Having Our Say: The Delany Sisters' First 100 Years Summary & Key Insights

"Having Our Say: The Delany Sisters' First 100 Years" tells the remarkable story of Sadie and Bessie Delany, two African-American sisters who lived exceptionally long and fulfilling lives, spanning the tumultuous 20th century. The book, co-written with Amy Hill Hearth, is essentially a transcription of interviews conducted with the sisters, revealing their perspectives on race, family, gender, and societal change.

The narrative unfolds chronologically, beginning with their childhood in a small, close-knit community in North Carolina, where they were raised by their parents, a devoutly religious dentist and his strong-willed wife. Their upbringing emphasized education, hard work, and strong moral principles, setting the stage for their future accomplishments. We see the sisters navigate the Jim Crow South, experiencing firsthand the pervasive segregation and racism that limited opportunities for Black Americans, particularly Black women.

Bessie, the older sister, pursued a career as a teacher, while Sadie, the younger sister, became a dentist – both extraordinary achievements at a time when professional opportunities for Black women were exceptionally scarce. Their journeys illustrate the resilience and determination required to overcome systemic obstacles. The sisters' narratives detail their experiences with discrimination in education, employment, and even social interactions, highlighting the constant struggle against prejudice.

The book is not solely focused on hardship; it also showcases the sisters' vibrant personal lives. The narrative explores their close familial bonds, emphasizing the love and support they received from their parents and each other, alongside their strong belief in the power of faith and community. Their individual romantic relationships are also touched upon, illustrating the challenges and triumphs of finding love and building families within the constraints of their time.

As the story progresses, it explores the sisters' growing awareness of the larger social and political landscape. Their experiences during the Civil Rights movement are subtly but powerfully woven into the narrative, showcasing their quiet acts of resistance and their belief in the importance of education and self-improvement as tools for social change. The book concludes with the sisters in their later years, reflecting on their lives, offering wisdom gleaned from a century of experience, and highlighting their continued strong bonds of sisterhood.

Overarching themes of family, perseverance, faith, and the enduring power of sisterhood resonate throughout the book. The Delany sisters' story is ultimately a testament to the strength of the human spirit, a celebration of Black womanhood, and a powerful commentary on the evolution of race relations and social progress in America during the 20th century. Their lives, recounted through their own voices, offer a profound and inspiring narrative of overcoming adversity and living a life filled with purpose and dignity.