Richard Riley Character Analysis in The Freedom Writers Diary

United States Secretary of Education Richard Riley meets the Freedom Writers in Washington, where they are able to share their stories with him. In turn, he shares his own tales of hardship with the students and makes them feel that he truly cares about them and their education. He tells them that they are the leaders of the future, a message that has a strong impact on these students’ minds, inspiring them to trust that they, too, can become important people in their society.

Richard Riley Character Timeline in The Freedom Writers Diary

The timeline below shows where the character Richard Riley appears in The Freedom Writers Diary. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

...to them. They decide to share their stories with United States Secretary of Education, Richard Riley, and want to find a way to go to meet Riley in person in Washington,... (full context)

Race, Ethnicity, and Tolerance Theme Icon

...Riders’ path and show their passion for tolerance and diversity by going to meet Richard Riley in Washington, D.C. S/he hopes that, by speaking out, they can make adults aware of... (full context)

This student describes the momentous event of their meeting with Richard Riley. While she was afraid it might be a boring evening, filled with speeches for adults,... (full context)

This student transcribes the poem s/he read at the dinner with Richard Riley. This poem celebrates the diversity of skin colors and activities that humans engage in, concluding... (full context)

When this student sees Richard Riley at the dinner in Washington, D.C., he immediately notices their sharp differences in race, culture,... (full context)

When he hears Riley talk about fighting discrimination in the South, he is reminded of the night his brother... (full context)

The student wants Riley to read his story so that he can see that the shooters merely shot his... (full context)

After giving a copy of their book to Richard Riley, the Freedom Writers hold a candlelight vigil for all the victims of violence they knew.... (full context)