The First Ladies — Marie Benedict

Summary

Born to parents who were once enslaved, Mary McLeod Bethune emerges as a force to be reckoned with, undeterred by the white supremacists who attempt to hinder her work. She relentlessly pursues her mission as an educator and activist, and as her influence grows, she gains celebrity status. Mary even attracts the attention of prominent business leaders and U.S. Presidents, and leaves Eleanor Roosevelt in awe of her work. Drawn together by their common advocacy for women's rights and the transformative power of education, Mary and Eleanor forge a deep bond, sharing their innermost fears, aspirations, and joys, and offering mutual support through life's ups and downs.

With the election of Franklin Delano Roosevelt as president, the women's collaboration intensifies. Eleanor, driven to assert her own independent agenda, partly due to the painful discovery of her husband's secret love affair, becomes a First Lady known for her outspokenness, especially on civil rights issues. Her strong bond with Mary draws criticism and threats, but these challenges only strengthen their shared resolve to fight for justice and equality.

This tale recounts the story of two distinct yet equally powerful, fervent, and dedicated women. Their extraordinary friendship significantly contributes to the foundational roots of the modern civil rights movement.