Imagine witnessing the unfolding of African American history, civil rights movements, and feminist strides all within one century. That’s the incredible life experience documented in “Having Our Say: The Delany Sisters’ First 100 Years” by Sarah and A. Elizabeth Delany with Amy Hill Hearth. Born to a former slave-turned-bishop in North Carolina, Sarah Louise (Sadie) and Annie Elizabeth (Bessie) Delany lived through seismic shifts in American society by the time they reached their hundredth birthdays in the early 1990s. Their narrative is more than a glimpse into the past; it's a treasury of insights and lessons that resonate today.
These remarkable sisters reached milestones that were exceptional even by today's standards. Sadie, born in 1889, was the first African American to teach domestic science in the New York City high schools. Bessie, born in 1891, became the second licensed African American woman dentist in New York State. For the Delany sisters, survival and success weren't just personal victories—they were revolutionary acts against a system rigged to ensure their failure.
The book is not just a biography; it’s a vivid oral history spanning a century. It goes beyond documenting the challenges of systemic racism and sexism. The sisters share personal anecdotes that meld humor, pain, and persistence. Sadie and Bessie speak frankly about their encounters with racism, offering a raw yet beautifully graceful account of hardships that feel both distant and strikingly familiar.
One of the most profound lessons from the Delany sisters is the power of resilience. Living through Jim Crow, the Great Depression, two World Wars, the Civil Rights Movement, and more, the sisters shed light on how they sidestepped the pitfalls of hate to embrace love, education, and community as pathways to empowerment. Their story emphasizes education as a tool for social mobility. Ingenious and methodical, they broke glass ceilings not only by walking through them themselves but by pulling others up as well.
What stands out is their pragmatism interwoven with their idealism. For instance, while they were ardent supporters of civil rights, their actions demonstrated understanding and strategic patience in a climate that could have easily bred impatience and eruption. Their stories are a stark reminder that despite their peaceful bearings, the battles they waged—subtle yet pointed—carved out spaces that changed history.
The sisters' reflections on identity and self-worth are particularly poignant. As Black women, they had a dual identity that they navigated with dignity and pride. Their unwavering self-respect and the importance they placed on community involvement continue to inspire intersecting movements today, blending civil rights, feminism, and African American culture into dialogues that are heating up again in our current climate.
Their story persists in challenging today's society to examine equity and progress. By exploring their lives, the Delany sisters underscore a vital conversation on race, gender, and resilience. Their presence is a light illuminating the struggles and successes of generations before.
While some might argue that recounting historical stories won’t fundamentally change systemic issues, Sadie and Bessie would beg to differ. Understanding the roots of inequality and celebrating past victories can galvanize us toward lasting solutions. Their narrative isn’t just nostalgia; it’s a blueprint for stronger communities and deeper understanding, crucial in a world where headlines routinely remind us of the persistence of inequality and discrimination.
It’s important to consider that the sisters’ story goes hand-in-hand with societal growth. Adaptability and learning from the past remain effective strategies for bringing about change. The Delanys remind us that progress isn’t measured merely by individual achievements or accolades, but by the broader impact on society and how history perceives them.
Accepting the challenges they faced doesn't mean resigning to the status quo today. The sisters' tale is one of defiance against complacency, urging future generations to carve paths of their own with courage and hope. Each story Sadie and Bessie share isn’t merely about what was. It’s an invitation to reflect, learn, and, importantly, act. Their voices, full of warmth and strength, continue to echo—a powerful testament to the past century's unsung heroines. Their wisdom remains relevant, urging us to champion justice and equality for every person.
In remembering their journey, we’re reminded that history is not confined to textbooks or museums but is alive in each of us. The lessons amplified by the Delany sisters are gentle yet firm reminders of how far we’ve come and how much more lies ahead. For every hurdle they faced, they crafted wisdom with pressing relevance for emerging generations facing new challenges.