Glimpses of An Election

*****

Cat shoved it into a corner of his mind in the excitement of Clay getting 43.2 percent of the vote and even winning in one of the white neighborhoods that he and Run-Run had worked. It was reported that Clay's party was the most joyful celebration of defeat in recent political memory. The large gathering at the church was secondarily happy about Clay and primarily a celebration of community.

Clay paid his respects and spoke his thank-yous by attending church the next Sunday. It was a quietly bold touch that was much remarked upon and appreciated by the full congregation. And Senator Burton.

Ten days later Marsh's lesson came home with great force to Cat. A regional trade newsletter, whose editors apparently thought the election made it safe to mention various matters, speculated very obliquely about Crown's trips to Mexico City. The next week it printed a front-page retraction and apology, explaining that Crown had been vacationing in Yucatan. Cat was tempted because Susan called his attention to a story in the society section of the Gulf Sentinel; but he kept his promise to Marsh.

It seemed that it was all over. The Freedom News turned to other issues, but it lost none of its momentum or readership. Susan regretfully but gracefully accepted the role of a founding mother. She and others were surprised by an announcement the following week that Senator Burton would speak to the NAACP.

The story did not reveal that Burton had arranged with Griff and Wendell Rogers to present him with a "wish list" from the organization. They had promptly gone to Marsh and Mitch, but received no help. Both men were adamant that the matter was strictly the business of the Negro community. "You tell him what you want."

Rogers remembered the outpouring of anger and ideas at Griff's after the communion service. Lette had passed the word about Rozanne's leadership during the discussions about the paper. And Mr. Hank had been nagging both men about what to do next. The result was a survey that took three nights. Griff insisted that they talk with the Mexicans and whites who lived on the edges of the Negro community. Everyone involved was uneasy about this first direct engagement, and the reception was by no means enthusiastic, but it was a beginning.

Hence The Reverend was ready with a neatly typed list when Burton appeared for the meeting. He did not unfold and read it until the formalities were completed and he had the well to himself. The crowd considered him honest on most big things and was ready to listen. He took his time making his estimate of them.

-- You are not to be seduced or bought, as your votes have told me.

I respect you for that. Actually kind of taken with you, somewhat to my surprise.

"I suppose most of you thought I was just duckin' out when you asked me down here and I sent Mr. Thorpe. I hear he didn't do too well, and I had a little talk with him about that. But I really was off on what I thought was important business."

The audience was still settling in and was a bit slow to catch the line about Thorpe; but when it did most people laughed and smiled.

"You folks and your friends did very well. Better than any others in my memory. I congratulate you. I needed that. Lots of us needed that, though there's some ain't ready to admit it yet...."

Table of Contents

• Introduction

1. Maggie and Mr. Hank
2. The Reverend
3. Squalls Along the Flight Line
4. Flying Home to Church
5. A Visit with The Judge
6. Communion
7. Afterthoughts
8. Monday Morning With The Admiral
9. Into the Dining Room
10. On Toward Walking the Streets
11. Glimpses of An Election
12. The Dream and The Reality of Violence
13. The Admiral Loses More Than a Few Good Men
14. Down That Lonesome Road

• Cast of Characters
• Credits and Acknowledgements