Martin's friend, Alex, insists to his teacher that he's going to do his "Great Americans" essay assignment on Martin Luther King, even though it was covered in the curriculum the previous week. When the teacher overhears Martin advise Alex that jeopardizing his place on the basketball team isn't worth fighting over Dr. King, she changes the assignment so that all students must choose a Great African American.
Martin then discovers that someone has vandalized his car with racist comments and the Camden family, as well as the entire town, becomes enraged over the hate crime.
Reverend Eric Camden and his wife Annie have always had their hands full caring for seven children, not to mention the friends, sweethearts and spouses that continually come and go in the Camden household. This year, Eric and Annie will find their family back together in Glenoak with the return of Matt and Simon.
As is often the case when the house is overflowing with Camdens, Eric and Annie are in for a bumpy ride as their children take landmark steps in their lives. Meanwhile, Eric and Annie continue their journey as soul mates, parents and grandparents whose love and respect for each other brings them ever closer.
Through all the ups and downs, Eric and Annie have managed to keep their romance alive and their family together. Not only are they raising their own seven children, they've picked up several additional family members along the way.