When courage calls, answers unfold with startling results. In 1967 Mississippi,

Millie Howard, co-owner with her husband of the black mortuary in town and mother of a teenage daughter, lives a comfortable life, sheltering herself from the realities of injustice. Then her pastor challenges her with an offer to run a Head Start school for poor children. Sensing danger, she resists. However, events and her family convince her to accept the call. Soon she realizes how real the peril is.

The Klan attempts to thwart her and her family's efforts with continuous harassment and acts of violence. Yet through all the adversity, the Howards and friends manage to improve the lives of underprivileged children and to secure the right to vote for the disenfranchised black community. The spirit of hope never leaves Millie, her family and friends as they triumph over the vicious attempts at intimidation and continue the on-going fight for equality.