Deacons for Defense

Inspired by a true story, this drama is set in 1965, not long after passage of the Civil Rights Act. Despite the Act, the African-American citizens of Bogalusa are still treated like third-class citizens, their fundamental rights as human beings persistently trampled by the white power structure, in general, and the local branch of the KKK. The story follows the formation of local black men, particularly ex-war veterans who after the struggles become too overbearing organizes the group, "Deacons for defense", an all-black defense group dedicated to patrolling the black section of town and protecting its residents from the more violent aspects of "white backlash."

• 
  Forest Whitaker

  Marcus Clay
• 
  Jonathan Silverman

  Michael Deane
• 
  Chris Britton

  William Chase
• 
  Ossie Davis

  Reverend 'Rev' Gregory
• 
  Tyrone Benskin

  Archie
• 
  Mpho Koaho

  Bailey
• 
  Melanie Nicholls-King

  Rose Clay
• 
  Boyd Banks

  Weber
• 
  Paul Benjamin

  Otis
• 
  Beau Starr

  Neely