A. Elizabeth Delany (1891–1995)

Two sisters of mixed parentage, both over 100 years of age, share their observations on life from a unique perspective. Their father was born into slavery, but became the first black bishop in the Episcopal church, as well as vice-principal of St. Augustine's School in Raleigh, NC. Bessie was the second black woman to be licensed to practice dentistry in New York State; Sadie was a teacher. Both women chose their professions over marriage, feeling they could not do justice to both, but both also spent endless time and effort supporting members of their large family when need arose. They were active in the civil rights movement, and witnessed an incredible march of history. They lived together in Harlem for many years, and eventually moved to a predominantly white neighborhood in Mount Vernon, NY, where Bessie died at the age of 104 (about 3 years after this book was written), and Sadie died at 107. This is just irresistible.
Review written March 2016… (more)