Now that the craziness from last week has settled down, I can take this moment to reflect on the Freedom Writer’s movie premier and opening night. Let me start by saying this, at first I was caught in the stereotype of what was portrayed in the movie. The racial issues relating to Hollywood’s lack of positive portrayal of minority cultures and the idea of yet another Dangerous Minds. My first reaction to the movie was to say, that is not my story on the screen, I was not one of “those kids.” Then I had to check myself, remembering that there was no way the writers could have covered every individual story and that the book had been largely condensed to the most simplistic form possible.

When I saw the movie a second time, I was enamored by the collective stories as told on screen. I felt the struggle and triumph of the Freedom Writers I have known for nearly 10 years, and relived parts of my own life vicariously. So riveted was I with this strange emotion, I could not hold back my tears as I usually do. The lights came up and all I could do was sit there, shaken to the core with the knowledge that I had part in creating and inspiring an emotionally thrilling movie, which was very connected to the true story.

The day of the premier I wanted to make a day of going through the process of getting dolled up; getting my hair and nails done, then sitting at home getting a massage or something ridiculously lavish as I imagine celebrities do before their big nights. Alas, I am no celebrity. I faithfully put in some voracious reading time and promoting a few Know More Media articles before getting dressed, giving instructions to the sitter and rushing off for my night at the gala. Mind you, I had already seen the movie several times, so my attendance to this event was mostly social.

 Jason Finn ("Marcus") poses with sister, my cousin and me.

Freedom Writers cast members from top left: Sergio Montalvo ("Alejandro"), Hunter Parish ("Ben"), Deance Wyatt ("Jamal"), Giovonnie Samuels ("Victoria") and sister

I’m sure everyone wants to know the answer to is did I walk the red carpet. Well…Let’s just say that I walked a red carpet and happily accepted the free refreshments. As we all filed into the main screen room, I noticed that there were quite a few Freedom Writers in attendance; some of which I had not seen since high school. I resisted the urge to jump up giving everyone hugs in the essence of good manners and made a mental note to say hello once the movie was over. After viewing the movie, the crowd spilled out into the foyer and out of the building to commence with the love fest that is practically any gathering involving the Freedom Writers.

It was great to see Hunter Parrish (“Ben”) and Giovonnie Samuels (“Victoria”) who have come to a few recent Freedom Writer gatherings. I also ran into one of the girls who was a background classmate in the movie and got the eerie feeling that she had no idea why I spoke to her as I passed her on the way into the bathroom. Kingston Technology CEO and original Freedom Writer benefactor John Tu (photographed with Freedom Writer Manuel Scott at right), the Dream Team Moms, and countless other supporters, mentors, and parents were at the event and I was pleasantly surprised to see one of my cousins also in attendance. Once the love-fest was over, the Freedom Writer friends and family returned to the charter buses Paramount provided and headed home.

The next day a small group of Freedom Writers met at the Cenemark Theater at the Pike in Long Beach, to watch the movie on opening night with the general public, after which we convened at the FW Headquarters (Ms. G’s house) for a celebration. I invited my mother, younger brother Chris and my youngest sister Jalana to come along. After introducing Jalana and Chris to as many Freedom Writers as possible, I spent the rest of the evening getting Freedom Writers to sign books (reprinted with a movie poster cover!) for them, which my brother and sister were very excited to read.

While it was great to be interviewed by the Press Telegram and a reporter from  Anderson Cooper °360 on CNN, attend a Hollywood movie premier and know that the box office reports ranked Freedom Writers #4 for the week-end, the best moment of all was when my looked at me misty-eyed, said she was proud of me and that she had a new respect for Erin in light of the story as depicted by the movie. I can’t wait to see what the rest of the year brings!