The River Niger, a semi-autobiographical masterpiece crafted by Joseph A. Walker, made its theatrical debut with the Negro Ensemble Company amid the vibrant backdrop of New York City in 1972. This evocative play was immortalized in print the following year and later brought to the silver screen by Walker himself in a 1976 cinematic rendition featuring the legendary Cicely Tyson alongside the commanding presence of James Earl Jones.

The River Niger unravels the tale of Jeff Williams, a young African-American who returns to his Harlem home after years of service in the Air Force. His homecoming is eagerly anticipated by his mother, Mattie; his father, John; and his grandmother. The narrative takes an intriguing turn with the unexpected arrival of Ann Vanderguild, a nurse hailing from South Africa, who, after meeting Jeff in a Canadian hospital, arrives at the Williams' doorstep with her luggage and a mission to persuade Jeff into matrimony. Upon Jeff's arrival, he is warmly greeted by Mo, a childhood companion, along with Mo's band of revolutionaries. They attempt to coerce Jeff into joining their cause, but Jeff, with aspirations of becoming a lawyer, resists their political fervor. A storm brews when Jeff confesses to his family that he has failed out of the Air Force and never harbored a fondness for it. This revelation ignites a fiery rage in his father, John, who storms out and vanishes into a week-long haze of drinking. Reluctantly, Jeff finds himself entangled with Mo's group, leading to a tense standoff in the Williams' home as they are besieged by police, who have unearthed a violent scheme woven by the radical youths. In a heart-wrenching climax, Jeff's father makes the ultimate sacrifice, giving his life to shield Jeff from the consequences of the plot.

The River Niger poignantly explores themes that are a hallmark of Walker's oeuvre: the arduous journey of black men battling a prejudiced society; the deep bonds of brotherhood among black men; the intricate dynamics of male roles within the black family; and the persistent struggle for equality among African Americans.