[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 151 (Tuesday, September 26, 1995)]
[Senate]
[Pages S14223-S14224]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         DEATH OF BESSIE DELANY

  Ms. MIKULSKI. Mr. President, I note that my colleague, who is 
managing the VA-HUD bill, which is before the 

[[Page S 14224]]
Senate today, will speak on environmental matters in our legislation. 
But before he does, I wanted to bring to the Senate's attention the 
death of someone who really has been an outstanding American citizen.
  Bessie Delany died Monday at the age of 104 in her home in Mount 
Vernon, NY. Many Americans know her as part of the Delany sisters. Dr. 
Bessie Delany and her sister, Sadie Delany, lived through the most 
remarkable period in American history, from about the 1880's all the 
way until now. They saw the end of slavery. They lived through the era 
where people moved from the South. Bessie Delany was one of the first 
African-American women to become a physician in the United States. She 
was the second African-American woman to practice dentistry in New 
York, having graduated from Columbia University in 1923.
  About 5 years ago, she and her sister became famous when they wrote, 
coauthored with Amy Hill Hearth, a book called ``Having Our Say: The 
Delany Sisters' First 100 Years.'' In April, a play opened on Broadway 
telling their story.
  I read their great book called ``Having Our Say,'' and it is a 
remarkable tribute of courage, character, and competency.
  Both of these women overcame incredible odds to make a substantial 
contribution to the American community. And overcoming all of the bias 
related to racism, all the obstacles for which there were very skimpy 
opportunity structures available to them, both--one went on to be a 
teacher, and Bessie Delany became, as I said, a physician.
  All of America is sorry to see Dr. Bessie Delany move on. We are very 
sorry about her death. We extend our sympathy to her family. But as a 
great tribute to her and her remarkable life, I really encourage all 
who are listening here to go to the library and get this remarkable 
book, ``Having Our Say,'' because in listening to what the Delanys say, 
both this remarkable teacher and this remarkable physician have a lot 
of lessons to teach us and to give us, also, a navigational chart for 
the healing that needs to go on in our society.
  So to Dr. Bessie Delany, wherever she is in God's great glory, we 
just thank her for what she has done for this country. We express our 
condolences to her sister Sadie. And as a tribute we urge you read this 
remarkable book about their lives.
  Mr. President, I yield the floor.

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