Following his false arrest during the 1965 Watts riots, Richard Kelly (NAACP Best Actor winner Cendric Sanders) must serve a two-semester probation at an all-white racist seminary. Inspired by a true story, the school's first black student is welcomed by its progressive president Alan Beckett (William Devane, West Wing, Payback). But Richard soon learns that the school wants black followers not leaders. Even former missionary, Kate Allison (NCIS' Lauren Holly), rejects him. Facing a decision that will land him in prison, Richard meets Samuel Benton (Oscar winner Louis Gossett Jr.), an elderly janitor who lives in the basement of Richard's dormitory. As Samuel guides Richard through the trials of racism and his personal demons, Richard has to choose between his dream and his destiny.