In May 1940 at Johns Hopkins, Mary recovers from a serious bronchitis and sinus infection that required surgery and strict dieting. Her son Albert visits, and after he leaves, Mary turns her focus to alarming New Deal budget cuts amid looming war. Determined to shore up influence for vulnerable citizens, she plans to reconvene the Federal Council.

Robert Weaver and Bill Hastie arrive with flowers. When Mary asks them to arrange a Monday Council meeting, they reveal the Council has effectively disbanded, with members splintering into smaller, self-focused groups after disappointment with federal inaction and reduced authority.

A frank debate follows. Mary cites tangible gains and access, including Public Law 18 opening Army Air Corps training to Negroes, as proof that persistence works. Weaver and Hastie counter that Roosevelt failed to deliver on voting rights, jobs, housing, and education, and they argue Mary’s friendship with the Roosevelts softened necessary pressure, making meetings feel futile.

Hastie claims there is no leverage since Roosevelt has served two terms. Privately recalling Eleanor’s hint that FDR may run again, Mary withholds that knowledge but resolves to rally the Council and use the potential electoral power of Black voters. Weaver and Hastie agree to make calls, and Mary recommits to pushing for unified action despite setbacks.