The screenwriter of the autobiographical film ?Antwone Fisher? was taught by a Bermudian teacher in the 1970s.

Mr. Fisher will be speaking to Bermuda College students tonight at 7 p.m. in North Hall lecture theatre.

His eponymous film was released two years ago and starred Derek Luke as Mr. Fisher and Denzel Washington as a counsellor who helped the once angry and self-destructive young man overcome his problems and change his life.

But before the man who inspired Denzel?s character came along, Bermudian Jonathan (?Johnny B?) Benjamin taught Mr. Fisher mathematics in Middle School, in Cleveland, Ohio ? and made a difference.

Mr. Fisher said Mr. Benjamin always made a good impression: ?During the 70s everyone, including teachers, was superfly ? big afros and platform shoes ? but not Mr. Benjamin, he was always dressed conservatively with turtlenecks, ties and always smelled of cologne.

?He stood out for a black man ? you couldn?t walk up to him in the corridor and give him five.?

Mr. Fisher, a married father of two girls, was diagnosed with dyslexia after going through school thinking he was not smart.

?Once I knew ? I ran out and told everyone ? hey man, I have dyslexia,? he said.

?If I had never found out, I wouldn?t have become a writer ? I would have had a factory job, somewhere I could use my hands.?

Mr. Fisher?s latest book, ?Finding Fish? ? will be the first offering of the college?s new book club. He will be signing copies of the book tonight following the lecture.