Chapter 58

Summary

• The chapter takes place in a council meeting where Mary is trying to mediate the cross-talking among Federal Council members.
• Robert Weaver, feeling marginalized due to the coming war, argues in favor of a march on Washington as the only method of expressing their concerns and drawing the president's attention.
• Mary is upset and disagrees with Robert's approach, believing a march wouldn’t bring the expected outcomes and potentially escalating to violence. She has reservations about the idea initially proposed by A. Philip Randolph.
• Robert accuses Mary of pandering to the Roosevelts and challenges her to advocate for effective approaches. He emphasizes that they can no longer leave their issues to an unresponsive administration and need to take action.
• Mary defends herself and the Roosevelts by citing their past achievements and contributions to the struggles of the colored citizens.
• Despite her points, Robert argues that more immediate and direct action is needed. He insists that either the president takes action to address their problems or else they proceed with their planned march.
• Mary, feeling outnumbered, worries about the potential negative consequences of such a march. However, Robert is determined to fight for his rights and freedoms, dismissing her concerns.
• With the increasingly heated dispute, Robert argues that regardless of Mary’s celebrity status, she only holds one vote. He emphasizes that they will stage the march despite her objections.
• Mary feels dejected, realizing that she does not have the support she needs to dissuade them. She concludes that she will have to find another compelling way to address the concerns.