One-legged Uncle Jesse

In 2022, Arvis, the final heir of the Stewart Family Singers, embarks on a journey through the tumultuous history of Sargents and Stewarts, rooted in Alabama. As she unearths long-hidden truths from 1916 to the late 1950's, familial harmony fractures, jeopardizing the bonds forged over fifty years in the heart of the South.

In a multigenerational saga set from the late 19th to the mid-20th century, the resilient Sargent women, led by the indomitable Ma Sargent, navigate life's highs and lows with humor and strength, challenging the conventions of the White Man's religion in what was once Creek Indian territory. Ma's legacy of questioning truth and faith influences her descendants, particularly her daughter Kate and Kate's children as they travel throughout Alabama, singing the gospel in support of their papa, the Reverend Stewart. However, the clash between irreverence and devout belief eventually erupts in tragedy, shattering the family's unity after Reverend James Washington Stewart's actions from 1916 resurface, casting a shadow over the Sargents and Stewarts, leading to heartbreak in the late 1950's. This poignant narrative exposes the complexity of truth and the consequences of its pursuit across generations, illustrating the intricate dynamics within the Sargent-Stewart family.

Mike Morris is a jazz drummer and a former middle school English teacher. Born in Alabama, he has lived most of his life near Washington, D.C. and Baltimore, Maryland. Married for almost half a century, he enjoys spending time with his wife, two daughters, their partners, and his three grandchildren. A 50-year member of the Soka Gakkai International, he dedicates his life promoting activities for peace.