Contents
Eight
Overview
At Khalil’s funeral, Starr confronts seeing his body and her grief. Activist April Ofrah reveals police won’t arrest the officer and urges a march. King tries to claim Khalil as a King Lord, but Ms. Rosalie rejects it, heightening tensions. Outside, protests grow as April offers legal support to protect Starr’s privacy.
Summary
Starr and her family arrive early at Christ Temple Church for Khalil’s funeral. Starr forces herself to view the body, struggling with the embalmed image and reliving Natasha’s funeral. Seated up front, she fixates on flowers and photos, feeling like a fraud as classmates honor Khalil with stories she never knew.
Activist April Ofrah address the congregation, announcing that police do not intend to arrest the officer and that Khalil was unarmed. She calls for a peaceful march past the police station after the service, earning a standing ovation and signaling a widening public fight for justice.
During the viewing, King and his crew arrive in gray, and King lays a folded gray bandana on Khalil’s chest. Ms. Rosalie furiously removes it and denounces them. Tension flares as Iesha snaps back, and Maverick intervenes to deescalate. The gesture raises painful questions for Starr about whether Khalil joined the King Lords and her guilt over distancing herself from him.
Following the service, grief overwhelms Starr as she walks the aisle, mourning Khalil and the losses of her childhood. Outside, crowds and news vans gather with “Justice for Khalil” signs, and Maverick decides to stay and march with Seven and Sekani while Lisa takes Starr home.
April Ofrah approaches the family privately, assuring them she seeks to protect Starr’s privacy while ensuring her rights and voice are safeguarded. She offers legal representation independent of the Harris family’s counsel, leaving Starr aware that national attention is building and that difficult choices lie ahead.
Who Appears
- Starr CarterAttends Khalil’s funeral, struggles with grief and guilt, witnesses activism surge, and is offered discreet legal representation.
- April OfrahActivist-attorney who announces no arrest is planned, urges a march, and offers to represent Starr privately.
- Maverick CarterSupports Ms. Rosalie during the service, calms tensions with King, and stays to march with his sons.
- Lisa CarterProtective mother who shields Starr from media and takes her home; wary but receptive to April’s offer.
- Ms. RosalieKhalil’s grandmother; rejects King’s bandana, denounces his presence, and is supported by Maverick.
- KingGang leader who tries to claim Khalil as a King Lord at the funeral, provoking confrontation.
- IeshaArrives with King, taunts the Carters, and escalates the dispute with Ms. Rosalie.
- Pastor EldridgeLeads the service and eulogy, manages disruptions, and frames the funeral as a homegoing celebration.
- Seven CarterAttends the funeral, affected by Iesha’s appearance, stays to march with Maverick.
- Sekani CarterYoungest brother who attends the funeral and joins Maverick and Seven for the march.
- Ms. BrendaKhalil’s mother; distraught during the procession, supported by relatives.
- Aunt TammyKhalil’s aunt; helps guide family seating and thanks Starr for being important to Khalil.
- CameronKhalil’s younger relative who enters with Ms. Rosalie, visibly grieving.
- Khalil HarrisDeceased; central to the funeral and community outcry, subject of gang claim and justice call.