On June 18, 1941, Mary anxiously waits in her Washington home for news from a pivotal White House meeting between President Roosevelt and Negro leaders. She reflects that the Federal Council’s trust in her had frayed, prompting Eleanor Roosevelt to directly convene Philip, Walter White, and Robert Weaver, arm them with data, and press for a presidential commitment.

Philip, Walter, and Robert return and report that the president met them surrounded by military and war advisers. Despite resistance from the advisers, Roosevelt was attentive, primed by mounting pressure over the threatened march. The delegation restated their case methodically, treating it as new to ensure nothing was assumed or overlooked.

After two hours, the president agreed to an executive order prohibiting discrimination in the armed forces and defense jobs. The men stayed with the advisers to shape draft language, which a government lawyer would formalize the next day for review. While explicit desegregation wording remains out of reach, they agree this step is unprecedented, and, pending satisfactory final text, they will cancel the march.

As the men celebrate, Walter credits Mary and Eleanor for making the breakthrough possible and offers an apology on behalf of the group. Mary hopes the leaders now recognize the value of quiet access and influence. She toasts the partial victory with one sip of champagne, saving a second for when the order is finalized.