As a slave boy working on a plantation in Wilson, North Carolina, thirteen-year-old James Woodard, one of seven children, is somewhat oblivious to life around him. He knows he's a slave and doesn't know any other way. But when his father is sent to the auction block and his mother dies, James hears his mom's voice encouraging him to run.

James runs to a place where a Quaker family gives him a second chance at life. He becomes a wealthy businessman and philanthropist who builds a school and church for his community. James amasses more than 175 acres of land which is named Woodard's Place on the plat maps. Woodard and his son are murdered for the land, and his family's assets are stolen.

Black River tells the story of a former slave who pays the ultimate price with his life for his land, his legacy living on through the lives of his descendants.