The story follows the lives and interactions of the James family specifically focusing on Princess. She is a young girl with dreams of becoming a beauty queen. It begins with Princess imagining herself as the winner of a beauty contest while donning a cardboard and tinsel crown. Mavis, Princess's mother, is concerned about her aspirations fearing the harsh realities of racial discrimination. Wendell Junior, Princess's older brother, is a university student interested in photography and social justice. He reveals he sneaked out earlier for photography and faces his mother's ire. As the family dynamic unfolds, it becomes evident that they face racial prejudice and economic challenges due to their background. Mavis's relationship with Wendell—her ex-partner and the father of her children—is strained. Wendell arrives unexpectedly and tension fills the room. Wendell and Mavis engage in a tense conversation. The emotional exchange highlights the complexities of their past and their different viewpoints.
In Act Two, the time shifts to May 1963 and opens with Mavis sewing at the table. Princess is upset and Lorna reveals that Barbara invited her to a birthday party but not Princess. The scene continues with a flashback to Mavis and Wendell's romantic past. Wendell reminisces about their relationship emphasizing his desire to be a better man for Mavis. Despite the moments of tenderness and nostalgia, their differences and the pain caused by Wendell's past actions remain unresolved.
Act Three begins in August as Mavis is distressed because Princess has gone missing. Junior reveals that he gave his savings to his father and told him to take Lorna. Leon tries to reassure them that Wendell will likely return with Princess. Meanwhile, Margot returns home and finds Princess hiding there with a different appearance—her hair has been cut short. She comforts Princess and tries to understand the reasons behind her actions. Princess expresses her feelings of being excluded and mistreated by classmates. The next day Princess returns with Margot. Mavis hugs Princess and Junior expresses his frustration at Princess's actions. The scene concludes with a sense of relief and reconciliation as the family is reunited.
Wendell returns after being absent for a few days. Mavis confronts him about his disappearing acts and demands that he leave for good. Wendell Junior accuses his father of theft and berates him for being a bad father. He denies taking money from Wendell Junior and insists that he put it back. Moreover, he reveals he has been at a gathering related to the bus boycott and shares news of progress. Consequently, Wendell proposes to Mavis with a ring acknowledging his past mistakes. Mavis responds with caution emphasizing the importance of change and their children's dreams.
The whole family gets ready to go for a family outing. They all dance together as a family. This scene captures the sense of unity, forgiveness, and love within the family as Mavis and Wendell reconcile. The final scene takes place in September. Princess waits outside Wendell Junior's bedroom as he emerges dressed in women's clothing and makeup. Princess is excited by his transformation. Wendell plays along with Princess's game crowning her the winner of the pageant.
