In 1898, the McKoy family moves from Boston to Wilmington, North Carolina, hoping for a fresh start. John Robert McKoy, an aspiring journalist, eagerly joins The Daily Record, led by the esteemed editor Alex Manly. His wife Henrietta and their children, Samuel and Amelia, navigate the promises and uncertainties of their new city.
Wilmington is thriving economically, particularly within its Black community, but political tensions simmer beneath the surface. Alfred Waddell, a charismatic and divisive leader, aims to reshape the city's future. As the McKoys settle in, they witness the growing unrest and division that grip Wilmington.
The 1898 election, a turning point in the city's history, looms large, its outcome hanging in the balance. Waddell's campaign, fueled by fear and division, escalates into violence and upheaval on Election Day. The McKoys, caught in the eye of the storm, find themselves grappling with the chaos, their lives and hopes hanging in the balance, as they strive to find a glimmer of hope in a city torn apart.
Set against a crucial moment in American history, "November 10th" intertwines the personal struggles of the McKoy family with broader themes of politics, race, and identity. It is a powerful story of resilience, love, and the quest for justice amidst uncertainty and conflict.