ATL refers to the airport designation for Atlanta. That's where orphaned 17-year-old Rashad lives with his younger brother Anton and uncle George. They're poor like most Southside families, but they're making ends meet, caring for each other and forging life-long friendships with guys like the smart, ambitious Esquire, transplanted New Yorker Brooklyn, and likable homeboy Teddy. On Sunday nights they hang at the Cascade roller rink where the guys try to impress the girls with their latest moves. As these four friends prepare for life after high school, different challenges bring about turning points in each of their lives.