In a recent conversation with my friend Troielle the subject of gang violence and riots was initiated. We discovered that the content of the movie “Freedom Writers” was based on a rebellion that succeeded the 1992 Los Angeles Civil Unrest/ Rodney King Uprising.
-if you have nothing to watch this weekend -
I became determined to fully research the occurrence that sparked a national outbreak. Here’s what I have gathered:
(Delivered in my ‘Breaking News’ Voice)
The 1992 ‘matter’ showcases Rodney King an African American gentleman and four LAPD officials. The plot thickens when a high speed pursuit ensues through the highways and byways of Los Angeles; Rodney King is on the go. When King however finally comes to a stop, his arrest is ordered.
Standard procedure calls for tackling and cuffing the suspect. King however is tasered, kicked in the head and beaten with PR24 batons before he is administered standard procedure. The ‘incident’ as we call it is captured on a camcorder by a resident, from his bedroom window and taken to court.
As was expected the media goes haywire, causing close to 100 articles to be published in the Los Angeles Times, New York Times, Chicago Tribune, etc. Despite evidentiary support however, the four LAPD officials are acquitted by jury.
This in turn sparks numerous riots throughout the nation including The Chicago, Atlanta and Las Vegas Riots; causing millions of dollars in damage of public property and hundreds of people injured and killed. The rebellion pursues for years and grips society by the neck; causing substantial deterioration in not only national security but also in the education system.
-rodney king beating-
It amazes me how the story of one man changed the history of a nation, and the inspiration of one woman revamped society. This article isn’t to showcase the battle of the sexes, or racism, or even injustice; it is to fuel the concept of ‘one’. It took ‘one’ dedicated teacher to spark a revolution; it took ‘one’ dedicated teacher to birth the “Freedom Writers.” It takes ‘one’ you, to be the change you want to see.
Erin Gruwell - Freedom Writers Founder
#FoodForThought
