A black man alleged to have been in a romantic relationship with a white woman is lynched in 1919, in the city of Longview, in the low, rolling, cotton-covered hills of northeastern Texas. A judge invites two black men to investigate, but they are unable to identify anyone from the lynch mob.

On this day, after an article about the event is published, quoting the white woman as saying she would have married the man had they lived in the North, a group of white people beats up one of the investigators. By nightfall, white gangs and black gangs are roaming the city. Gunfire is exchanged. The ensuing riots last two days before the governor declares martial law and sends in troops. One black man dies and many black homes and businesses are burned. Many people are arrested but none tried.