Sarah Louise Delany

Sarah Louise Delany was an African American educator, author, and one of the Delany Sisters, famous for her long and eventful life. Born on September 19, 1889, in Raleigh, North Carolina, Sarah and her sister Annie Elizabeth Delany became iconic figures, celebrated for their longevity and their reflections on race, history, and the American experience. Sarah worked as a teacher for much of her life, dedicated to education, particularly for Black students, and she spent over 30 years teaching domestic science at a high school in New York City.

Sarah Delany, along with her sister Annie, co-authored the book Having Our Say: The Delany Sisters' First 100 Years (1993), which chronicles their experiences growing up in the segregated South and their long lives during significant periods of change in the United States. The book became a bestseller and was later adapted into a successful play and film. Sarah’s reflections in the book offered a poignant and personal view into the challenges and triumphs of African American women in the 20th century.

One of Sarah Delany’s memorable quotes is: "Life is what it is. You take what comes." This speaks to her resilient attitude and pragmatic approach to life’s challenges, something that is evident in both her personal experiences and the way she shared her and her sister’s legacy. Sarah Delany’s life and work continue to inspire generations with her wisdom and fortitude.