Sylvia Landry, a southern African American woman, visits her cousin Alma in the north, hoping to escape racial prejudice and await her fiancé, Conrad. However, Alma has ulterior motives and tricks Sylvia into a compromising situation, causing Conrad to abandon her. Disheartened, Sylvia returns to her hometown of Piney Woods to help a reverend running a school for young African Americans. She learns that the school is in danger of closing due to a lack of funds and decides to raise money to save it. Despite initial struggles, Sylvia meets Dr. Vivian, a kind African American man who helps her and becomes a love interest. She also meets philanthropist Mrs. Warwick, who donates a large sum to the school after being moved by Sylvia's story. With her mission accomplished, Sylvia returns to Piney Woods, where Dr. Vivian eventually finds her and learns about her past.
Within Our Gates
The film tells the story of a highly educated black woman who, after being left by her fiancé, channels her energy into revitalizing a struggling school for underprivileged black children.
