The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman

In February 1962, a small group of friends gathers to celebrate Miss Jane Pittman's 110th birthday. Surrounded by loved ones, Jane blows out the candles on her cake and reflects on her long life, sharing a moment of hope with Lena about the future.

Miss Jane is approached by Jimmy and a group of young men who are organizing a protest. They plan for a young girl to drink from a 'White only' fountain, seeking Jane's presence for inspiration despite her reluctance to participate until she receives divine confirmation.

Quentin Lerner, a White journalist, visits Miss Jane to offer to write her life story for a magazine. He learns about her past as a slave and the profound significance of her experiences, which will eventually unravel through her memories.

The story flashes back to the Civil War when young Ticey is ordered to fetch water for Confederate soldiers. After a tense standoff, Union soldiers arrive and Ticey is given the name Jane, marking the beginning of her journey towards freedom.

After the emancipation proclamation is read, Jane decides to leave the plantation for Ohio. Guided by an elder's directions, she sets off for freedom, determined to make her own path despite the dangers ahead.

Jane and a young boy named Ned walk through the swamps to avoid capture. After sheltering in an abandoned barn, they experience a harrowing attack by patrolers, leaving Jane to take only two stones with her as symbols of resilience.

After struggling to cross a river, Jane works for twelve years at Colonel Dye's plantation where she witnesses both progress and setbacks during the Reconstruction era. The KKK terrorizes the community, and Jane must protect her loved ones amidst growing tensions.

As a young man, Ned becomes a leader in the Black community, forming the 'Negro Rights Committee.' Jane fears for his safety as he stands up for education and equality, ultimately convincing him to leave to protect his future.

In the 1870s, Jane finds love with Joe Pittman, a horse breaker. Their life together faces challenges, especially when a menacing horse leads to tragedy, resulting in Joe’s death, which profoundly impacts Jane’s spirit.

Years later, Jane reunites with Ned, now a soldier who has returned from Cuba after fighting in the Spanish-American War. Their bond grows as he resumes teaching, defying the ongoing threats from those who oppose Black education.

Ned faces imminent danger from a man named Cluveau, who has been ordered to kill him for his activism. Despite Jane's pleas for him to leave, Ned refuses to back down, believing in the importance of his cause.

The inevitability of violence manifests as Ned is ambushed and shot by Cluveau. His sacrifice is a devastating blow to Jane, who must confront the realities of racial violence and injustice in their community.

As the Civil Rights Movement gains momentum, young Jimmy inspires the local community to take action. He passionately urges his peers to join the fight for equality, highlighting the changing tides of the struggle for civil rights.

After receiving the news of Jimmy’s murder, Miss Jane decides to take action. Ignoring warnings and barriers, she boldly walks to the 'White Only' fountain, reclaiming her dignity and asserting her right to equality in a powerful act of resistance.

After another journey of hardship, Miss Jane reflects on her life and the significant loss she has endured. Her strength culminates in a poignant moment as she faces the future, embodying resilience as she walks toward the sun, representing hope and the enduring fight for freedom.