Following his false arrest during the 1965 Watts riots, Richard Kelly must serve a two-semester probation at an all-white racist seminary. Inspired by a true story, the school’s first black student is welcomed by its progressive president Alan Beckett, but Richard soon learns that the school wants black followers not leaders, and even the former missionary, Kate Allison, rejects him. Facing a decision that will land him in prison, Richard meets Samuel Benton, an elderly gardener who lives in the basement of Richard’s dormitory. As Samuel guides Richard through the trials of racism and his personal demons, Richard has to choose between his dreams and his destiny.