Writer
In 1951, the undefeated University of San Francisco football team declines an invitation to play in the Orange Bowl after being told they would only be invited if they played without their two African-American stars: Ollie Matson and Burl Toler.
Producer
Akeelah is a precocious 11-year-old girl from south Los Angeles with a gift for words. Despite her mother's objections, Akeelah enters various spelling contests, for which she is tutored by the forthright Dr. Larabee, her principal Mr. Welch, and the proud residents of her neighborhood. Akeelah's aptitude earns her an opportunity to compete for a spot in the Scripps National Spelling Bee.
