried to change no matter what, even if it meant losing his life. Darrius began to see the Freedom Writers movement as an opportunity to save other kids' lives and right the wrongs of his past. Since the beginning of the movement, Darrius has spoken at countless schools, churches, community and convention centers. He is proud of his work in juvenile detention facilities and group homes. Darrius was featured on numerous news programs for his work with the Freedom Writers. He is grateful for Erin Gruwell, the Freedom Writers, and the change they contributed to him making in his life. In 1994 Darrius Garrett was released from jail for drug possession with ambitions to change his life. That's when he was placed into the classroom of a preppy white school teacher from Newport Beach, CA., named Erin Gruwell. She was a woman who brought the talents out of her students and pointed out their greatness. Sharing their stories and dubbing themselves the Freedom Writers, Darrius has achieved the opportunity to become something he never thought of becoming; a catalyst for change. Rising from the ashes of Drug dealing, Homelessness, Gang violence, and poor mental health, as written about in the new book Diary of A Freedom Writer "The Experience," Darrius expresses how being a student of a world-renowned English Teacher, Erin Gruwell, and becoming a Freedom Writer helped save his life. He was headed down the wrong road but wanted to change. Darrius encountered a new family that he loved dearly. His Freedom Writer Family. Darrius says that being in that group helps keep him from many instances where he may have taken his life or possibly murdered someone else. A big guy with a big heart, he is whom Erin Gruwell describes as her big Teddy Bear. Darrius has achieved remarkable feats such as being the first in his family of men to Graduate High School, winning awards as a Freedom Writer, and traveling around the World, helping motivate youth that can relate to his story—along with his most immense love of his kids, becoming the father he never had. Many people can connect to the freedom writers, and Darrius uses the fact that most people can relate to his story to help turn them around. To bring Darrius to your event, click the link below.
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