
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.

James suspects that there's more than meets the eye when an old friend pays a visit.

J.J. announces that his immediate future could include matrimony.

The Evans family faces an economic crisis after both James and J.J. lose their jobs.

Thelma gets a scholarship offer from an exclusive girls school.