FOREST CITY – Waldorf University is excited to once again host Erin Gruwell and the Freedom Writers on Tuesday, Oct. 15 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. in the Odvin Hagen Music Center recital hall located at Waldorf University. The event address is 106 S. 6th St Forest City, Ia. 50436. A free showing of the 20th-anniversary documentary “Freedom Writers, Stories from the Heart” will begin at 7:00 p.m. followed by a question-and-answer period with Erin and some of the original Freedom Writers. The event is free to the public, and educators with students are encouraged to attend.
Gruwell has earned an award-winning reputation for her steadfast commitment to the future of education. Her impact as a change agent attracted Hollywood’s attention, and in 2007, Paramount Pictures released “Freedom Writers,” starring Hilary Swank as Erin. The film is based on “The Freedom Writers Diary,” the New York Times bestseller that chronicled Gruwell’s extraordinary journey with her 150 high school students who dubbed themselves the “Freedom Writers” in homage to the Civil Rights activists the Freedom Riders.
This year marks the 20th anniversary of Gruwell’s life-changing work with the group of 150 troubled teens at Wilson High School located in Long Beach California. To celebrate the 20thanniversary a new documentary titled “Freedom Writers, Stories from the Heart,” has been created depicting what happened before, during, and after the Freedom Writers entered Room 203.
Gruwell and her students have appeared on numerous television shows, including Oprah, Prime Time Live with Connie Chung, Barbara Walters’ The View, and Good Morning America. Their story has earned them dozens of awards, including the Spirit of Anne Frank Award.
For more information please send inquiries to president@waldorf.edu.
Founded in 1903, Waldorf University is a regionally-accredited liberal arts university located in the heart of Forest City, Iowa. Waldorf delivers engaging learning experiences through innovative residential and online instruction, providing its students associate, bachelor’s and master’s degrees and certificates in the areas of business, communication, criminal justice administration, education, music, psychology, theatre and more. Visit www.Waldorf.edu to learn more.
