In January 1975, Rakim Haroldson is born in a Brooklyn hospital. He is seven and a half pounds of brown flesh, and his mother is eighteen and single. Together, Rakim and Gloria must learn to survive, despite an unfavorable economic climate and a chronic health condition. When tiny Rakim is admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit, Gloria has no idea her world is about to be shattered. Rakim is diagnosed with asthma, and her parents, who have been there for her through every crisis to date, ask her to not only move out of their house, but also to consider giving up Rakim for adoption. As a young mother with no one to help her combat the challenges that loom in front of her, Gloria must confront her baby's father and her parents-all while teaching her baby to fight for his own future. Gloria soon learns that life is no crystal staircase; she must create her own destiny. "RagadeeMan" is the poignant story of an African American mother's journey to seek happiness, love and, above all-the truth for not only her son, but also herself.