The Last Black Man in San Francisco 2019

Jimmie Fails, a young man navigating life in Bayview–Hunters Point, San Francisco, often roams around the vibrant city alongside his best friend, Montgomery (Mont) Allen, with whom he shares a home, living together with Mont’s grandfather, Danny Glover. Their daily routine includes waiting for the bus, a moment during which they witness the constant transformation of their beloved city and the passionate protests aiming to preserve its essence. One of their favorite destinations is a Victorian house located in the Fillmore District, a place steeped in Jimmie’s fond memories as it was where he grew up. Jimmie proudly asserts that this house was crafted by his grandfather in 1946, choosing to build on an empty lot instead of purchasing one of the homes made available due to the wartime internment of Japanese Americans. However, currently, the house is inhabited by an older white couple, which deeply troubles Jimmie as he often mourns to Mont about their apparent neglect, striving to maintain the property to the best of his ability.

Their concerns grow one day when they visit the house and discover the woman in tears, leaning on her husband as movers busily carry their belongings away. A mover reveals that the woman’s mother has passed away, and now a conflict arises between her and her sister regarding the fate of the house. Eager to reclaim their connection to the property, Jimmie and Mont seek the insight of Clayton Newsom, a realtor knowledgeable about the area. Though Newsom is unaware of the family’s predicament, he informs them that the situation seems to resemble an estate matter, which could result in the home being vacant for a prolonged period while the inheritance is sorted out. Seizing this chance, Jimmie and Mont explore the now-unoccupied house, passionately deciding to claim it as their new residence. They then visit Jimmie’s aunt, Wanda Fails, who generously offers them the furniture from her family’s former home, enabling them to bring in some cherished belongings.

As time passes, one fateful night, Mont invites Kofi, a childhood friend, to their new abode, leading to an evening filled with laughter and companionship. However, the next day, Kofi makes harsh comments to Jimmie, attempting to assert dominance due to his own insecurities after facing ridicule from peers. Tragically, the atmosphere darkens when Jimmie and Mont hear from Kofi’s friends that he has met an untimely demise following a confrontation. Returning to their home, they are devastated to find their possessions discarded on the sidewalk and a “For Sale” sign planted by Newsom. Feeling betrayed, Jimmie retaliates by moving everything back inside and confronts the bank in vain, hoping to purchase the house himself. In a twist of fate, Mont discovers from Newsom that the house’s true history reveals it wasn’t built by Jimmie’s grandfather after all; instead, the deed indicates it originates from the 1850s.

In the wake of these revelations, Mont channels his grief over Kofi’s passing into a poignant play that he stages in the house’s uppermost tower. On the performance day, Jimmie’s estranged father unexpectedly shows up. As Mont performs, he shares social media reactions regarding Kofi’s death, emphasizing that those present never genuinely knew him. Inviting audience members, including Jimmie, to voice their opinions about Kofi, Jimmie expresses that despite Kofi’s recent hurtful words, their shared experiences in a group home were filled with warmth, stating, > “People aren’t one thing.” However, a confrontation with Mont during the event exposes a painful truth about the house’s legacy, igniting Jimmie’s anger as he storms out, followed closely by the audience. Left to reflect, Jimmie finds solace as Wanda reassures him that leaving San Francisco wouldn’t be a loss for him—it would rather be the city’s loss.

Eventually, Jimmie confides in Mont by the dock, confessing he had always known the truth regarding his grandfather’s connection to the house. They share a peaceful evening watching TV with Grandpa Allen before Jimmie retires for the night. Upon waking, Mont discovers Jimmie’s departure, finding a note that poignantly expresses his inability to say goodbye and gratitude for their friendship. Now alone, Mont tries to engage in the activities they once enjoyed together, but they lack the same joy without Jimmie. The narrative concludes with Mont standing alone at the dock, gazing into the distance, while Jimmie drifts away, rowing quietly under the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, symbolizing his own journey and the deep emotional ties he leaves behind.