Chapter 9

Summary

• The chapter takes place at a Republican campaign headquarters in Daytona Beach, Florida, on November 6, 1928.
• The protagonist, Mary, has rented the office for the election and is joined by about seventy volunteers, including students from Bethune-Cookman.
• Mary is a strong advocate for voting rights, especially for African-Americans, and has registered thousands of voters for the Republican party.
• As the election results start to come in over the radio, the Republican party wins some and loses others, much to the excitement and disappointment of the crowd alike.
• Mary, despite her strong affiliation with the Republican Party, has been exchanging letters with Mrs. Roosevelt whose husband, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, is running as a Democrat for New York governor.
• Despite many in the room being disappointed with the Democratic victories, Mary is happy for Mrs. Roosevelt as she believed in her commitment to education.
• Ultimately, the Republican Herbert Hoover is announced as the newly elected president, leading to a celebration in the room.
• Despite the celebrations, Mary reflects on the changing political landscape, with some African-Americans considering support for Democrats instead of the Republicans.
• After the celebrations, Mary’s son Albert Sr. drives her and her grandson Albert Jr. home. During the ride, tension arises when Mary inquires about Albert Sr.'s failing business ventures.
• The chapter concludes with Mary reflecting on the burden of responsibility she carries for her family, her school, and her country and praying for guidance.