Domestic servant Cecil Gaines worked for a white family who slowly ruined him. He then becomes a valet, and because of his superior work ethics, ends up as a White House butler. He serves many presidents over dozens of years. During these years, Cecil became a passive spectator to history being made on several occasions. Unfortunately, his own family has their demons. His wife is battling addiction, and he has a disobedient son who is determined to live in a fair world. This leads to Cecil having to make some difficult decisions.
