Erin Gruwell & Original Freedom Writer Mauricio “Tony” Becerra Visit Nassau Community College for Series of Workshops

GARDEN CITY, N.Y. — October 20, 2026 — Nassau Community College welcomed acclaimed educator, activist, and author, Erin Gruwell and Original Freedom Writer Mauricio “Tony” Becerra to campus on October 8 for a series of workshops focused on the importance of civility and the power of education, storytelling and finding one’s voice. The Freedom Writers’ story was chronicled in the New York Times Best Seller The Freedom Writers Diary and the 2007 film Freedom Writers starring Academy Award winner Hilary Swank as Erin.

The Freedom Writers are known for their inspiring story of educator Erin Gruwell and her students who dubbed themselves the “Freedom Writers” in homage to the Freedom Riders of the Civil Rights Movement. Gruwell used writing and personal experiences to overcome challenges and build understanding across differences among her students. Gruwell founded the Freedom Writers Foundation 20 years ago, has taught educators around the world and along with The Freedom Writers has presented lifechanging events to schools and organizations all over the world.

During their visit, Gruwell and Becerra engaged with NCC students, faculty and administrators through interactive workshops, sharing their experiences and encouraging students to use writing and personal storytelling as tools for self-expression, connection and positive change. The visit provided the NCC community with an opportunity to learn directly from Gruwell and Becerra and hear firsthand about the experiences that shaped their lives and their continued commitment to education and empowering young people.

Of this form of education, Laura O’Connell, a Professor in the Humanities, Fine, and Performing Arts Department noted,  “As an educator who experienced The Freedom Writers Foundation’s Institute in 2024, I am thrilled that the NCC community has also been able to experience the impactful messages from the Freedom Writers. I believe that high impact practices such as exposing students to powerful voices paired with classroom learning proves to be the greatest form of education and that is what has happened here today.”

A student who attended the event said, “I felt so moved and felt seen and heard in many ways.” The student was so impacted by the event that she went on to write Gruwell and Becerra a letter expressing the positive change they made through their appearance.
The workshop series reflects NCC’s ongoing commitment to bringing engaging speakers and educational experiences to campus while encouraging students to explore their own voices, perspectives and potential.

About Nassau Community College

Nassau Community College (NCC), a campus of the State University of New York (SUNY), provides a comprehensive public college experience designed to prepare students to start, and continue, their successful journeys through higher education. Serving more than 18,000 full-time and part-time students annually, NCC offers 60+ degree and certificate programs. Through on-campus and online offerings, the College educates local and international students and boasts more than 166,000+ alumni. Situated on 225 acres in Garden City, Long Island, NCC is located in historic Nassau County, one of the most desirable locations to live in the United States and an epicenter for business and careers. Since 1959, the College has earned a nationwide reputation for academic excellence, affordability, and ease of transferability to four-year schools.