The First Ladies

In Baltimore, Maryland, in 1940, Mary is in the hospital. She thinks her years of working so hard have caught up with her as she’s experiencing severe bronchitis and sinus infections. She is recovering well, but Albert Sr. fusses over her. Although she appreciates his concern, she instructs him to get back to the funeral home.

Steve Woodburn’s threats never came to fruition, but Mary still worries. She also worries about World War II looming in Europe and knows it will affect funding for the New Deal programs. Her friends Robert Weaver and Bill Hastie come to visit her, but they inform her that the council has disbanded. They’re unhappy with the little progress made and with what they have determined are FDR’s empty promises. Mary reminds them that change takes time and that Roosevelt signed a law for Black people to hold military positions. Bill says her relationship with the Roosevelts is hindering them instead of helping, that she hasn’t been assertive enough with the Roosevelts—and that some people think she panders to them. Mary knows Black people have better jobs, more opportunities, and more education due to their influence, and she can’t just storm into the White House and demand things. Mary also knows Franklin wants to run for a third term, but she doesn’t say this aloud. She sparks them to never give up, and they agree to make calls.

In DC, 1940, Eleanor brings Mary to meet with Franklin with her latest proposal. Though a bit fatigued from her surgery, Mary speaks with her usual eloquence and confidence about how Franklin should make good on more of his promises to the Black community. She’s thought of a plan to serve both the Black people and the war effort at once: Black soldiers should fight alongside white soldiers in every section of the military. Through discussion, Franklin agrees with her that Black people can fight in the military to help the war efforts (and a stride for equality). Mary replies that she will then support his campaign if he runs again. Eleanor is proud of Mary and Franklin as they shake hands.

In DC, 1940, Mary receives a call from Walter White about a press statement regarding Black soldiers. Though Mary knows some have been turned away or only allowed menial jobs such as cooks, they are becoming fighters. Walter reads her the statements about Black soldiers being given higher positions and being allowed to fight, but Steve Woodburn is quoted saying that the units will maintain the policy of segregating white and Black soldiers. This statement makes them both furious because it sounds like President Roosevelt supports segregation. Mary says Steve Woodburn is to blame because he’s always been against their work, and they agree they must work to get these words revoked.

Eleanor is also upset about Steve’s words and Franklin’s lack of a public retraction. Franklin is too focused on winning his third term and gives a rousing speech to a crowd. He calls for peace but states Americans will fight if needed. The threats from Germany are increasing, and the Axis powers are taking over countries such as France. After his words, they head to their awaiting private train while Steve takes questions from the press.

After waiting more than 15 minutes, they see a commotion outside. Steve runs through the crowd and attacks a Black police officer. Earl and the other security get to work. At this assault, Eleanor states Franklin must retract Steve’s statements about segregation in the military and allow all Black men to fight in every station. He agrees and says he’ll fix everything the next day. He admits Eleanor and Mary were right that he needs to fire Steve.

In Florida, 1941, Mary doesn’t attend the inauguration of Roosevelt for his third term. Instead, she stays home and listens to an anti-lynching song called “Strange Fruit” by Billie Holiday. Her son, Albert, visits to check on her, stating the Roosevelts haven’t helped enough; he says they are white supremacists for letting the anti-lynching bill die. Mary argues that they are certainly not white supremacists and have helped their people immensely. After talking with Albert, though, she vows to never give up and get an anti-lynching law passed no matter the cost.

In DC, 1941, Eleanor stands beside Franklin during his historical third term inauguration. She wishes Mary could have attended, but her health didn’t permit it. She also worries that Steve Woodburn wasn’t fired and ignores him.

Eleanor enjoys time with her children and grandchildren, but she gets emotional that her sons may be called to World War II soon. She abandons those thoughts as she watches the Black and white soldiers march together during the parade.

In DC, 1941, Mary hosts a meeting of her federal committee members. Robert Weaver calls for a march on Washington to demand more Black Americans’ needs are met, including meaningful jobs and an end to segregation in every place and organization. He accuses Mary of pandering to the Roosevelts, but she objects. Robert and many of the others want to march on the White House lawn—thousands strong—to peacefully demand an end to segregation. Robert claims they can’t fight for freedom overseas in World War II and not in their own country. Mary states a march will only rattle the administration, but she is outnumbered.

In DC, 1941, Eleanor and Mary meet at the White House. Mary speaks openly about the upcoming march, which she must support. She won’t participate, but her allies need her support to ensure she’s still a Black leader. Eleanor is hurt, thinking her efforts haven’t been enough and tells Mary the march will be perceived as anti-Roosevelt. Mary apologizes, but she can’t alienate her community. Eleanor cries, but they move through the conflict. Eleanor asks what she can do to stop the march but still meet the Black community’s goals for change.

About a week after her discussion with Eleanor, Mary waits outside the Oval Office for Robert, Walter, and Philip Randolph (the march organizer) to finish their meeting with the president. With the threat of a march of thousands of Black people, Franklin finally took Eleanor’s advice and met with the Black leaders.

When Walter, Robert, and Philip emerge, they state Franklin listened to them and their concerns. With the threat of the march, Franklin agreed to sign an executive order for full equality in the military and defense jobs. The men helped him and his staff draft the order. They celebrate this historical victory with champagne, hoping it’s the first desegregation act of many. Walter thanks Mary because without her friendship with Eleanor, the group never would have had access to the president.