
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.

The fact that Willona's new boyfriend has a physical disability creates a very awkward problem.

Florida pickets the neighborhood supermarket after a roast from the store makes everyone sick.

Everything seems to be coming up roses for the Evanses until all the good plans run into snags.

J.J. is destroyed by a blow to his ego when he can't get a date with Thelma's classmate.