 Lenni and Alex are excited about running Huston s upcoming Star Jam Talent Show but a sudden increase in local violence is making all of the kids worried. Their friend Kiambu is robbed and beaten up. Rumors are spreading that a new gang has moved into the neighborhood. Everyone is sent home with notes to their parents, assuring that Hurston School will do everything possible to keep the students safe. Jamal has daydreams about asking Jasmine to the Star Jam but he s too nervous to ask her in person. Walter is annoyed with Lenni, Alex, and Kiambu so he walks out on the Star Jam committee leaving them to work out the details. Meanwhile, Rob is working on an article for the school paper about Hurston s track team. He befriends Victor Torres, a new kid who moved into the neighborhood two months ago. The two of them practice a little running and Victor shows Rob a gold necklace of his initials as a personal symbol. While walking home together, they run into Victor s former gang, the Thunderheads. The leader, Miguel, was once Victor s friend and gave him the gold chain. Miguel cautions Victor about severing his ties with the Thunderheads and call Rob a "White Boy". The insult bothers Rob who s never been called names before. He goes to Jamal to talk about it and Jamal reminds him that some people say hurtful things because they re too scared or unable to understand other people. Everyone shows up at Hurston School the next day only to find the hallways trashed. Lockers have been broken open, papers litter the floor, and graffiti is sprayed on the walls with the words, "Bust up Hurston!!" Rob notices a familiar symbol has also been spray painted on the walls: the Thunderheads logo.