
Florida and James Evans struggle to raise their kids - irrepressible artist JJ, voice-of-reason Thelma, and politically active Michael - in a Chicago housing project. They have help from wisecracking neighbors, buffoonish building superintendents and friends.

Florida and James are torn between letting J.J. do a portrait and their misgivings about the prospective model.

The Evans family risks eviction to open a fix-it shop in their apartment.

J.J. finds out that his date has snobbish parents that disapprove of him.

The Evanses are afraid they may be eating dog food when an elderly neighbor brings the main course for dinner.