Contents
Twenty-Three
Overview
The grand jury’s non-indictment ignites citywide unrest that Starr and her friends witness firsthand as protests turn into rioting, arson, and police crackdowns. Forced to flee, they resolve to protect Maverick’s store, navigating blocked streets and gunfire. The chapter pivots Starr from testimony to direct action and collective defense.
Summary
Starr, Seven, Chris, DeVante, Kenya, and Lyric process the non-indictment as anger spreads through Garden Heights. Kenya and Lyric stay with their grandma, while Starr, Seven, Chris, and DeVante head toward Magnolia to join the crowds. Starr wants action after feeling that doing everything “right” changed nothing, and Chris chooses to stay in solidarity.
On Magnolia, protests escalate: a police car is flipped and torched, businesses are looted, and multiple buildings catch fire. The crowd chants against police, and a heavy police presence in riot gear issues dispersal orders. Explosions and smoke follow as projectiles fly; the group flees amid stampede-like chaos.
Back in the car, they argue over whether destruction helps, and Starr worries looters may ignore “black owned” signs and target her family’s store. They decide to help Maverick protect the grocery. As they drive, they joke to ease tension and debate cultural assumptions and the idea of “normal,” highlighting differences without fracturing the group.
Roadblocks force detours. With the west side closed, Seven steers toward the GD-controlled east side despite prior riots there. Gunshots ring out nearby, underscoring the danger, but they continue, determined to reach the store and defend it from potential looting.
Who Appears
- Starr CarterGrieves the non-indictment, joins protests, rejects passivity, and decides to help protect her family’s store.
- Seven CarterDrives the group into and out of unrest, supports Starr’s choices, and leads the push to reach the store.
- ChrisChooses to stay with Starr, witnesses riots, shows solidarity, and engages in candid culture talk with friends.
- DeVanteRallies for riotous action, experiences the chaos firsthand, then agrees to help protect Maverick’s store.
- KenyaStays with her mother’s side of the family, offers Starr sympathy before the others head into the protests.
- LyricGoes with Kenya into their grandma’s house, kept safe away from the unfolding unrest.