Dear White People 2014

Samantha White, a passionate media arts major at Winchester University, shakes things up at this historically prestigious yet predominantly white institution. Through her sharp-witted radio show, Dear White People, and her self-published work Ebony and Ivy, she doesn’t hold back in her critique of white individuals and the systemic racism present at the university.

As tensions escalate, Sam decides to run for the position of head of house for Armstrong/Parker, the historically black residence on campus. In her way is Troy Fairbanks, her former boyfriend who dreams of pursuing a career in comedy. However, he’s caught between his aspirations and the pressure from his father, the dean of the school, to adhere to a more traditional career path in law. Troy struggles with the expectations placed upon him, feeling the weight of having to prove himself while not allowing white people to define his identity.

Meanwhile, Coco is determined to impress a reality TV producer, vying for attention as she dreams of stardom. However, her efforts are overshadowed by the light-skinned allure of Sam, which is the producer’s preferred focus. The story deepens as Lionel Higgins, a black gay student, finds his footing at Winchester after being invited to write for the school’s prestigious newspaper. He has the chance to explore and document Sam’s impactful presence and the broader black experience on campus.

The plot thickens when an incident arises. In a misguided act of defiance against Sam’s vocal activism, Kurt, a white student and the son of the university’s president, throws a blackface party alongside his club. This event prompts a significant response from the black student community, leading to an intense confrontation at the party, culminating in a chaotic brawl that reflects the underlying racial tensions simmering beneath the surface at Winchester.