In this episode of the Freedom Writers Podcast, Erin Gruwell sits down with original Freedom Writer Tanya Payne to discuss her experiences growing up in Long Beach, navigating systemic inequality, and discovering the power of community. Tanya reflects on the life lessons she learned through failure, the importance of tough love, and how finding her place within the Freedom Writers helped her embrace her authentic self. As Tanya now faces a battle with cancer, we invite you to join us in supporting her: Donate to her GoFundMe: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-tanyas-brave-cancer-journey Assist through Lotsa Helping Hands: https://my.lotsahelpinghands.com/request/tanya-payne-healing/select-email And of course a very special thank you to the Port of Long Beach for generously sponsoring this episode.