An indifferent speech professor doing hack work in an urban college suddenly finds herself challenged by a ghetto youth with an intense desire to get a good education in this issue-oriented drama.
| Actor | Role |
|---|---|
 Jane AlexanderGinny Carlsen | Ginny Carlsen |
 Dennis FarinaFred Carlson | Fred Carlson |
 Estelle ParsonsClare Block | Clare Block |
 Michael BeachCalvin Jefferson | Calvin Jefferson |
| WWanda ChristineSalina | Salina |
| JJames O'ReillyWin Lathrop | Win Lathrop |
 Pat BowieWilla Joe McQueen | Willa Joe McQueen |
| KKyra K. KylesGeorgia Jefferson | Georgia Jefferson |
| BBetty YeeKitty Shim | Kitty Shim |
| LLori Kathryn HoltonCinnamon | Cinnamon |
| LLouise JenkinsMrs. Brewster | Mrs. Brewster |
 Jace AlexanderNick | Nick |
 Domenica Cameron-ScorseseCathy Carlson | Cathy Carlson |
| TTerry NemeroffRay | Ray |
| EEbony GrisbyPumpkin | Pumpkin |
| MMarji BankMrs. Roth | Mrs. Roth |
| BBob BreulerPaul | Paul |
| AAlger EllisLittle 'T' | Little 'T' |
| LLeo Washington Jones IIKingpin | Kingpin |