Draper's Passion

Tonight has all the fix'ins for the fellas to reconnect and bond again. Beer, chips, the NBA Finals, and plenty of testosterone lay the foundation for a night full of trash talk'in, women bash'in, and reminis'in about old times. For this group of Brothers, the night turns into something more than just a bunch of men standing around the TV bragging about the days when they could rise above the rim. For many, it's a life-changing event. The fellas, all in their early 30's, transcend the night from shallow hair-raising stories to thought provoking, poignant challenges facing African American males at the close of the 20th century. Draper Nathan, a business consultant by trade, plans to use the groups' synergy to form a nonprofit organization. However, as the gatherings become more frequent and sometimes lasting into the wee hours of the morning, Alea, his career-oriented wife, becomes suspicious. But Alea is no saint herself working 12 to 15 hour days with a start-up internet company. Draper questions her loyalty as he struggles with basically being a single father for their two children. This unsolicited role as Mr. Mom threatens his manhood and adds to his frustrations of being a black man in today's complex world. He finds refuge in his modern day men's group, touching on forefront issues facing African American males-Black on Black crime, Corporate America and men of color, male/female relationships, HIV and Drugs, and African American profiling. Sooner or later Draper has to make a choice or maybe life's challenges make it for him.