Harlem Rhapsody

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of child death, racism, and gender discrimination.

Maman tells Jessie that Will isn’t allowed in their home, threatening to leave and return to Philadelphia if Jessie brings Will inside. Jessie doesn’t want Maman to leave, so she agrees to these terms and struggles to sleep afterward. When she gets into work, Jessie is yawning, and Will goes to get her coffee. They discuss progress on The Brownies’ Book, and Will’s praise lifts Jessie’s spirits.

Miss Ovington comes into Will’s office with Will’s daughter, Yolande, and his wife, Nina. Jessie realizes that Miss Ovington is Nina’s friend. Nina is surprised that Will is already back in town, and Jessie realizes that Will lied to his wife about the date of his return to Harlem. Nina is also surprised that Will hired Jessie. Will says that he’s too busy to have lunch with Nina and Yolande, so Nina invites Jessie to lunch. Jessie reluctantly agrees. As Nina and Jessie leave the office, Miss Ovington smiles at Jessie, making Jessie angry.

Over lunch, Nina inquires about Jessie’s life, and Jessie talks about her love for writing and books. Nina admits that she’s not much of a writer herself but loves that her husband is one.