Chapter 56

Summary

• The chapter is set in Daytona Beach, Florida on January 20, 1941 and revolves around a conversation between a woman named Mary and her son, Albert. The topic is primarily regarding political affairs, in particular, Franklin D. Roosevelt's third term.
• As Albert enters Mary's home, he hears the song 'Strange Fruit' on the phonograph, an anti-lynching song, which prompts him to ask if she has any regrets about the recent election that saw Roosevelt secure his third term.
• Mary defends her support for Roosevelt, noting the arduous work she did to gather support for him in the previous months. She also insists she has no regrets despite any controversy around her candidate.
• Albert accuses Roosevelt of being a white supremacist and criticizes Mary for supporting a candidate who has made little progress in combating inequality and segregation. He accuses his mother of turning Black voters against the Republicans, the party that supposedly delivered their freedom.
• Mary defends herself by arguing that she did not work to turn Black Americans against the Republican party but rather towards hope and the future. She insists that she supports the party that will do the most good or the least harm for Black people.
• Albert disagrees with his mother, but they part on good terms. Despite their political disagreements, they love each other.
• After Albert leaves, Mary reflects on the persistent brutality and violence against Black people. She reiterates her commitment to fight for an anti-lynching bill.
• Throughout their conversation, she uses the song 'Strange Fruit' as a haunting soundtrack, symbolizing the lynching and violence that Black people face on a daily basis.