A. Elizabeth Delany

A. Elizabeth (Bessie) Delany was an African American civil rights pioneer, educator, and author who gained widespread recognition as co-author of the bestselling memoir "Having Our Say: The Delany Sisters' First 100 Years" published in 1993. Born in 1891 in Raleigh, North Carolina, Delany was one of the first African American women to teach domestic science in New York City high schools and maintained a successful career in education spanning several decades. She earned her master's degree from Columbia University during a time when few African American women had access to higher education. Together with her sister Sarah (Sadie) Delany, she provided a remarkable firsthand account of over a century of American history, including their experiences as the daughters of a former slave, living through Jim Crow laws, the Harlem Renaissance, and the civil rights movement. Their memoir was later adapted into a Broadway play and a television film. Delany lived to be 104 years old, passing away in 1995, leaving behind a legacy as an educator, activist, and chronicler of African American life in the 20th century. Her contributions to oral history and her candid accounts of racial discrimination helped document the African American experience for future generations.

Readers connect deeply with the honest, conversational storytelling in "Having Our Say." Many highlight how the sisters' personal stories make historical events feel immediate and real. What readers liked: - Direct, authentic voices that feel like sitting with family - Blend of serious history with warm humor - Details about everyday life across decades of American history - The sisters' optimistic outlook despite facing discrimination What readers disliked: - Some found the non-linear structure confusing - A few readers wanted more historical context - Occasional repetition of stories Ratings across platforms: - Goodreads: 4.2/5 from 16,000+ ratings - Amazon: 4.7/5 from 850+ reviews Common reader comment: "Feels like having tea with your favorite aunts while they tell you about their remarkable lives." Several teachers note using the book successfully with high school students to teach 20th century history through personal narratives.

Having Our Say: The Delany Sisters' First 100 Years (1993) A memoir co-authored with her sister Sarah L. Delany and Amy Hill Hearth, chronicling their century-long experiences as African American women who witnessed major historical events and social changes from Reconstruction through the Civil Rights Movement.

The Delany Sisters' Book of Everyday Wisdom (1994) A collection of life lessons, practical advice, and personal philosophies compiled from conversations between the Delany sisters and Amy Hill Hearth, covering topics from faith and education to health and social justice.

Maya Angelou writes about her experiences growing up in the American South during segregation and her path to becoming an activist and writer. Her memoirs deal with similar themes of race, family bonds, and social justice that appear in Delany's work.

Pauli Murray documented her life as an African American woman breaking barriers in law, civil rights activism, and ministry during the mid-20th century. Her autobiography "Song in a Weary Throat" parallels many of the struggles and triumphs described in Delany's accounts.

Marian Wright Edelman shares stories of growing up in the segregated South and becoming a civil rights attorney and children's advocate. Her writings focus on education, opportunity, and the power of determination - themes that echo throughout Delany's narratives.

Dorothy Height chronicled her decades of work in civil rights and women's rights through personal stories and historical accounts. Her memoir "Open Wide the Freedom Gates" covers the same era and social movements discussed in Delany's books.

Anne Moody wrote about her firsthand experiences with segregation and the civil rights movement in Mississippi. Her memoir "Coming of Age in Mississippi" provides perspectives on race relations and social change during the same period Delany describes.