Akeelah and the Bee: A Movie that Inspires Kids to Do Their Best

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and fabulous? 

Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you.

We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It is not just in some of us; it is in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.

As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”

Marianne Williamson in Return to Love, 1992




The above quote (also included in the movie) embodies the spirit of “Akeelah and the Bee” starring Lawrence Fishburne, Angela Bassett and Keke Palmer. I imagined the movie would be good and inspiring, but I never imagined I would so moved. Not since The Color Purple have I seen a movie that I walked away so uplifted, yet so heavy. 

The movie is uplifting because it teaches the lesson that no one but ourselves can put a limit on us. It brought me down with the knowledge that far too many children grow up without ever learning that lesson. I am thankful that I brought my own young daughter to see it, and I plan to continue to drive that point into her for the rest of her life.

…And then there was the acting. Keke Palmer who played Akeelah couldn’t have done a better job portraying the raw emotion, confusion, and determination of an 11-year-old girl up against all odds. Angela Bassett, literally channeled the spirit of a mother who used a rough exterior with the best of intentions. She made me hate her and then fall in love with her all over again. Lawrence Fishburne convincingly portrayed the “Miyagi” of spelling with his tough love techniques that masked a wounded heart.