Freedom Writers Visit College, Inspiring a Community Through Storytelling

Moreno Valley College experienced living history on Sept. 24 when educator Erin Gruwell and the original Freedom Writers shared their story of resilience and transformation on campus. Hosted by MVC TRIO Programs, the visit offered students, faculty, and the community a rare and powerful opportunity to hear firsthand how storytelling can shape lives and education.

The Freedom Writers began in 1994 when Gruwell taught a group of at-risk students at Woodrow Wilson High School in Long Beach, California. Many faced violence, poverty, and racial division. Gruwell encouraged them to write their stories, not perfectly, but truthfully. Their journals became The Freedom Writers Diary, a New York Times bestseller, and inspired the 2007 film Freedom Writers. The movement that grew out of their work continues to influence educators worldwide, demonstrating the impact of empathy and student-centered learning.

At MVC, the message resonated across campus through two powerful events. The midday “Lunch and Learn” filled the room, with attendees lining up to hear Gruwell and original Freedom Writer Mauricio “Tony” Becerra share their stories. Many students brought family members, and student parents brought young children, representing a generational impact that extended the event’s significance beyond the classroom.

Later that evening, the community gathered once again for a culminating event that echoed a pivotal moment from the film. Attendees participated in “A Toast for Change,” a reflective activity that left many in tears and reminded participants of the power of one person to see differently and act courageously to change the trajectory of generations.

Gruwell encouraged attendees to “just write” as a way to process experiences, find voice, and create change. She expanded on the broader importance of literacy, noting the power of inspiring students to read as well as write, a message that resonated strongly with community college students balancing work, family, and life transitions. The Freedom Writers’ story is a reminder that education can be a bridge to opportunity and self-discovery, regardless of age or background.

“This was a landmark for our students,” said Micki R. Grayson, director of MVC TRIO Programs. “Hearing directly from the Freedom Writers proves that the classroom is not confined by walls or textbooks. It is built on courage, honesty, and the belief that every student has a story worth telling. That lesson will stay with our campus long after this day.”

Rather than closing the book on this event, the Freedom Writers’ visit challenges the MVC community to carry the message forward: to write, to listen, and to continue building an inclusive environment where every voice matters.