"One Crazy Summer" is a poignant story set in the late 1960s, focusing on three sisters: Delphine, Vonetta, and Fern. They travel from Brooklyn to Oakland, California, to spend the summer with their estranged mother, Cecile. The girls are excited yet apprehensive about meeting Cecile, who has little interest in caring for them. Instead, she sends them to a summer camp run by the Black Panther Party, which introduces them to the complexities of activism and community care.
As the sisters navigate their challenging environment, they also confront their feelings of abandonment and desire for maternal love. Delphine takes on a protective role for her younger sisters, while they grapple with their identities as children of a mother who has chosen a different path. The camp becomes a transformative experience for them, providing newfound perspectives on family, race, and resilience.
Throughout the summer, the girls learn essential life lessons, forming bonds with their peers and understanding the social issues affecting their community. The narrative highlights the importance of family, love, and self-discovery against the backdrop of the civil rights movement. Ultimately, "One Crazy Summer" is a celebration of sisterhood and the pursuit of belonging, illustrating how connections can shape one's identity and future.