Son of the South

The story begins on April 5, 1961, introducing Bob Zellner, a senior at Huntingdon College in Montgomery, Alabama. As the son of a Methodist minister, he develops a growing curiosity about race relations in the U.S.

Zellner teams up with four fellow students to explore the complex issues surrounding race relations. Their journey leads them to a Baptist Black church, where they participate in a gathering commemorating the Montgomery bus boycott.

During the gathering at the church, law enforcement arrives to apprehend attendees. In a tense moment, Zellner and his friends manage to escape through a back door, solidifying their bond and earning them local media attention as the 'Huntingdon Five.'

Shortly after their escape, Zellner finds a haunting reminder of intolerance on his lawn — a cross burned by the Ku Klux Klan. This act of terror serves to deepen his resolve to understand and combat racism.

On May 19, 1961, Zellner witnesses a brutal assault on the Freedom Riders. This pivotal moment inspires him to take action, illustrating his transition from passive supporter to active participant in the civil rights movement.

After witnessing the violence, Zellner becomes the first White field secretary for the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC). His new role is met with skepticism from some Black activists, challenging him to prove his commitment to the cause.

On October 30, 1961, during a march to the county courthouse in McComb, Mississippi, Zellner narrowly escapes a lynching by local white southerners. This traumatic event marks a critical turning point in his understanding of the dangers faced by civil rights activists.

The murder of civil rights activist Herbert Lee deeply impacts Zellner. This tragic event forces him to reflect on his role and responsibilities within the civil rights movement, reinforcing his commitment to advocating for justice.

Zellner has a violent confrontation with a former associate involved in the attempted lynching, which serves as a wake-up call. This experience strengthens his resolve to fight against racial injustice and advocates for change.

The film concludes with a montage that showcases Zellner's activism efforts throughout the 1960s. This moving tribute also pays homage to his mentor, the late John Lewis, who significantly influenced his journey in the civil rights movement.