Ten

Starr and Lisa return from Uncle Carlos’s as riots continue. A police roadblock triggers Starr’s terror and grief, underscoring how Khalil’s death has shattered her sense of safety. Back home, Maverick invites Starr to ride along to restock the family store, lightening her mood with humor and music.

During the drive, Maverick uses Tupac’s Thug Life to discuss systemic oppression. He presses Starr to think through causes and effects—lack of opportunity, drugs in the community, and the cycle of incarceration—leading Starr to realize change requires voices like hers. Maverick agrees: they cannot be silent.

At the store, DeVante rushes in, nervously watching the street. He admits King wants him to avenge Dalvin’s murder, but he doesn’t want that life. Maverick shares his own path out—taking a charge and leaving the King Lords—and offers DeVante a job and help if he commits to school and quitting the gang. Starr, moved by parallels to Khalil, helps train DeVante.

That night, Maverick brings DeVante to their home for safety, believing King won’t look there. Lisa confronts him, fearing the danger to their family and arguing they should move from Garden Heights. Maverick resists leaving the neighborhood he wants to change. Their argument ends unresolved, and Starr worries the fallout will be another loss tied to Khalil’s death.