Brother Future

TJ is a Detroit high school student who secretly sells stolen items to people in his neighborhood to make quick money. He juggles this risky habit with school life and his friends’ expectations. The money and thrill of it pull him deeper into trouble.

Back at school, TJ discovers he must write a paper on a famous Black person for his Black History class. The assignment looms as a reminder of a better path he could take. He worries about balancing it with his ongoing mischief.

Later, TJ is seen selling more stolen material while talking with his friend, and a police officer begins to chase him. He attempts to flee through the streets and is struck by a car, waking up soon after from unconsciousness. The incident abruptly ends his present life and propels the strange journey ahead.

TJ awakens in 1822 South Carolina, standing beside an unusually large tree. He instantly misreads his situation as a runaway slave and is quickly captured by men who intend to auction him. The shock of time travel sets the stage for his new life under bondage.

TJ is purchased by Mr. Cooper at a slave auction and begins life on the plantation. He must quickly adapt to the brutal routines of plantation labor and navigate the social dynamics of enslaved people and overseers. The plantation marks the start of his extraordinary test.

House slave Martilla, who also reads palms, tells TJ that to return home he must help another slave and locate the tree he woke beside. Her enigmatic guidance sets a clear, if cryptic, objective. TJ grasps that time travel hinges on a selfless act and locating the tree again.

TJ tries to assist fellow slaves with their chores but grows frustrated and attempts to run away. Zeke confronts him, halts the escape, and administers a whipping as punishment. The violence underscores the peril of resistance on the plantation.

TJ helps Josiah learn to read and write, showing him how to form his name and read a stolen book from Cooper. When Cooper discovers the book, he also finds proof of Josiah's attempts to learn, and Josiah is whipped for it. The act deepens TJ's resolve and connects literacy to resistance.

Because Josiah cannot move after the whipping, he sends TJ to find Denmark Vesey and report what happened. TJ returns with Vesey’s guidance, relaying plans for rebellion back to Josiah. The idea of collective action begins to fuse with TJ's efforts to survive.

TJ, Josiah, Zeke, and Caroline are told to serve at a party at Cooper's house, and Josiah asks TJ to cover for him at seven. Zeke overhears the plan and rushes to tell Cooper, unraveling the scheme before it can fully unfold. Tension rises as the plantation grips its breath before potential revolt.

During the party, Zeke informs Cooper of the overheard rebellion, and TJ and Josiah decide to escape with Caroline. Cooper and Zeke pursue them, and TJ tries to stall to give his companions a chance to flee. The escape attempt turns into a dangerous chase across the plantation.

Cooper shoots TJ during the escape pursuit, and he collapses beneath the big tree. The scene marks the end of his time on the plantation and the impending twist of his return to his own era.

TJ awakens back in his own time and decides to do better in school. He accepts a new pride in his heritage and resolves to help others as a path to his own improvement. The experience reframes his goals and future choices.