Denzel Washington plays Melvin B. Tolson, the Wiley College debate coach who leads his team to a national title and helps them overcome the rampant racism of the Jim Crow South.

Forrest Whitaker plays James Farmer Sr., a professor at Wiley College and one of the first African-American men to receive a PhD. His stern but loving parenting helps Farmer Jr. become a successful leader, and his partnership with Tolson helps fight racism in East Texas.

Denzel Whitaker plays James Farmer Jr., the successful debater who becomes one of the “Big Four” civil rights leaders along with Martin Luther King Jr., Roy Wilkins, and Whitney Young. Through debate, Farmer Jr. expresses his initial outrage over racism and inequality in America.

Nate Parker plays Henry Lowe, a maverick Wiley student with a mysterious past.

Jurnee Smollett plays the composite character Samantha Booke, the only female member of the Wiley Debate Team. Booke’s debate experience helps her become one of the first female African American lawyers.