PG-13 | 2 h 3 min | Drama, Biopic | 2007
In 2021, at least 31 U.S. states reported rising high-school dropout rates, over twice that in the previous year. That wouldn’t be as tragic if it weren’t for the fact that graduates are likelier than dropouts to secure jobs, earn better, and escape street-crime, addiction, and race-related gangsterism. It’s why Erin Gruwell’s heroism 30 years ago at Wilson High, Long Beach, is staggering.
As a 25-year-old white woman, teaching largely Latino, Asian, and Black students from troubled backgrounds, Gruwell made history by lifting graduation rates at her school. Ms. G, as her class lovingly called her, didn’t stop with ensuring that they graduated, she started a movement that thrives even today. Gruwell’s 150 students went on to become teachers, writers, architects, nurses, and techies. Thousands of educators mentored over the years by her Freedom Writers Foundation, are inspiring those battling homelessness, addiction, bullying, depression, and suicide….