Darrius Garrett
A Student Ignored, Now a Voice Heard Around the World
In a few short years, author, actor, songwriter, motivational speaker and freedom writer 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 easily have become a product of his environment but rose instead to become a pillar of his community. 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 was portrayed as the heart-wrenching character Marcus. He also wrote and performed the song "Change" for the movie's soundtrack.
As a freedom writer, Garrett was co-recipient of the Spirit of Anne Frank Award, the Crystal Apple Award and other honors. He has shared his story with the likes of 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 published entitled Diary of a Freedom Writer: The Experience. He frequently speaks to at-risk youth in schools and detention centers, as well as 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.
A Student Ignored, Now a Voice Heard Around the World
In a few short years, author, actor, songwriter, motivational speaker and freedom writer 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 easily have become a product of his environment but rose instead to become a pillar of his community. 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 was portrayed as the heart-wrenching character Marcus. He also wrote and performed the song "Change" for the movie's soundtrack.
As a freedom writer, Garrett was co-recipient of the Spirit of Anne Frank Award, the Crystal Apple Award and other honors. He has shared his story with the likes of 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 published entitled Diary of a Freedom Writer: The Experience. He frequently speaks to at-risk youth in schools and detention centers, as well as 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.
From Hustling to Hope - How Being A Freedom Writer Changed 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 transitionfrom 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...
From Mayhem to Mentor
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.
From Low to leadership
From Hustling to Hope
Format: _ minute [keynote]
This program is perfect for:
- [Middle-College Students]
- [At-Risk Youth]
The audience will leave with:
- [Inspired]
- [Motivated]
[Timing was everything for Darrius Garrett as he was headed down a road of destruction
that only promised him a short lived destiny to see the age of 16 if he was...
Teaching with your Heart
Format: _ minute [keynote, workshop, breakout, etc..]
This program is perfect for:
- [Teacher & Parents]
- [Leadership Staff]
The audience will leave with:
- [Knowledge of better ways to teach]
- [Input on how to better reach their students]
[The Importance of Teachers Who Cares in Education
Darrius shares his vivid...
Diary of a Freedom Writer “The Experience”
Format: _ 45-60 min [keynote]
This program is perfect for:
- At-Risk or Adolescent Youth
- Teachers & Educators
The audience will leave with:
- Inspiration
- Change
Diary of a Freedom Writer “The Experience” is a book written by Darrius Garrett describing the various experiences in his life that led to...
