another norman lear hit detail the problem that african american have to go through in the turbulent 1960s and 1970s . with esther rolle and husband along with 3 child live in a chicago high rise project in a predominantly black neighborhood and the show depict what black people be go through with a landlord ( black agent mr. bookman ) as well a price and the day to day problem of just exist . the 3 child depict how people seem to face their problem differently from the comical jj to the militant ralph carter and to their daughter who also aspire to attain success and this show be a perfect description of african american life .