Chapter 30 Summary

The truck carrying the electric chair for Jefferson's execution moves through the town, as white and African American residents react nervously. Tante Lou stays at Miss Emma's home the night before the execution, along with many of the elderly residents of the community. Reverend Ambrose stays with Miss Emma until midnight, before returning to his home to sleep. He has been told by Guidry to be at the court by 11:30am. Grant sees Vivian at the Rainbow Club the night before the execution. Although the bar is more crowded, people remain subdued. Vivian tells Grant that she will have her class praying beside their desks until after Jefferson is executed. Grant returns to the quarter at midnight and goes home without seeing Miss Emma.

In the morning Reverend Ambrose prays, bathes and eats breakfast. Guidry breakfasts with Edna and wishes that the day...