Son of the South 2021

The story begins on April 5, 1961, when we meet Bob Zellner (/actor/lucas-till), a senior at the all-White Huntingdon College in Montgomery, Alabama. As the son of a Methodist minister, Zellner’s curiosity about race relations grows, leading him to team up with four fellow students on an enlightening expedition to delve into this intricate issue. Their journey brings them to a Baptist Black church, where they participate in a gathering commemorating the fifth anniversary of the Montgomery bus boycott (1955-1956), orchestrated by influential civil rights leaders like Ralph Abernathy and Rosa Parks.

As the evening progresses, law enforcement arrives to apprehend those gathered, but Zellner and his friends evade capture by swiftly exiting through a back door. This experience leaves a lasting impression on Zellner, earning them the moniker “Huntingdon Five” in local media. Shortly after, a haunting reminder of intolerance appears on the lawn outside Zellner’s residence — a cross burned by the Ku Klux Klan.

A pivotal moment occurs on May 19, 1961, when Zellner witnesses an assault on the Freedom Riders. He immediately jumps into action to aid Jessica Mitford during a crucial moment. Starting off as a passive advocate for civil rights, Zellner’s involvement intensifies as he becomes the first White field secretary for the SNCC. Initially greeted with skepticism from some Black activists, he knows he must demonstrate his true dedication and commitment to the cause.

On a fateful night in McComb, Mississippi, on October 30, 1961, Zellner experiences a traumatic event during a march to the county courthouse, narrowly escaping a lynching by local white southerners. This terrifying ordeal shakes him to his very core. Following the murder of Herbert Lee, Zellner is prompted to reflect on his role in the civil rights movement. A violent confrontation with a former associate who had been involved in the attempted lynching serves as a wake-up call for him. Zellner’s resolve strengthens, and he recommits himself to advocating for civil rights.

The film concludes with a moving montage showcasing Zellner’s activist efforts throughout the 1960s, paying homage to his mentor, the late John Lewis, who significantly influenced his path.