Take My Hand

In Washington, when they are walking through the Capitol, the aide who is showing them around asks if they want to have their picture taken by an Alabama senator’s office. This senator had fought against civil rights, so Civil says no. She does want to see Shirley Chisholm’s office although she does not ask.

They go into Ted Kennedy’s office; he is friendly and works to dispel their discomfort. Kennedy goes over the plan for the hearing, asks the family a few questions, and praises Civil for taking action. At some of his questions, she wants to tell him that the Williamses do whatever they need to in order to keep their benefits, but she realizes he would not understand.

After they meet with Kennedy, they return to the hotel room and watch tv and wait. Civil sits with the girls to give Mrs. Williams some time alone, and as she watches the girls watch television, she notes how close they are. “At least they have each other,” she thinks (211).

When they get to the hearing, photographers rush them. They push through, but Erica cries when they get inside the building. At the hearing, Civil notices that they are the only brown faces there.