Mary packs at the Whitelaw, reflecting on the inhospitable Mayflower welcome but a meaningful tea with Eleanor Roosevelt. She notes their shared commitments yet questions working with a Democrat, recalling how Southern Democrats helped empower the Klan that once targeted her school.

Nine years earlier, groundskeeper Mr. Robinson brought a warning: the KKK planned a march on Bethune-Cookman. As Robinson’s cousin Melvin rallied men to deter arson, Mary prioritized student and teacher safety, organized the campus, prayed, and prepared to face the threat herself.

Unexpectedly, ten teachers led by Mrs. Powell joined Mary. With students secured, Mary and the teachers stood in the campus center singing a hymn of faith as scores of Klansmen advanced with torches and a white supremacy banner. The steadfast, public resolve and song saw the mob pass through and leave without violence.

Back in the present, Mary recognizes the Klan still operates and many are Democrats, complicating any alliance with Eleanor. She resolves to keep the question before God, remaining cautious yet open to partnership.