NorthwestPrime

In a few short years, author, songwriter, motivational speaker and freedom writer Darrius Garrett transitioned from the ’hood to humanitarian, reaching heights he once could only imagine. As an inner-city youth of Long Beach, Calif., Garrett could easily have become a product of his environment but rose instead to become a pillar of his community. He became a New York Times bestselling author at a young age when he co-wrote The Freedom Writers Diary, which inspired the 2007 movie The Freedom Writers starring Hilary Swank. In the film, Garrett was portrayed as the heart-wrenching character Marcus. He also wrote the song “Change” for the movie’s soundtrack.  As a freedom writer, Garrett was co-recipient of the Spirit of Anne Frank Award, the Crystal Apple Award and other honors. He has shared his story with the likes of Miep Gies, the Dutch woman who hid Anne Frank; former U.S. Secretary of Education Richard Riley; and singer/actor/activist Harry Belafonte. The story has also been featured on segments on Primetime Live with Connie Chung, The Oprah Winfrey Show and NPR, as well as in articles in the L.A. Times, the Long Beach Press-Telegram and the Associated Press. Garrett’s recent works include a book of poetry titled Poetic Thoughts and the soon-to-be-published Diary of a Freedom Writer: The Experience. He frequently speaks to at-risk youth in schools and detention centers, as well as educators, social workers, businesspeople and politicians. Motivating his audiences with his story of hope, tolerance and action, Garrett encourages them to become the fire that ignites change.

In a few short years, author, songwriter, motivational speaker and freedom writer Darrius Garrett transitioned from the ’hood to humanitarian, reaching heights he once could only imagine. As an inner-city youth of Long Beach, Calif., Garrett could easily have become a product of his environment but rose instead to become a pillar of his community. He became a New York Times bestselling author at a young age when he co-wrote The Freedom Writers Diary, which inspired the 2007 movie The Freedom Writers starring Hilary Swank. In the film, Garrett was portrayed as the heart-wrenching character Marcus. He also wrote the song “Change” for the movie’s soundtrack.  As a freedom writer, Garrett was co-recipient of the Spirit of Anne Frank Award, the Crystal Apple Award and other honors. He has shared his story with the likes of Miep Gies, the Dutch woman who hid Anne Frank; former U.S. Secretary of Education Richard Riley; and singer/actor/activist Harry Belafonte. The story has also been featured on segments on Primetime Live with Connie Chung, The Oprah Winfrey Show and NPR, as well as in articles in the L.A. Times, the Long Beach Press-Telegram and the Associated Press. Garrett’s recent works include a book of poetry titled Poetic Thoughts and the soon-to-be-published Diary of a Freedom Writer: The Experience. He frequently speaks to at-risk youth in schools and detention centers, as well as educators, social workers, businesspeople and politicians. Motivating his audiences with his story of hope, tolerance and action, Garrett encourages them to become the fire that ignites change.

Tommy Simmoms, Seattle Singer/Songwriter lost his mother to Leukemia. Her illness and following death inspired Simmons to write music that led to his album "Someway Somehow". This inspirational album HIT THE TOP 15 ON ITUNES. We check in with Tommy Simmons to see how his life is going with the success of his CD and how he is moving forward after the loss of his mother.

We also explore why men love Fabio as much as women...if not more! We talk to men and unravel the mystery of Fabio!

Tommy Simmoms, Seattle Singer/Songwriter lost his mother to Leukemia. Her illness and following death inspired Simmons to write music that led to his album "Someway Somehow". This inspirational album HIT THE TOP 15 ON ITUNES. We check in with Tommy Simmons to see how his life is going with the success of his CD and how he is moving forward after the loss of his mother.

We also explore why men love Fabio as much as women...if not more! We talk to men and unravel the mystery of Fabio!