The First Ladies

Meanwhile in DC, Eleanor watches her husband get sworn in as president. He stands with his cane and one of their sons, James, in case he falters though Eleanor knows he can’t ruin the image of strength they’ve created. Franklin speaks about how the only thing to fear is fear itself, and Eleanor realizes she can’t be afraid to be unconventional. Like the American people and her husband, she must have courage to follow her dreams and create a better life for all citizens. As first lady, she won’t be able to teach at the Todhunter School any longer, but she can chart new paths.

Earlier that morning, Lorena “Hick” Hickock, the journalist who followed them all along the campaign and became Eleanor’s close friend, gave Eleanor a sapphire ring. Hick confessed her feelings for Eleanor, wondering if she could be romantically interested as well. Eleanor feels affection for Hick, but she’s unsure if there is more to explore. Thus, she asked Hick for time. As Franklin speaks, she looks down at the ring, thinking of the country’s future and her future, maybe with Hick.

In DC, in 1933, Mary attends a conference about Black employment, but hardly any white people or union workers came to offer aid. More than 60% of Black workers in Harlem are unemployed, so she and her friends Eugene Jones, Walter White, Ralph Bunche, and other activists discuss these harrowing statistics. They discuss the bleak situation and decide they need to take their concerns to the president, who needs to include Black Americans in the New Deal. The president and his staff haven’t responded to any of their written pleas or calls.

Walter asks if Mary knows Eleanor Roosevelt since he’s heard rumors of the ladies’ friendship and hopes it will give them a connection to the president. While the others pester her, Mary doesn’t deny or confirm the rumors, thinking Mary Terrell must have told Walter. They let the subject go, but Mary knows persistent Walter will ask again. She wonders if she made a mistake not accepting Eleanor’s offer and perhaps already could have had a meeting with Roosevelt.

In DC, 1933, Eleanor falls into her role as first lady, with some distinct changes to traditional first-lady activities. She begins a syndicated newspaper column, writes articles, is on radio broadcasts, and visits with constituents. At Hick’s suggestion, she also hosts press conferences with an all-female press corp. Since a few months have passed since inauguration, Eleanor and Hick have shared some handholding and caresses, intimate moments that surprise Eleanor. Her affection for Hick is growing.

Mary arrives for tea, and they chat about the White House and its history. Eleanor broaches the subject of race and politics though Mary states she is only checking on her friend, not asking for anything. Eleanor assures her she wants to help and is ready to listen this time, to not assume anything, and to get Mary’s insights of how to best assist the Black community. Mary, appreciative of her honesty and respect, agrees to help her make sure Franklin’s New Deal policies will work for Black people too.

After Eleanor and Mary talk and plan all day, Mary reviews their goals: relief for those facing unemployment and their families, job creation for Black people, anti-lynching laws, and appointments to key administration roles for Black people.

They’re hopeful their plans will come to fruition, but Eleanor says they’ll have to be patient. Franklin cares about the Black community, but others in Congress will have to be convinced. Once more Black people are in power, the politicians will have to listen.

When Mary mentions Eleanor and Franklin’s bond, Eleanor admits his infidelity with her friend and social secretary Lucy Mercer. She vents about the long-term affair, stating she still hasn’t forgiven Franklin and that their relationship was forever altered. Mary explains her husband, too, was unfaithful with her friend; she caught them together and kicked her husband out of the house. He died a few years later, but rather than holding on to the hurt, Mary forgave him and her friend. Eleanor appreciates the lesson on letting go of bitterness.

In DC, in 1933, Eleanor argues with her security staff to drive herself to a secret meeting. Earl, her head of security and close friend, allows her to drive only if she takes a small revolver to protect herself. After showing Eleanor how to use the gun and making her promise she’ll keep it in her purse always, Earl agrees she can go.

Eleanor picks up Mary to bring her to a meeting at the Phyllis Wheatley YWCA (Young Women’s Christian Association). On the way, they talk about their goals and family. When Eleanor asks, Mary tells her how she raised Albert Jr. since he was a baby because her son Albert got involved with a white woman in Miami. Worried about their safety and the safety of the baby, Mary finally convinced the couple to let her have the baby. Albert and the woman parted ways soon after. Eleanor admires Mary even more. They also discuss how Robert Vann in the Department of Justice now, their first Black appointee in a place of power.

At the YWCA, Eleanor takes the gun from her glove compartment and puts it in her purse. Mary is shocked and angry, assuming Eleanor is carrying it because they’re in a Black neighborhood. Eleanor explains Earl’s rules, and Mary apologizes for assuming. They’re learning together.

In DC, in 1933, Mary meets Eleanor in the Rose Garden of the White House. They discuss their progress, including Franklin’s creation of the Office of the Special Adviser on the Economic Status of the Negroes. The newspaper states that Franklin appointed Clark Foreman, a white man, to run the office. Eleanor didn’t know Franklin picked him because he wasn’t on the list of nominees. Mary is insulted, pointing out again that Black people don’t need a white savior. Eleanor is upset too, but she insists that Mr. Foreman is respected and is very progressive; they can use him as an asset, since he’s white and is permitted to do things Black people can’t, such as go to certain meetings.

After her outburst about Mr. Foreman, Mary calms down enough to tell Eleanor of a brutal lynching of a man named George Armwood. George was accused of raping a white woman, so white men dragged him to a field across from his mother’s house, beat and stabbed him, then dragged him for miles before they hung him from a tree and burned his body. They distributed pieces of the rope as souvenirs. Eleanor is horrified. Mary shows her pictures of George’s remains from the Black newspaper. They both tear up at the story. Eleanor keeps the photos to show Franklin, promising they will get the anti-lynching bill through.

Soon after meeting with Mary in the garden, Eleanor takes time to dress in colors Franklin likes, doing her hair in a fashion he enjoys too. Hick helps her prepare though she explains to Eleanor she can’t report on her any longer. Hick must resign since she can no longer be objective and declares she’s in love with Eleanor. Eleanor doesn’t want Hick to go, so she suggests a position in another committee and assures Hick her place is with her, then kisses her. Eleanor isn’t sure about their relationship, but her feelings for Hick are strong.

Eleanor approaches Franklin with small talk first. She then asks him about Mr. Foreman and why Franklin didn’t consult her about his appointment. Franklin says he thought she would be pleased he’s helping the “Negro cause.” He believed he had no choice but to pick a white man or face repercussions. Eleanor lets the matter go and focuses on George Armwood. She explains the story to Franklin, but he replies he must help everyone in America now, not just a handful of persecuted Black Americans. However, when Eleanor shows him the photos of the lynching, Franklin is moved and says he will take care of the problem.

In New York City, 1933, Mary goes to the NAACP office to meet with Walter White, the head of the department. Walter is very light skinned and can pass as a white man though he identifies as Black. They discuss how others wrongfully define them by their skin color, the George Armwood lynching, and other important issues. Walter shows her a newspaper article in which the headline states Mary praised President Roosevelt. He confronts her about her support of Roosevelt and states the president has hardly helped. Mary argues that Roosevelt made a speech about the inhumanity of lynching; his calling it “vile” and “murderous” and urging people to end it both signal progress. Walter argues that public statements aren’t enough.

Mary decides to tell Walter about her friendship with Eleanor, adding the road to their success could continue with her. Eleanor can persuade Franklin, and perhaps Mary can get Walter the audience he’s craving with Franklin.

In New York City, 1934, Eleanor goes with Mary to the NAACP headquarters and meets Walter White, who she is surprised to find is white with blonde hair and blue eyes. Mary explains that Walter uses his apparent whiteness for undercover work. Walter greets her and discusses the anti-lynching bill. Eleanor explains that she will work with Franklin, but her opinions and support are her own. Thus, she invites Walter to meet with her at the White House to discuss Black issues and plan accordingly. Eleanor also wants to join the NAACP. Walter is flabbergasted at the White House invitation and her joining the organization. All three of them are proud to share in this historical moment.