Ex-slave and former Union soldier Gideon Jackson represents other ex-slaves at the constitutional convention, and is soon elected to the U.S. Senate despite opposition from white landowners, law enforcement and the KKK. He unites with sharecropper Abner Lait, who helps Jackson unite ex-slaves and white tenant farmers.
Muhammad AliGideon Jackson
Kris KristoffersonAbner Lait
Ron O'NealFrancis Cardoza
Edward HerrmannStephen Holmes
John McLiamPresident Ulysses S. Grant
Ossie DavisNarrator
Barbara O. JonesRachel Jackson (as Barbara-O Jones)Sonny Jim GainesBrother Peter
Joel FluellenJames AllenbyJean FosterEllen Allenby
Grace ZabriskieRuth LaitBill MackeyTrooperEarl D.A. SmithHannibal
Alfre WoodardKatieFred CovingtonSheriff Bentley
