Within Our Gates (1920)

In the racially charged panorama of the deep South, Sylvia Landry, a young, spirited African-American woman, ventures north to escape the prejudices of her hometown, Piney Woods. Sylvia, anxious and excited, looks forward to reuniting with her fiancé Conrad. However, her world shatters when her conniving cousin Alma sabotages her relationship, leading Conrad to abandon her. Heartbroken yet resilient, Sylvia returns to Piney Woods, dedicating herself to a noble cause—a school for underprivileged African-American children run by a compassionate reverend. The school teeters on the brink of closure, crippled by a lack of funds, compelling Sylvia to journey north once more, this time with a mission to raise money. Despite numerous setbacks, an unexpected ally emerges in the form of Dr. V. Vivian, a kind-hearted African-American who assists Sylvia in her quest. A twist of fate lands her in the path of a speeding car, resulting in a minor injury but an invaluable connection with Mrs. Elena Warwick, a generous philanthropist. Despite the venomous discouragement of her prejudiced southern friend, Mrs. Stratton, Mrs. Warwick pledges a magnanimous donation, saving the school. As Sylvia returns to Piney Woods, victorious yet weary, Dr. Vivian, now smitten, seeks her out. His quest uncovers the haunting skeletons in Sylvia's closet, unraveling a tale of her past and her family that's as shocking as it is compelling. Within Our Gates unravels a tapestry of love, betrayal, resilience, and redemption, set against the backdrop of a racially divided society.

Within Our Gates is a drama movie featuring Evelyn Preer and directed by Oscar Micheaux.

Within Our Gates is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Cineverse, Public Domain Movies, The Film Detective and The Roku Channel and it's also available on Cultpix, Fandor Amazon Channel, MGM Plus Amazon Channel, MUBI, MUBI Amazon Channel, Paramount Plus Apple TV Channel and fuboTV.