Erin Gruwell, who inspired "Freedom Writers" film, to speak in Collier County

The California English teacher who inspired the 2007 film Freedom Writers is set to speak in Collier County this week.

In 1994, Erin Gruwell taught English to 150 at-risk students in Long Beach, California. Her unique teaching methods culminated in The Freedom Writers Diary, a bestselling book that chronicled the journal entries of her students, many of whom experienced racial discrimination and gang violence. After teaching, Gruwell founded the Freedom Writers Foundation, an organization dedicated to student empowerment and providing resources for teachers.

Gruwell will be the keynote speaker for "Triumph 2017: The Freedom Writers Story," an event organized by the Holocaust Museum & Education Center of Southwest Florida.

Also during the event, Bonita Springs Charter School teacher Alison Kearney will share how the museum's programs have inspired her eighth-graders over the years, and local artist Juan Diaz will unveil a piece commissioned by the museum to celebrate the lives of Holocaust survivors and World War II liberators.

The event takes place March 22 at the Quail West Golf & Country Club. A reception starts at 5:30 p.m., and the program beings at 6:15 p.m.

Tickets are $275 each. Event sponsorship packages are also available. To purchase tickets, contact Tim Morrison at Tim@HolocaustMuseumSWFL.org or call 239-263-9200.

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