In April 1936, Mary reflects on her constant travel to Washington and the guilt of leaving her school and grandson, balancing it with progress like forming the National Council of Negro Women and securing a D.C. headquarters.

At Union Station, a porter denies her access to the presidential train, assuming a Negro woman cannot be among such passengers. Mary asserts her role as a presidential adviser, then joins Aubrey Williams, Josephine Roche, and other NYA members to review presentations. As they ride, she steadies herself with prayer.

Arriving at Springwood, Eleanor Roosevelt greets the group and leads them to the president’s study before stepping out. Franklin Roosevelt’s warmth eases the room as Williams frames the agenda and Roche delivers the first report. Mary, slated last, resolves to make the needs of Negro youth vivid.

Mary begins with statistics on poverty, schooling, and blocked opportunities, then shifts to human terms, arguing the New Deal is leaving Negro children and college youth behind. She proposes that Negroes not only advise but lead programs to reach forgotten citizens. After fearing she pushed too far, Roosevelt reassures her and promises, “I will do whatever I can to help your people.”