 As the city of Sparta plans to celebrate its first registered African American voter, Odessa Robbins (Deborah Duke), memories of the civil rights struggles bring tense feelings between members of the community. As an old time Southern policeman, Bill Gillespie (Carroll O Connor) is conflicted, especially because Harriet DeLong (Denise Nicholas) was integral to the civil strife and is central to the celebration. The resolution of the conflict is unexpected.