The First Ladies
by Marie Benedict
Contents
Chapter 46
Overview
Mary visits the White House for Eleanor’s Gridiron Widows party, reflecting on her growing public role and new newspaper column. A brief exchange with a young Black server named after Mary forces Eleanor to recognize her blind spot toward staff. Mary meets Lorena Hickok, and Eleanor’s skit as a Supreme Court justice prompts Mary to envision a future female—perhaps Black—justice.
Summary
In January 1938, Mary arrives at the White House, trading jokes with Eleanor about their busy schedules and Mary’s press nickname, “First Lady of the Struggle.” They catch up on family news, Mary’s new Pittsburgh Courier column, and steady progress on the Bethune Beach project. Their talk turns somber as they mourn Amelia Earhart’s disappearance. Before the Gridiron Widows party, Eleanor worries Mary will be the only Negro in the room; Mary counters that she faces racism daily and needs no protection.
In the East Room, Mary notices numerous Black staff serving the white guests and realizes Eleanor didn’t count them when warning her. At dinner, a young Black server pauses when Mary thanks her; the woman, also named Mary, shyly reveals she was named after Mary McLeod Bethune. The moment opens Eleanor’s eyes to the many Black people present yet unseen; Mary accepts her unspoken apology.
Seated with Eleanor and Lorena Hickok, Mary and Hick discuss Hick’s planned return to reporting amid European tensions. The party’s skits begin, including a pointed, humorous take on Steve Woodburn, which delights Mary and the audience.
In the finale, Eleanor appears as a new Supreme Court justice, joking about brightening the justices’ robes with knitting. The room erupts with laughter, and Mary reflects on possibility: if they can imagine a woman justice, why not a Black woman? The evening crystallizes both Mary’s public influence and Eleanor’s growing awareness of representation and visibility.
Who Appears
- Mary McLeod BethuneNYA and NCNW leader; visits the White House, affirms visibility, prompts Eleanor’s awareness, and envisions a future Black woman Supreme Court justice.
- Eleanor RooseveltHost and confidante; worries about Mary’s isolation, recognizes staff invisibility, and performs a comic Supreme Court justice skit.
- Lorena HickokEleanor’s close friend; reunites at dinner, discusses returning to reporting and European developments.
- Young waitress “Mary”Black server named after Bethune; her acknowledgment catalyzes Eleanor’s realization about unseen staff.
- TommyEleanor’s aide who signals it’s time to begin the evening’s events.