The true story of a brilliant but politically radical debate team coach who uses the power of words to transform a group of underdog African-American college students into a historical powerhouse that took on the Harvard elite.

Denzel Whitaker
as James Farmer Jr.

Denzel Washington
as Melvin B. Tolson

Nate Parker
as Henry Lowe

Jurnee Smollett
as Samantha Booke

Forest Whitaker
as Dr. James Farmer Sr.

Kimberly Elise
as Pearl Farmer

Jermaine Williams
as Hamilton Burgess

Gina Ravera
as Ruth Tolson

John Heard
as Sheriff Dozier

Devyn A. Tyler
as Helen Farmer