The area around 21st and Hopkins was built up in the early 1900s, and was originally populated by unskilled laborers of German origin, followed by somewhat more prosperous artisans, shopkeepers, foreman and minor officials.  It retained that character until 1960, when working class African Americans moved in and displaced the white residents, who fled to the suburbs.

Eddie Campbell (aka "B") and his wife Veronica are refugees from this neighborhood...gone up state to start over after a long time lost in drugs and petty crime.

By any standard they're an unlikely couple -- Veronica grew up in Marquette, Michigan; Eddie grew up in Milwaukee. It was the street life of the big city that brought them together.

Shaun and Edward (Eddie's son) also know the street life well. They're both trying to rebuild their lives after serving time in prison.