Chapter 60

Summary

• The chapter is narrated by Mary who anxiously waits for an update on the meeting between President Roosevelt and leading figures in the African-American community.
• The meeting arose out of a strong desire to end discrimination in the military and defense industries.
• Major figures in the meeting include Philip, who initiated the idea of the march, Walter White, the head of NAACP, and Robert Weaver.
• The meeting was facilitated by Eleanor Roosevelt, who ensured that President Roosevelt was presented with a report on the treatment and employment statistics of Negroes in the military.
• The group communicated that only definitive commitments from the president would result in the cancellation of a planned march on July 1.
• Back in the conference room, Mary and other council members eagerly wait for the delegates' return from the White House.
• Upon their return, Philip reveals that their meeting was with not only the President but also military members and war advisors.
• Despite some resistance from the military, Philip, Walter, and Robert feel that President Roosevelt was very engaged and attentive throughout their discussions.
• The chapter concludes with Walter announcing that after a two-hour meeting, President Roosevelt agreed to issue an executive order to end discrimination in the military.
• However, the order does not specifically address the issue of desegregation.
• Walter credits Mary and Eleanor for facilitating this historic achievement, acknowledging that the executive order wouldn't have been possible without them.
• The chapter concludes with a victorious celebration in the conference room, as the delegates toast with champagne to mark their groundbreaking achievement.