Once Upon a Time… When We Were Colored

Cliff is born in Glen Allan, Mississippi, during the mid-20th century. His biological mother is too young and unable to provide financial support, so Cliff is raised by his extended family. The early life in a poor, segregated setting establishes the social and economic pressures that shape his future.

Ma Pearl and Poppa begin to care for Cliff after his mother is unable to provide for him. They offer foundational love and stability during his early years. This caregiving sets the stage for his later resilience in a harsh environment.

After a couple of years, Ma Ponk takes over Cliff's upbringing and becomes the primary caregiver, with Poppa's support. Her steady care shapes his values and sense of responsibility. The transition marks a deeper, more lasting influence on his development.

Early in the film, Cliff and Poppa attend a Ku Klux Klan parade and are confronted by a violent member because of their race. The scene highlights the brutal racial climate of the 1950s South. It leaves a lasting impression on Cliff about fear, injustice, and the dangers of bigotry.

Cliff grows up in a low-income rural town where almost every adult is a laborer. He attends school in a single bungalow with classmates who are the children of servants, illiterate farm workers, and maids. Ma Ponk herself works in a cotton field, illustrating how economic hardship shapes daily life.

Most residents belong to a Christian church, and the community often unites to confront social injustices. Ma Ponk is religious and actively participates in church duties, including singing in the gospel choir. The church serves as a bedrock of support and collective resilience.

As he grows, Cliff becomes a hardworking young man with positive aspirations to improve himself through education. He pursues chances to learn and better his prospects, choosing gradual progress over radical disengagement. His outlook shows that education is seen as the path to a better life.

Cliff starts working for Ms. Mavory, an older white woman who sees his potential. She expresses interest in his reading and agrees to support his intellectual growth. Her influence introduces Cliff to a broader curriculum beyond what is available locally.

Ms. Mavory arranges trips to the local library and checks out books for Cliff to read. This access to literature expands his horizons and reinforces his commitment to education. Cliff learns that there are worlds beyond his immediate surroundings.

One of the books Ms. Mavory loans is Homer’s Iliad, which Cliff reads with genuine interest. He mentions enjoying the book to his friend, showing that he values great literature. Reading classics solidifies his belief in self-improvement through learning.

Cliff's growing love for reading translates into a determination to finish high school and pursue opportunities beyond his hometown. His ambition reflects a subtle but persistent push toward education as a path to change. He strives to leave the South in search of a better life.

After completing high school, Cliff migrates to the North, seeking a better life and educational prospects. The move symbolizes escaping limited opportunities and embracing opportunities for growth. It marks the culmination of his early life’s struggles into a hopeful pursuit of advancement.