Chapter 59

Summary

• Chapter 59 is set in Washington, D.C. on April 22, 1941 and narrated by Eleanor Roosevelt.
• Eleanor Roosevelt is meeting with her friend, Mary at her residence. Their conversation is warm and jovial at first as they exchange greetings, however, the tone shifts when they move on to serious topics of discussion.
• Mary has come to discuss her support for the upcoming March on Washington organized by Mr. Randolph. This event has been widely talked about and is causing concern among many, including Eleanor.
• Eleanor learns from Mary that she intends to support the march actively, against her expectation, and fears that such a step might be viewed as an anti-Roosevelt move, inviting backlash from the press and Democrats.
• Mary explains that her annual NCNW conference is being scheduled just before the march to allow attendees easy participation in both events. Eleanor is upset at this and accuses Mary of deliberately encouraging colored women to join the march.
• Mary affirms this but also shares her fear that not officially backing the march could lead to more harm. They have a heated exchange about Mary's motivation and whether this move would damage their collective accomplishments.
• The disagreement causes a temporary rift between the two, but Mary tries to explain her position by sharing how the Federal council feels that they rely too much on Mary's connections with Eleanor and Franklin.
• Eleanor is hurt and humiliated but realizes the difficult position that Mary is in. She apologizes for taking the news personally and expresses her disappointment that their efforts till now have not brought enough change.
• They sympathize with each other's hardships and discuss the wider political landscape of war, labor strikes, and civil rights struggles within their own country. The chapter ends with Eleanor's resolve to prevent violence during the march, even if it means tainting her friendship with Mary.