Inspired by a true story, this drama is set in 1965, not long after passage of the Civil Rights Act. Despite the Act, the African-American citizens of Bogalusa are still treated like third-class citizens, their fundamental rights as human beings persistently trampled by the white power structure, in general, and the local branch of the KKK. The story follows the formation of local black men, particularly ex-war veterans who after the struggles become too overbearing organizes the group, "Deacons for defense", an all-black defense group dedicated to patrolling the black section of town and protecting its residents from the more violent aspects of "white backlash."
Forest Whitaker
as Marcus Clay
Jonathan Silverman
as Michael Deane
Chris Britton
as William Chase
Ossie Davis
as Reverend 'Rev' Gregory
Tyrone Benskin
as Archie
Mpho Koaho
as Bailey
Melanie Nicholls-King
as Rose Clay
Adam Weiner
as Charles Hillibrand
Boyd Banks
as Weber
Paul Benjamin
as Otis
Aaron Walpole
as Jimmy
Beau Starr
as Neely
