Chapter 60

Contains spoilers

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.
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