In 1957, racial tension in the state capital at a fever pitch over the integration of Central High School, a wealthy, young, deformed despot and his gang of fervent segregationists terrorize blacks in Pine Bluff, AR into swearing allegiance to "separate but equal."

When the racist mob begins bullying even white passive supporters of integration, men and women of both races put aside longstanding prejudices and summon previously absent courage to unite for revenge.