Episode 3 starts off with a powerful appearance by James Baldwin, who addresses racial injustice in Harlem, which immediately makes Bumpy Johnson defensive, but also sets the tone for deeper themes in this episode. Bumpy continues his attempt to reclaim Harlem, but is blindsided when Miss Willa informs him that the buildings he thought were secured was sold to Marshall Grant, a man with grudges and personal history. What begins as a business setback turns into a personal reckoning as Bumpy learns Marshall once loved his late sister, blaming him blaming him for her downfall.
Meanwhile, Frank Lucas is fearlessly working to move the stolen product and position himself as a serious player by aligning with the Italians. His desperation shows, and Bumpy doesn’t hesitate to remind him of the deadly consequences for betrayal. In the Gigante camp, Stella is still struggling to find her place in her father’s world, confiding in her friend Delia about the constant power struggles she faces on a daily basis.
At home, tensions rise as Mayme, Elise, and Margaret confront harsh truths about the education system. Margaret's teacher silences her for reading aloud about slavery and Black history, an act that results in her and other students being physically and emotionally abused. Mayme and Elise confront the principal, who refuses to take accountability. However, this leads to a very bold moment where they return with the Black Panthers and a group of concerned parents, demanding justice and an end to this abuse. A powerful turning point in this episode is Elise’s decision to officially join the Panthers.
“The Straw Man” – GODFATHER OF HARLEM, Pictured: Demi Singleton as Margaret Johnson, Ilfenesh Hadera as Mayme Johnson, Antoinette Crowe-Legacy as Elise Johnson. Photo: Scott McDermott/MGM+ © 2025 MGMPlus Entertainment. All Rights Reserved. MGM+ is a trademark of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Lion Corp. Godfather of Harlem © 2019-2025 ABC Signature Studios, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
The episode doesn’t shy away from exploring blurred lines between power and progress. Bumpy rejects an offer to partner with Straub and Partners, choosing to double down on his vision for the future of Harlem instead. With a lot of strategic persuasion, he finally gets Marshall to see that corporate interests aren’t for the people, winning back the property for quite a symbolic price: two rolls of pennies.
Fighting for the People balances gritty street politics with heartfelt community moments and reminds us that real power comes from standing up for profit and purpose. With so many characters making bold moves, Elise joining the Panthers, Bumpy pushing back against gentrification, and Frank trying to form dangerous new alliances, this episode sets the stage for major confrontations ahead.
