An African-American GI retires from the US Army in West Berlin to live with his white girlfriend, who already has a baby with another black man. After an argument with her family, she deserts him as well. Despite finding a job and a new place to live, he keeps running into racism, which also manifests itself in sexual intimidation.

William Grant Still's all-black opera performed for the first time on television since its 1941 composition. Based on a Southern folk tale, the opera depicts a young idealist who finds himself falling in love with a mystical spirit.