"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?"

I've been challenged to/and have challenged others to come up with a positive story for any little black girl. We have not managed to do so. I don't mean a movie that has been remade using a black child in the title role. I mean one that starts off about a black child. I mean a movie that isn't a musical and doesn't have some adult theme, however mild. Glory be to God that we now have Akeelah and the Bee.

I laughed. I cried. I cheered. Akeelah (and Keke) is a smart and funny girl. She goes through the same minefield that lots of black children face when they put books above fooling around. But she never loses herself. She believes in her triumphant potential and more importantly, she makes us all believe her. I've never in my life cheered at a spelling bee as if I were watching the Super Bowl.

Never in my life have I looked around the theater to see so many beautiful brown and black families enjoying a drama. True enough it is laced with comedy, but it is a drama. And a sports movie at its heart. It has all the same elements of a sports movie, but in this one, you have to use your brain, not your brawn.

I must say before I go any further, I loved each and every performance by the children. Keke wasn't the only standout. JR Villareal was hilarious. Both of these youngsters are ones to watch. But again that said, I think all of the children were just wonderful.

I loved so many messages that were in this movie. I live by "Each One Teach One" and "it takes a village" and "it is okay to be smart". You don't have to fall prey to the street life. Our children are our most important asset. The list can go on for days, but bottom line there is something in it for everyone.

I'm taking my girls to see it. Even though it's going to cost my entire entertainment budget for the pay period. This movie is uplifting and inspirational and quite frankly long overdue. I'll pay full price for all of us. It is worth it. You MUST support this movie. We won't get another one like it, if we don't support it. Please. I know it is expensive. I know it is oppressive, but everyone involved in this movie gave it their all. They too understood that there was a void that needed to be filled and they were determined to get this film made come hell or high water. Let us embrace this movie and see their dream through.

3BC Ratings