Original Freedom Writer Darrius Garrett

The Importance of Teachers Who Cares and Education

Darrius shares his vivid stories of his Educational Experience and the role that education, especially writing and reading, played in helping him change the direction of his life. Darrius speaking style is explained as original, charismatic, and brilliant as he feeds off of the vibe of the audience spiritually and emotionally then delivers a powerhouse speech that touches each and every member of the audience in a different way

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From Hustling to Hope
How being a Freedom Writer saved my life

Timing was everything for Darrius Garrett as he was headed down a road of destruction
that only promised him maybe to see the age of 16, which many including himself didn’t
think he would see. Darrius takes us on a journey in his involvement with Ms. Gruwell as a Freedom Writer which couldn’t have come at a perfect time where he was able to transition from what he knew all his life to grow and be the man he is today. Though the heart wrenching story of trial to triumph is written in his upcoming book Diary of A Freedom Writer “The Expereince” Darrius spoken word and recollect of what occurred and the process of change is described by audience members as nothing short of amazing.

In a few short years, Darrius Garrett transitioned from the ’hood to humanitarian, reaching heights he once could only imagine. As an inner-city youth of Long Beach, Calif., Garrett could have quickly become a product of his environment but rose instead to become a community pillar. He became a New York Times bestselling author at a young age when he co-wrote The Freedom Writers Diary, which inspired the 2007 movie The Freedom Writers starring Hilary Swank. In the film, Garrett is portrayed as the heart-wrenching character Marcus. He also wrote the song “Change” for the movie’s soundtrack.

As a member of the Freedom Writers, Garrett was co-recipient of the Spirit of Anne Frank Award, the Crystal Apple Award, and other honors. He has shared his story with Miep Gies, the Dutch woman who hid Anne Frank; former U.S. Secretary of Education Richard Riley; and singer/actor/activist Harry Belafonte. The story has also been featured on segments on Primetime Live with Connie Chung, The Oprah Winfrey Show, and NPR, as well as in articles in the L.A. Times, the Long Beach Press-Telegram, and the Associated Press. Garrett’s recent works include a book of poetry titled Poetic Thoughts and the soon-to-be-published Diary of a Freedom Writer: The Experience. He frequently speaks to at-risk youth in schools and detention centers, educators, social workers, businesspeople, and politicians. Motivating his audiences with his story of hope, tolerance, and action, Garrett encourages them to become the fire that ignites change.

Options of Subjects In Which Darrius Can Speak On Are The Following:

Bullying
Drugs
Gangs
Success
Entrepreneurship
Leadership
Suicide
Death (Dealing With Loss)
Encouragement
Jail
Sexual Abuse
Tolerance
Hope
Change
Leaving a Legacy
Goals, Morals
Dreams
Depression
Homelessness
The effects of Drugs
The effects of Violence
Writing a Bestselling book
Freedom Writers
How to channel Great Ideas
and more

If you are interested in having Darrius speak at your event, please contact us by clicking on the Booking Form in the upper right hand corner.