In this film, Thomas tells his entire life story, looking directly at the camera and speaking frankly to the audience. After a brief introduction, the documentary proceeds chronologically, combining Thomas’s first-person account with a rich array of historical archive material, period and original music, personal photos, and evocative recreations. Unscripted and without narration, the documentary takes the viewer through this complex and often painful life, dealing with race, faith, power, jurisprudence, and personal resilience.