Author
From The Freedom Writers Diary to original poetry, memoir and stories for young readers—words that turn lived experience into possibility.
Discover the story01 THE STORY
A life rewritten
He didn’t just survive his story.
He became its author.
“My past gave me a story. My purpose gave me a reason to live.”
— Darrius Garrett
Growing up in Long Beach, California, Darrius faced homelessness, incarceration and gang involvement before a classroom—and a teacher who believed in him—helped change the direction of his life.
As an original member of the Freedom Writers, his words became part of the New York Times bestseller The Freedom Writers Diary and helped inspire the 2007 feature film Freedom Writers. The character Marcus was based on his life and writing.
Today, Darrius uses every platform available—books, stages, screens, podcasts and music—to educate, encourage and inspire people to see beyond where they started.
Milestones & Accolades
1994Released from jail
1994Became part of the Freedom Writers
1998Co-recipient of the KNBC Crystal Apple Award
1999Published The Freedom Writers Diary
2007Freedom Writers film
2007Penned “Change” for the Freedom Writers soundtrack
2013Released memoir Diary of a Freedom Writer
2013Published “Poetic Thoughts”—a collection of original poetry reflecting life experiences, emotions, struggles, growth and personal perspective
2015Freedom Writers: Stories from an Undeclared War documentary
2019PBS documentary Freedom Writers: Stories from the Heart
2019Co-wrote the 20th Anniversary Edition of The Freedom Writers Diary
2020Freedom Writers: Stories from the Heart won an Emmy
2026IamDarriusGarrett.org went live
2026Released first full-length Gospel Rap album “I’M A Turn Up” by K.I.N.G Music under Garrett Group Entertainment, expanding Darrius Garrett’s inspirational, faith-centered message through hip-hop
∞Stories still to tell