Chapter 17

Summary

• The chapter is set in a family-run New York restaurant called Marino's, owned by Roberto, an Italian immigrant. The protagonist, Mrs. Bethune, is greeted warmly as she arrives.
• The restaurant is one of the few white-owned restaurants in the area that welcomes Mrs. Bethune, a suggestion of racial tension and exclusion.
• Meeting her at the restaurant is Mrs. Roosevelt, who Mrs. Bethune has come to see as a friend. They have previous discussions regarding racial issues, particularly lynching.
• Mrs. Bethune appreciates Mrs. Roosevelt's genuine interest and assistance in fighting for racial justice, in contrast to other white individuals who limit their support to financial contributions.
• Mrs. Bethune finds the formal use of 'Mrs.' unnecessary among friends. She suggests using first names with Mrs. Roosevelt, an idea welcomed by the latter.
• Mrs. Roosevelt expresses doubt whether the Republican Party is meeting its responsibility towards the Black population. She suggests the Democratic Party could be more appealing to Black voters due to its inclusive policies.
• Mrs. Roosevelt's husband shares her views and as the governor of New York, he has been keen on supporting Black communities. His expectations of becoming a presidential candidate is part of his commitment to help.
• Mrs. Roosevelt then suggests that Mrs. Bethune could support her husband's campaign by connecting him with Black voters, under the promise that he will stand by his commitments if elected as president.
• However, Mrs. Bethune is taken aback by this since it assumes she would automatically support a Democratic candidate and agrees to campaign for him. It feels like a disregard of her own autonomy and decision-making power. Mrs. Bethune is visibly upset, but Mrs. Roosevelt doesn't notice immediately.
• Once Mrs. Roosevelt realizes her mistake, she questions Mrs. Bethune about her discomfort. Mrs. Bethune is stunned, but she prepares to explain why she feels offended at the notion of campaigning for a Democratic candidate without discussion on her own terms.