The Real Legacy of Michael Evans from Good Times

“So how cool is it that through animation you can re-create that apartment — 17C — and show that this family, three generations later, still lives in 17C?”
— Ranada Shepard, executive producer and showrunner of Netflix’s Good Times.

I believe Ranada Shepard either never watched Good Times, or she sold out for money. Because if you truly understood what the Evans family stood for, you’d know that the whole premise of this new animated show — where the family is still stuck in the same Chicago housing project, generation after generation — completely misses the mark.

The original Good Times was about resilience, ambition, and the struggles of a Black family in the face of systemic challenges. But at its core, it was about hope. James and Florida Evans fought hard to provide for their children and, more importantly, instill in them the values that would help them rise above their circumstances. Staying stuck in the projects three generations later? That’s not the legacy the Evans family would have left behind.

Let me tell you what really happened to Michael Evans.

Michael Evans: A Story of Triumph

Michael Evans wasn’t just a smart kid with big dreams. He was a revolutionary in the making — the “militant midget,” as J.J. affectionately called him, destined for greatness. His drive to fight for justice and equality was planted early on, and that fire took him far beyond the confines of 17C.

At 19, Michael transferred from a community college to Harvard University after receiving a full scholarship. He wasn’t just academically gifted; he was also an athlete. As a walk-on for the Harvard Crimson men’s basketball program, Michael made history when he hit a game-winning buzzer-beater in 1980, sending Harvard to the NCAA tournament for the first time in 34 years. Though they lost to Ohio State, Michael’s impact was undeniable.

But basketball was just one chapter in his story. Michael graduated summa cum laude from Harvard, a testament to his academic brilliance and unyielding determination. He didn’t stop there. Returning to Chicago, he became a community organizer, coordinating with local businesses to create job-training programs in neighborhoods devastated by steel mill closures.

Michael’s commitment to social justice led him into politics, where he became a senator after graduating . His tireless work for underserved communities gained him national recognition. He spearheaded legislation that helped low-income Americans pursue college education and was a staunch advocate for free healthcare for all citizens.

Along the way, Michael married his college sweetheart, Danita Dawson—better known as Dee-Dee—who became a renowned heart surgeon. Together, they built a family, raising six children while balancing their careers and activism. They made their home in Atlanta, Georgia, where they were deeply involved in their community.

Michael’s legal career culminated in a Supreme Court nomination. He was not just a politician but a champion for the people — someone who used his platform to push for real change. His influence reached every corner of the country, inspiring generations to believe in the power of education, equity, and justice.

And it wasn’t just Michael’s success that resonated. His brother, James Evans Jr., created the iconic slogan and concept for his campaign: “From the Ball Court 2 The Supreme Court.” The campaign posters were unforgettable, capturing the essence of Michael’s journey from humble beginnings to national prominence.

This wasn’t just a catchy slogan. It was a powerful statement about the possibilities that come with perseverance and education, about how someone who grew up in the Chicago projects could go on to influence the highest court in the land.

The Disconnect of the New Show

That’s the Michael Evans I know — the one who flourished, who fought his way out of the system that tried to keep him down. So when I hear about this new animated Good Times series, with the Evans family still trapped in the same Chicago project three generations later, I can’t help but shake my head. What message does this send? That no matter how hard you work or how much you fight, you’ll always be stuck in the same place?

The Good Times I grew up watching wasn’t about glorifying poverty or turning Black struggle into a comedic spectacle. It was about the possibility of breaking free from those struggles. It was about James Evans working himself to the bone, Florida instilling hope and faith in her children, and their kids daring to dream beyond the walls of 17C.

The new show’s depiction of the Evans family stuck in the same place, generation after generation, not only disrespects the original show’s mission but also does a disservice to the Black families who saw themselves in the Evans family — families who fought for better lives and succeeded.

A Lost Opportunity

Instead of using the platform to showcase how far the Evans family has come, the new show leans into tired stereotypes and caricatures. Why not show Michael Evans’ grandchildren as the products of his legacy? Why not depict a family that broke free from systemic poverty, using education, community, and perseverance to carve out new opportunities?

Ranada Shepard might think it’s “cool” to re-create that old apartment, but I don’t. That apartment represented struggle and hardship. The real Good Times legacy isn’t about staying stuck — it’s about moving forward. Michael Evans didn’t remain in 17C, and neither should his family.

Conclusion: The Evans Family Deserved Better

The truth is, the Evans family deserved better. This new animated series may get attention, but it doesn’t carry the heart and soul of what made the original Good Times groundbreaking. It’s not about showing how the Evans family survived; it should be about how they thrived.

Michael Evans didn’t just make it out — he made it to the top. And that’s the story worth telling.

“My hustle is writing-I am a writer!”

• -Michael Corey Emanuel

Comment if you’d like me to do another character from the show.