Cooley High

The story is set in 1964 in the Cabrini-Green housing project of North Chicago, an area primarily inhabited by African-American families. It introduces high school senior LeRoy 'Preach' Jackson and his best friend Richard 'Cochise' Morris, who are navigating life at their all-black vocational school, Cooley High.

Preach frequently skips classes due to his restless spirit, which is common among his peers. On one Friday, after a week of absences, he returns to school only to feign a nosebleed to escape a dull lecture and spends the day with his friends instead.

After escaping school, Preach and his friends enjoy a carefree day at the zoo. However, their late return leads them to Martha's diner, where they learn about a postponed history exam, prompting them to dedicate time to studying over the weekend.

In Martha's diner, the group engages in games and dancing. They meet Brenda, who boldly interrupts their dice game, causing Martha to assert her dominance with a meat cleaver, highlighting the lively yet tough atmosphere of the diner.

Preach and Cochise navigate their relationships with girlfriends Johnny Mae and Sandra. Johnny Mae is more open to intimacy, while Sandra's cautious nature sparks discussion, reflecting the complexities of teen romance during their high school years.

Cochise faces worries at home as his mother, Melba, hints at financial troubles and issues with her boyfriend. Their concerns deepen when Cochise discovers a letter about a potential sports scholarship, providing a brief moment of hope amidst struggles.

The friends hatch a clever plan to avoid the cover charge at Dorothy’s party, demonstrating their youthful ingenuity and excitement. The party serves as a backdrop for camaraderie and fun, as they celebrate together in a joyous atmosphere.

The night takes a tumultuous turn when tensions escalate between the group and Damon, leading to a fight. This confrontation triggers a series of reckless decisions, resulting in stolen cars, police chases, and the group ending up in detention.

Mr. Mason, their teacher, bails Preach and his friends out of detention, delivering a stern yet hopeful message about their potential. He warns them about their reckless behavior, emphasizing the need for direction and purpose in their lives.

Tensions arise among the friends as Cochise spends more time with Sandra, which causes friction between him and Preach. Jealousy takes a toll on their friendship, leading to misunderstandings that could impact their bond significantly.

Preach attempts to reconcile with Brenda while avoiding a gang confrontation. The situation escalates tragically when Cochise is fatally injured, leaving Preach devastated and desperate as he pleads for help, confronting the harsh realities of their environment.

The funeral of Cochise becomes a moving moment for Preach and their friends, reflecting on the deep impact Cochise had on their lives. Preach vows to honor his memory by pursuing his writing ambitions, filled with a mix of sorrow and determination.

As the film concludes, poignant epilogues reveal the varied paths each character took. Preach moved to Hollywood to chase his dreams, while Brenda found stability, and the remnants of their experiences remind them of the tragic losses endured in their community.

The summary ends with a grim reminder of the turbulent racial conflicts surrounding the 1968 Democratic convention in Chicago, where the fate of characters like Tyrone intertwines with the social struggles of the era, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by their community.