
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.

A remark about George Washington causes Michael to be suspended from school.

J.J., an aspiring artist, is discovered by a man who wants to become his patron.

Florida and James fear that there is more between Thelma and her new beau than a five-year difference.

The probability of J.J. not being promoted to a high-school senior worries the whole family.