Dramatizes the true story of Ernest Green, the first African American student to graduate from Little Rock High School in 1958. Tells how this young man and eight other black students enrolled in an all white school as part of a phasing in program and faced the injustice of racial discrimination. Documents the protests that occurred, partly instigated when Governor Orval Faubus evoked state rights and brought in the National Guard. Covers President Eisenhower sending in federal troops and eventually the withdrawal of the those troops. Details the additional pressure that Ernest faced since he was the only senior and therefore, the first black African American to graduate. Portrays the hurtful and sometime violent behavior that Ernest and the other students faced from a group of students who were on a mission to rid the school of African Americans. Describes the less than supportive behavior of the of the faculty and school principal. Concludes with Ernest's graduation ceremony which was attended by Dr. Martin Luther King.
