Cicely Tyson as Marva Collins

Morgan Freeman as Clarence Collins

Rodrick F. Wimberly as Martin Luther Jones (as Roderick Wimberly)

Mashaune Hardy as Cindy Collins

Brett Bouldin as Patrick Collins

Samuel Muhammad Jr. as Eric Collins

Dianne Kirksey as Cynthia Rawls

Steven Williams as McCloud

Frankie Hill as Ida Banbower

Charlie Brown as Chester Boland

Marsha Warfield as Lela Boland

Ce Ce Thompson as Louise Jones

Jimmie F. Skaggs as Zay Smith

Mike Genovese as Mardesich

Kelly Crosby as Tina Boland

Tonda Leavy as Clarissa Lester

Duke Thorbs as Eddie Banbower

Darlene Jackson as Roxanne Johnston

Cynthia Collins as Rose

Erika McCoy as Brenda

Gordie Wright as Truman

Ed Asner as Narrator (voice)

Barbara Basley as Ms. Lester

Tony Brown as Raphael