The ‘313 Spelling Bee’ Brings More than Just Wordsmiths Together

October 29, 2025

Nneka Ezeanya launched the 313 Spelling Bee in Detroit after being inspired by an adult spelling bee flyer she encountered in Chicago, despite initial skepticism from a friend. Her first two events this summer drew hundreds of participants, gaining massive attention after her sister Chinelo posted promotional videos on TikTok that went viral with tens of thousands of likes. The spelling bees have attracted language enthusiasts and community members seeking wholesome social activities, with competitors following traditional spelling bee formats at outdoor venues like Gordon Park.

Who is affected

Nneka Ezeanya (event organizer and public health official)
Chinelo Ezeanya (Nneka's sister who creates social media content)
Hundreds of Detroit residents who attended the first two spelling bees
Bill "Dollar Dollar" (September contest winner)
Runners-up Martin and Quincy
Asiimwe Najjuma (Nneka's friend)
Book Suey bookstore in Hamtramck (prize sponsor)
Partiful staff and brand ambassadors (app company providing support and prizes)
Detroit students Ezeanya works with through MindsMatter nonprofit
Over 120 people with RSVPs for the upcoming Halloween event

What action is being taken

Nneka Ezeanya is hosting a third Halloween-themed spelling bee on Friday evening at Olympia Skateshop
30 spellers are set to compete at the upcoming event
Partiful is supplying a special grand prize for the winner
Ezeanya works on Saturdays with MindsMatter, helping Detroit students with college applications, transcripts, recommendation letters, and scholarships

Why it matters

The 313 Spelling Bee provides a rare opportunity for adult community engagement centered on literacy and intellectual competition in Detroit. The events create wholesome social gatherings that bring together people from different backgrounds who share a love of language, while the viral success demonstrates strong demand for educational and cultural programming. The spelling bees also showcase positive narratives about Detroit community building and celebrate academic achievement in an accessible, joyful format that resonates across social media platforms.

What's next

A third Halloween-themed spelling bee is scheduled for 7pm Friday, October 24 at Olympia Skateshop (626 Harper Ave. Suite F)
Halloween costumes are encouraged for the upcoming event
Ezeanya plans to host more spelling bee events in the future
The eventual goal is to partner with a bookstore or the Detroit Public Library for future spelling bee events

Read full article from source: Michigan Chronicle