PRESS RELEASE: Education to Unlock Your Future: The Freedom Writers
SAN FRANCISCO, CA—June 3, 2010—Opening the presentation with a clip from an ABC special was received with mixed reviews from the audience. With the range of different emotions from the audience, the guest speaker took her place in the front of the classroom and instantly silenced the crowd, entrancing everyone in attendance.
The speaker, Maria Reyes, is one of the original Freedom Writers. She came to the units with passion and enthusiasm for the young people with whom she was speaking. Her story mirrored the youths' in the room: in and out of Juvenile Hall since she was nine years old, a third generation gang member who cared about very little in her life, and living in poverty in the hood of east Los Angeles. The summer before starting high school, Maria witnessed 25 of her friends fall victim to gang violence. Entering High School she was placed in a classroom for low-performing students, taught by Erin Gruwell. It was in this classroom where Maria's life changed; she became the woman she wanted to be, not what society predicted her to become. Guided by this inspiration she went on to be the first high school and college graduate in her family.
Maria Reyes' ability to relate to the young men and women prompted questions and passionate conversation. Maria's visit to the San Francisco's Juvenile Justice Center came days after the detained youth watched the movie Freedom Writers, and after the film they eagerly began reading the book. At the conclusion of her presentation hands shot up with excitement to ask Maria questions; questions about how she got to college and her relationship with her father, which sparked powerful conversation amongst the group. The life Maria Reyes spoke about mirrored many of their own. Maria offered these youth advice that was respected by these young people because she understands exactly what they are going through. Maria left promising to respond to any further questions they may have in the future and encouraging them to take responsibility for their education.
About the Freedom Writers
The Freedom Writers Foundation, a nonprofit organization founded in 1997, positively impacts communities by decreasing high school drop out rates through the replication and enhancement of the Freedom Writers Method. www.freedomwritersfoundation.org
About City Youth Now:
City Youth Now supports youth in the San Francisco foster care and juvenile justice systems by providing funds for services and programs that promote stability and personal growth. www.cityyouthnow.org
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Press Contact:
Elizabeth Fairbanks
Executive Director
City Youth Now
elizabeth@cityyouthnow.org
