Chapter 44

Summary

• The chapter takes place in Washington, D.C. and primarily features a meeting between Mary McLeod Bethune (Mrs. Bethune), Sara Delano Roosevelt (Mrs. Roosevelt), and President Franklin D. Roosevelt.
• Mrs. Bethune had met with Eleanor Roosevelt and runs into Mrs. Roosevelt in the hallway, who insists she also greets the President.
• Mrs. Bethune is anxious about earlier having sent the President a report (the "Blue Book"), asserting the need for changes to address issues affecting Afro-Americans.
• President Roosevelt warmly receives Mrs. Bethune and expresses his gratitude for her support during his campaign. He also mentions that he has begun reading her Blue Book and finds it impressive.
• Roosevelt suggests setting an appointment to discuss the Blue Book further and possibly crafting a public statement about it. Steve Woodburn, a man present in the room, is directed to arrange this meeting.
• Out of Roosevelt's sight, Mr. Woodburn tells Mrs. Bethune he will defy the president's order and refuses to schedule a meeting about the Blue Book, to which Mrs. Bethune promises she'll see about that and leaves the room.