
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 Evans family faces eviction from their Chicago apartment.
A sudden run of good luck and one of J.J.'s paintings create a religious conflict in the Evans household.
Tests indicate that James is a candidate for a union apprenticeship program, but his birth certificate says differently.
A self-proclaimed "shepherd of the Lord" asks James to become one of his herdsmen.