Join Girls Inc., Film Streams for an Inspiring Evening of Akeelah and the Bee
Akeelah (Keke Palmer, left) and Georgia (Sahara Garey, center) in "Akeelah and the Bee."
Girls Inc. has teamed up with Film Streams to present a special screening of "Akeelah and the Bee" and group discussion on the importance of mentorship this Tuesday evening.
This uplifting film tells the story of Akeelah Anderson, an 11-year-old girl from South Los Angeles, who discovers her talent for spelling despite a challenging home life and environment. With determination, hard work, and the support of her teacher, Dr. Joshua Larabee, Akeelah aims to compete in the National Spelling Bee, learning to believe in herself and her abilities along the way.
"Akeelah and the Bee," released in 2006 and directed by Doug Atchison, stars Keke Palmer as Akeelah, Laurence Fishburne as Dr. Larabee, and Angela Bassett as Akeelah's mother, Tanya. The film showcases Akeelah's journey from local spelling bees to the national stage, highlighting the struggles and triumphs she faces. It's a heartfelt story that emphasizes the power of community, perseverance, and self-belief.
The film is considered an excellent, inspirational tale with a powerful message which is why it was selected for this special event. Keke Palmer, who plays Akeelah, was singled out for her outstanding performance. Renowned film critic Roger Ebert praised Palmer for her role, highlighting her ability to capture the essence of Akeelah's character with authenticity and depth.
This event aims to raise awareness about the importance of mentoring and its benefits not only for individuals but for the community as a whole. After the movie, there will be a discussion featuring Executive Director Candis Jones, Mentor Toya Broadway, and Alumni Janii Blair, guided by Mentoring Coordinator Halle Whitney. They will share their experiences and discuss the crucial role mentors play in overcoming challenges and achieving success, particularly for people of color.
"Akeelah and the Bee" is a powerful reminder that talent and potential can be found in the most unexpected places. Akeelah's journey shows that with the support of those around us, we can overcome any obstacle and chase our dreams, no matter how big they seem.
Don’t miss this inspiring event on Tuesday, July 9th, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., at the Ruth Sokolof Theater. We hope Akeelah's story ignites your own passion and reminds you of the power of mentorship. Click here for more details about the showing.
Sahory Martinez, 18, is interning for the Latino Center of the Midlands Siembra Nebraska Internship Program. Additionally, she is a social media content curator at Lozafina Marketing and Public Relations.