Twenty-Six

Late the next morning, Starr fields calls and texts about the televised protest. Ms. Ofrah apologizes for the danger but praises Starr’s courage. A message from Hailey offers a non-apology; Starr recognizes the pattern, replies that things can’t return to how they were, then deletes the conversation and Hailey’s number, choosing to move on.

Downstairs, the family processes media attention as Starr appears on the newspaper’s front page. Money worries surface after the store’s destruction, but Maverick and Lisa insist the family can still help Garden Heights without living there. They decide to visit the ruins together for the insurance assessment.

Driving into a scarred neighborhood, they confront the devastation. At the store’s charred shell, Fo’ty Ounce laments the loss and urges Maverick to rebuild. Mr. Lewis echoes the community’s need and, planning to retire, offers Maverick his adjacent barbershop space to expand the future store, asking only that Maverick honor civil rights icons alongside the Panthers.

While the insurance agent surveys the damage, neighbors arrive to help clean. Kenya joins Starr, apologizes for past hurt, and shares that King beat Iesha, who was hospitalized; police raided their house, and Kenya and Lyric are staying with their grandmother. Kenya confronts Starr about being ashamed of Garden Heights and their friendship; Starr admits it but says she’s not ashamed anymore. They reconcile, agreeing to share Seven as “their” brother.

With community support growing on the sidewalk, Starr answers Kenya’s question about the future: they will rebuild. In closing reflection, Starr broadens the fight beyond Khalil, naming victims of police violence and pledging never to forget, give up, or be silent, committing herself to ongoing activism.