Inspiration for the Freedom Writers By aquilakm Period: Jan 1, 1990 to Dec 31, 1995 Asian-Latino gang war grips Long Beach Period: Mar 9, 1990 to Mar 9, 2000 Huge demographic changes in Southern California lead to racial tension Apr 29, 1992 Verdict in Rodney King Trial Announced - Riots Begin Period: Sep 1, 1993 to Jan 16, 2006 Erin begins teaching at Woodrow Wilson High School through the release of the Freedom Writers movie Sep 14, 1993 Drawing of Sharaud leads to Erin's first "teachable moment" and a breakthrough with her class Nov 23, 1993 Snoop Dogg's album Doggystyle is Released and goes Quadruple Platinum Dec 15, 1993 Spielberg's epic "Schindler's List" is released May 23, 1994 The Freedom Writers write letters to Steven Spielberg and meet him in person Oct 6, 1994 Line game gives Erin hope for her new class Nov 9, 1995 Treaty signed in Paris to end Bosnian War Feb 11, 1996 Miep and Zlata come to Long Beach Dec 16, 1996 Erin confronts Tommy about the "F" he's given himself Mar 9, 1997 Diversity Ambassadors in Long Beach follow in footsteps of Freedom Writers Nov 21, 1997 Freedom Writers book deal accepted Jun 9, 1999 Select Freedom Writers travel to Europe