Annie Elizabeth Delany

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Annie Elizabeth Delany

Annie Elizabeth Delany (September 3, 1891 – September 25, 1995) was an American dentist, author, and civil rights pioneer, best known for her bestselling memoir, Having Our Say: The Delany Sisters' First 100 Years, co-authored with her sister Sarah Louise Delany and journalist Amy Hill Hearth. Delany's life story, which spans over a century, provides a unique perspective on American history, particularly African-American history, from the post-Reconstruction era through the civil rights movement of the 1960s.

Early Life and Education

Annie Elizabeth Delany was born in Raleigh, North Carolina, to Henry Beard Delany, the first African-American Episcopal bishop in the United States, and Nanny Logan Delany, a teacher. She was the third of ten children. Growing up in the Jim Crow South, Delany faced racial discrimination but was raised in an environment that valued education and self-respect. She attended St. Augustine's School in Raleigh, where her father served as vice-principal.

In pursuit of higher education, Delany moved to New York City where she attended Columbia University's School of Dental and Oral Surgery. In 1923, she became the second African-American woman licensed to practice dentistry in New York State.

Career

Annie Elizabeth Delany established her dental practice in Harlem, becoming a respected member of the community. Her practice thrived for over 50 years, serving a diverse clientele that included prominent African-American figures of the Harlem Renaissance. Delany was not only a dentist but also an active member of the civil rights movement, using her position to advocate for the African-American community.

Later Life and Legacy

In her later years, Delany gained fame as an author with the publication of Having Our Say: The Delany Sisters' First 100 Years. The book, which details the lives of Annie and her sister Sadie, became a New York Times bestseller and was adapted into a Broadway play and a television film. Through her memoir, Delany shared insights into the resilience and perseverance of African Americans in the face of racial adversity.

Annie Elizabeth Delany passed away in 1995 at the age of 104. Her legacy continues through her contributions to literature, dentistry, and civil rights. She is remembered as a trailblazer who broke racial and gender barriers, inspiring future generations.

See Also

• Civil Rights Movement
• Harlem Renaissance
• African-American history

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