Brochure - Outreach Extensions

Having
Our
Say
A Kraft Premier Movie
The Delany Sisters’ First 100 Years
Starring Diahann Carroll and Ruby Dee
and Amy Madigan
with Lisa Arrindell Anderson,
Audra McDonald, Lonette McKee
Della Reese, Richard Roundtree,
Mykelti Williamson
Sunday, April 18 at 9:00pm,
on the CBS Television Network
This Congregational Outreach Initiative is developed by
the Interdenominational Theological Center and Outreach Extensions
through a generous grant from Daimler Chrysler
chrysler
logo
I
Dear Pastor,
tners, the DaimlerChrysler
Along with our outreach par d you this Viewer’s
sen
Foundation, we are proud to vie of HAVING OUR SAY,
mo
r
mie
Pre
ft
Kra
Guide for the
Years. Written by Sarah
The Delany Sisters’ First 100 Amy Hill Hearth, when the
and A. Elizabeth Delany with rs old, the best-selling book
sisters were 101 and 103 yea ay success. Now, the made
became the basis for a Broadw Emily Mann and directed
by
for television movie, written on CBS on April 18, 1999.
n
see
be
can
by Lynne Littman,
a strong set of values
The Delany family developed ’ said, “All of the values
sie
Bes
.
‘Dr
through the church.
m the church. It was religious
that made us strong came fro of the Delany family.”
ne
faith that formed the backbo ere steadfastly to those
adh
to
m
Their faith helped the
pite the challenges of
values in their daily lives—des and threats of violence.
ism
modern society, racism, sex
tegies, sermons and
The Viewer’s Guide offers stra ys’ life journey as dramascriptures related to the Delan t the rich experiences
tha
tized in the movie. We hope challenges highlighted
the
and
vie
portrayed in the mo
ether to discuss the value
in the Guide, bring people tog ity. The challenge that
ers
of celebrating America’s div nicity, sex culture and
all people—regardless of eth st face is to make our
mu
religion—and all churches
.
acy
ocr
dem
e
tru
a
country
About The
Community Guide
n the tradition of most cultures, and in the African
American tradition, in particular, oral history –
the passing on of knowledge and experience from
one generation to another – provides us with a unique
perspective on the lives and times of our forbearers. So, too,
does Having Our Say. As a rich and poignant chronicle of
the life journey of the remarkable Delany sisters, their
incredible story is one of joys, sorrows, challenges and
opportunities. At the same time, it is the story of a nation,
an era, a people, and a family whose faith in God served to
undergird their ability to not only survive, but to achieve.
Among the many virtuous messages embraced by this film,
six topical areas have been selected upon which every
church can, and should, focus its attention—those of
history and heritage, character and service, education
and achievement, pride and prejudice, youth and aging,
and faith and values. The final page of the guide identifies
resources from which churches may obtain additional
information and/or technical assistance to help them in the
development of programs for their respective communities.
The Interdenominational Theological Center (The ITC) –
the nation’s largest center of graduate theological education
with a focus on preparing African American church leaders
– in collaboration with the film’s producers, Camille Cosby
and Judith Rutherford James, and Outreach Extensions, has
prepared this community guide to assist pastors and their
congregations in unveiling the underlying tenets of this
inspiring film and in developing faith-based strategies to
address the social challenges of a new millennium.
NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS /
FAITH-BASED COMMUNITY SERVICES
Sincerely,
Camille O. Cosby
Executive Producer
Judith Rutherford James
Executive Producer
Dr. Robert M. Franklin
President,
Interdenominational
Theological Center
American Association of Retired Persons (AARP)
(800) 424-3410
Center for Community and Interfaith Partnerships
(800) 308-0395
Congress of National Black Churches
(202) 371-1091
International Faith Community
(202) 806-0750
ITC/FaithFactor
(404) 527-5700
National Black Child Development Institute
(202) 387-1281
National Office on Philanthropy and the Black Church
(404) 523-0308
The LIVES and TIMES of SADIE and BESSIE DELANY (1889-Now)
1889
• Sarah Louise “Sadie” Delany,
the second child of ten, is born
in Virginia to the mixed-race
Nanny Logan and born-slave
Henry Beard Delany. It is 24
years after the Civil War ended.
• The number of states in the
Union increases from 38 to 42.
1891
• Annie Elizabeth “Bessie”
Delany, the third child
in the family, is born in
North Carolina.
• Street cars in some southern
states are segregated for the
first time.
• There are 112 recorded
lynchings.
1896
• Sadie is 7. Bessie is 5.
• The U.S. Supreme Court rules
that “separate but equal” public accommodations are legal.
• The United States
captures Puerto Rico in
the Spanish-American War.
• There are 40,000 phones
in the U.S.
1910
• Sadie is 21. Bessie is 19.
• Halley’s comet makes its first
20th century appearance.
• Boxer Jack Johnson, an African
American, wins the world
heavyweight championship.
• The NAACP is incorporated.
1913
• Sadie is 24. Bessie is 22.
• Federal income tax is introduced in the U.S. through
the 16th Amendment.
• Zippers become popular.
1914
• Sadie is 25. Bessie is 23.
• All Southern states now have
“Jim Crow Laws” relegating
Black Americans to a lower
status than White-Americans.
1917
• Bessie (26) follows Sadie (28)
to Harlem.
• The United States enters
WW1. There are 10 million
phones in the U.S.
• Literacy becomes a requirement
for U.S. citizenship.
1900
• Sadie is 11. Bessie is 9.
• Booker T. Washington’s Up
From Slavery is published. W.E.B.
DuBois proclaims, “The problem
of the twentieth century is the
problem of the color line.”
• Scientists transmit human
speech by radio waves for
the first time.
• The average life expectancy
in the U.S. is 49.
1903
• Sadie is 14. Bessie is 12.
• The first motor car company
is founded.
• The first powered airplane
is flown.
1918
• Sadie (29) graduates from Pratt
Institute and continues her education at Columbia University.
• Daylight Savings Time begins
in the U.S.
• Spanish-American actress Rita
Hayworth (Margarita Carmen
Cansino) is born in Brooklyn, NY.
1919
• Bessie (28) attends Columbia
Dental School and the sisters
rent their first apartment
in Harlem (2505 7th Ave.
at 145th St.).
• Alcohol becomes illegal when
the18th Amendment passes.
1920
• Sadie (31) graduates from
Columbia Teachers College
and starts her first teaching
job at PS 119 in Harlem.
• American women win the
right to vote with the passage
of the 19th Amendment.
1922
• Sadie is 33. Bessie is 31.
• The Lincoln Memorial is
dedicated in a segregated
ceremony.
• The results of the Presidential
election are broadcast on the
first homemade radio sets.
1923
• Bessie (32) graduates from
Columbia Dental School.
• Garrett Morgan, the AfricanAmerican inventor of the gas
mask, sells his patent for the
automatic traffic light to
General Electric for $40,000.
1925
• Sadie (36) finishes her Master’s
Degree in Education at Columbia
University. Bessie (34) starts her
dental practice at 2305 Seventh
Avenue at 135th Street.
• Louis Tawanima, a NativeAmerican from the Hopi, is
disqualified from a cross-country
derby for running too fast and
spoiling the fun of the race.
1930
• Sadie (41) becomes the
first African American teacher
of domestic science in NYC’s
high schools.
• Paul Robeson performs
“Othello” in London, England.
• Anglo-American Grant Wood
paints“ American Gothic” and
African American William H.
Johnson receives the Harmon
Award.
1936
• Sadie is 47. Bessie is 45.
• African-American Jesse
Owens wins 4 gold medals in
the Olympics; Adolph Hitler
refuses to shake his hand.
• When a Black-American
minister offers the prayer
at the Democratic National
Convention, a Senator from
South Carolina and the mayor
of Charleston walk out in protest.
1939
• Sadie is 50. Bessie is 48.
• Marion Anderson sings at the
Lincoln Memorial after being
denied access to Constitution
Hall by the Daughters of the
American Revolution. First
Lady Eleanor Roosevelt
resigns her membership.
• Commercial television sets are
tested for the first time in NYC.
1941
1929
• Sadie is 40. Bessie is 38.
• The 22-year-old Cab
Calloway performsat the
Cotton Club in Harlem.
• The U.S. stock market crashes.
• Sadie (52) and Bessie (50)
move to 80 Edgecombe
Avenue in Harlem.
• The U.S. enters WWII by
declaring war on Japan, and
later, on Germany and Italy.
• Average life expectancy
in the U.S. is 64.
• 30 million U.S. homes
have radios.
1945
• Sadie (56) and Bessie (54)
move to the Bronx.
• Atom bombs are dropped
on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in
Japan, putting an end to WWII.
1950
• Bessie (59) retires from
her dental practice.
• The Korean War begins.
• Poet Gwendolyn Brooks is
the first African-American
to win a Pulitzer Prize.
• 1.5 million TV sets are in use.
1954
• Sadie is 65. Bessie is 63
• Segregation in public
education is ruled unconstitutional by the Supreme Court
in the landmark case of Brown
v.Board of Education. The
ruling is based, to a large
degree, on research done by
African-American Doctors
Kenneth and Mamie Clark.
1955
• Sadie is 66. Bessie is 64.
• Rosa Parks refuses to give
up her seat to a WhiteAmerican man.
• A bus boycott, organized
by Dr .Martin Luther King,
Jr. follows.
• White-American Jonas
Salk develops polio vaccine.
1957
• Sadie (68) and Bessie (66) move
to Mount Vernon, New York.
• Althea Gibson is the first
African American tennis
champion at Wimbledon.
• The Brooklyn Dodgers move
to Los Angeles.
1958
• Sadie is 69. Bessie is 67.
• NASA established; the U.S.
launches its first moon rocket
and the U.S.S.R. launches Sputnik.
1960
• Sadie (71) retires.
• President Dwight D. Eisenhower
signs the Civil Rights Act of
1960 into law.
• To Kill A Mockingbird,
Harper Lee’s novel about
prejudice, is published.
1963
• Sadie is 74. Bessie is 72.
• Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
delivers his “I Have A Dream”
speech to over 250,000 people
at the March on Washington,
the largest protest in U.S.history.
• President Kennedy is
assassinated.
1964
• Sadie is 75. Bessie is 73.
• Congress passes a Civil Rights
Bill, banning discrimination
in public accommodations,
education and employment.
1968
• Sadie is 79. Bessie is 77.
• Richard M. Nixon is elected
President.
• Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and
Robert Kennedy are assassinated.
• With increased U.S. bombing
in the Vietnam War, the
country erupts in protest.
1969
• Sadie is 80. Bessie is 78.
• Neil Armstrong sets foot
on the moon.
1972
• Sadie is 83. Bessie is 81.
• Sixteen Black-Americans are
elected to Congress, including
two women.
1976
• Sadie is 87. Bessie is 85.
• College enrollment among
Black Americans has risen from
282,000 in 1966 to 1,062,000.
• The Episcopal Church
approves the ordination
of women as priests.
1978
• Sadie is 89. Bessie is 87.
• I.M.Pei, a Chinese-American,
designs the National Gallery
of Art in Washington, D.C.
1986
• Sadie is 97. Bessie is 95.
• Halley’s Comet returns.
• Dr. Martin Luther King,
Jr.’s birthday is celebrated
as a federal holiday.
1989
• Sadie celebrates her
100th birthday.
• David Dinkins is elected mayor
of New York, the first AfricanAmerican to head the government of the nation’s largest city.
• Fax machines emerge as a
major communication tool.
1991
• Bessie celebrates her
100th birthday.
• Amy Hill Hearth writes a
feature article on the sisters
for The New York Times.
• African-American Dr. Mae
C. Jemison begins training
for her historic 1992 flight
into outer space in the
space shuttle Endeavor.
1993
• Having Our Say: The Delany
Sisters’ First 100 Years is published by Kodansha America.
Sadie is 104.Bessie is 102.
• The Clinton administration’s
inaugural is attended by a
record number of Black
Americans.
• Mexican-American Ellen
Ochoa walks in space after
being launched in the space
shuttle Atlas II.
• Mexican-American Cesar
Chavez, the president of
the United Farm workers’
Organizing Committee,
dies in California.
1995
• HAVING OUR SAY opens
on Broadway.
• The Delany Sisters’ Book of
Everyday Wisdom is published.
• Sadie Delany is 106. Bessie
Delany is 104.
1995
• September 25, Dr. “Bessie” dies
at her home in Mt. Vernon in
her sleep.
1996
• Having Our Say plays Chicago
for five months and goes on a
ten-month tour visiting 58
cities, among them Galveston,
Muncie, Des Moines, WinstonSalem, Tuscaloosa and Greely.
1997
• February, Sadie’s third book
comes out,“On My Own at
107: Reflections on Life
Without Bessie.
• September, Sadie celebrates
her 108 birthday.
1998
• January. Having Our Say leaves
for a college tour visiting campuses in at least 34 more cities.
1998
• June. First international
production of Having Our
Say in Sadie’s lifetime!
1999
• Miss Sadie Delany passes away
in her sleep at her Mt. Vernon
home, January 25th.
• DaimlerChrysler continues
its long-term association with
Having Our Say by providing
a generous grant for educational outreach the Kraft
Premier Movie
• On April 18, Having Our
Say, the Kraft Premier
Movie airs on
chrysler
logo
History and
Heritage
“ In 1918, Papa became the first elected Negro bishop of the Episcopal
Church, U.S.A. That’s a long way for a man who was born a slave on a
Georgia plantation. But if you had known
Papa, you wouldn’t be surprised. He was always improving
himself, and he and Mama brought us up to reach high.”
Sadie Delany
The Challenge
“The saga of the Delany family
emerges as a symbol of the Negro’s
struggle for survival, achievement
and service,” trumpeted The People’s
Voice in an editorial published in
September 1942. The Delanys
survived and prospered during some
of the most turbulent times in history
– through the post-Civil War era, Jim
Crow, two major world wars, and the
Civil Rights Movement. The absence
of their story from our history books,
as well as the stories of other black
families of significant achievement,
has precluded us from gaining a
realistic and historical perspective
about the emergence of African
Americans as major contributors
to the quality of American life.
Faith-Based Strategies
• Establish a series of programs
in which church elders can share
their personal and family histories
with the congregation.
• Develop and distribute a listing
of recommended literature,
films and theatrical productions
about African American history
and culture.
• Include stories about successful
families (such as Having Our
Say) in your Sunday School
curriculum. Unearth little known
facts about the contributions of
African Americans and other diverse
groups to American culture.
(See timeline on pages 4-7)
• Campaign for more information
about African American history to
be included in your local school
system’s curriculum (beyond that
which is presented during Black
History Month).
THE SCRIPTURE
In everything (they) did (they) had great
success, because the Lord was with (them).
1 Samuel 18:14
SUGGESTED SERMONS
“Lest We Forget”
“Precious Memories”
The Delany family on a
Harlem rooftop, 1928,
with some cast
as the family
“This race business does get under my skin. I have suffered a lot
in my life because of it. If you ask me how I endured it, I would have to
say it was because I had a good upbringing. My parents
did not encourage me to be bitter. If they had, I’d have been
so mean it would have killed my spirit a long, long time ago.”
Bessie Delany
The Challenge
The Delanys’ achievement did
not preclude them from facing
the challenge of racism, sexism,
and the stereotypical depictions
to which most African Americans
are subjugated. Despite threats of
lynching and the sting of racial
discrimination and gender bias,
the Delanys were encouraged by
their parents to remain ‘sound
of mind, (and) pure of heart.’ In
contemporary society, these same
challenges have sometimes led to
feelings of helplessness.
Faith-Based Strategies
• Conduct conflict resolution, critical
thinking skills building and stress
management workshops.
• Use biblical scripture as a guide to
teach Christian parenting skills.
• Develop programs that foster
increased communication between
parents and their children.
• Effectively use your church as the
‘village’ that it is to support families
in their child rearing efforts.
THE SCRIPTURE
Train up the children in the way (they) should go, and
when (they) are old they will not depart from it.
Proverbs 22:6
SUGGESTED SERMONS
“Healing the Broken Places”
“May the Circle Go Unbroken”
Character
and Service
“We were very proud of the Delany name, and because of our self-discipline it came to mean in Harlem what it had meant in North Carolina –
that is, it stood for integrity.”
Sadie Delany
Lonette McKee
as Mama
“Hunger was a big problem for the former slaves all year long.
It always seemed like somebody was knocking on the door,
looking for food. Mama never turned anyone away.”
Sadie and Bessie Delany
“There are plenty of white folks who say,‘Why haven’t Negroes gotten
further than they have?’They say about Negroes,‘What’s wrong with
them?’To those white people, I have this to say:
‘ARE YOU KIDDING?’”
Bessie Delany
The Challenge
The systematic dehumanization
of African slaves damaged the
self-image and self-respect of
generations of African Americans.
Unlike the Delany family who
developed a strong sense of identity
and self-worth through family,
education and faith, low self-esteem
is prevalent among too many of
today’s young people. They are often
mentally defeated, before they even
try to succeed in school or the
workplace.
Faith-Based Strategies
• Develop mentoring programs that
build self-esteem and character.
• Provide opportunities for young
people to have meaningful roles
in the church and the community.
• Address societal problems, such
as lying, cheating and stealing,
in Sunday School.
• Conduct a “Who Do You Respect,
and Why?” workshop for adults
and youth.
The Challenge
The Delany family’s sense of
commitment to others propelled
them to reach beyond their limited
resources to become self-reliant and
to help others. Their sense of
commitment was not simply abstract
ideals. Likewise, each of us has a
moral obligation to be concerned
about our fellow human beings.
Too often those who express concern
about the nation’s social ills are
never motivated toward action.
Faith-Based Strategies
• Every church – no matter how
large or small, or rich or poor –
has the capacity to provide basic
charity, sustained support, social
THE SCRIPTURE
The just (person) walketh in his integrity:
(their) children are blessed after (them).
Proverbs 20:7
SUGGESTED SERMONS
“Vision, Values and Virtue”
“And Deliver Us From Evil”
service delivery, political advocacy
and comprehensive community
development.
• A careful assessment of church
resources will dictate the degree to
which your church can educate,
feed, house and teach the
principles of self-reliance.
• Churches can explore working
in collaboration with other
congregations to form food banks,
cooperatives and credit unions.
• Churches can consider collaborating
with community development
corporations and affordable
housing programs to assist the
poor and working poor.
THE SCRIPTURE
Each one should use whatever gift (they)
have received to serve others, faithfully
administering God’s grace in its various forms.
1 Peter 4:10
SUGGESTED SERMONS
“The High Calling of Serving the Lowly”
“For God So Loved World, Not Just the Church”
Having
Our
Say
A Kraft Premier Movie
The Delany Sisters’ First 100 Years
Starring Diahann Carroll and Ruby Dee
and Amy Madigan
with Lisa Arrindell Anderson,
Audra McDonald, Lonette McKee, Della Reese,
Richard Roundtree, Mykelti Williamson
Sunday, April 18 at 9:00pm,
on the CBS Television Network
chrysler
logo
P L E A S E
P O S T
TELEVEST and COLUMBIA TRISTAR present a KRAFT PREMIER MOVIE
“HAVING OUR SAY, THE DELANY SISTERS’ FIRST 100 YEARS”
starring DIAHANN CARROLL RUBY DEE and AMY MADIGAN LISA ARRINDELL ANDERSON
MYKELTI WILLIAMSON LONETTE MCKEE and introducing AUDRA MCDONALD with
RICHARD ROUNDTREE, Special Appearance by DELLA REESE as Martha Logan,
Costumes RITA RIGGS Music TERANCE BLANCHARD Editor BRENT WHITE
Production Designer CHARLES BENNETT Director of Photography FRANK BYERS
Producer TONY AMATULLO something JEFF GRANT Executive Producers CAMILLE O. COSBY
and JUDITH JAMES based on the book by SARAH DELANY and A. ELIZABETH DELANY with
AMY HILL HEARTH Teleplay by EMILY MANN Directed by LYNNE LITTMAN
Education and
Achievement
“Education! Education, child. Education always makes
the difference!”
Bessie Delany
Lisa as Sadie
being taught Greek by
Professor Charles Boyer
“I never let prejudice stop me from what I wanted to do in
this life, child. Life is short. It’s up to you to make it sweet.”
Sadie Delany
“I never saw people try harder to improve themselves than
these grown men and women wanting to learn, to read and
write. This was the only chance most of them ever had to get
an education, and they were eager to take advantage of it.”
Sadie Delany
The Challenge
Most enslaved people were not taught
to read and write, as it was prohibited
by law. As late as the Brown vs. the
Board of Education decision in 1954,
segregated schools, already suffering
from outdated books and dilapidated
facilities, also closed for black
children during harvest time. Despite
these conditions, African Americans
continue to view education as
essential to their struggle for justice,
equality and self-reliance. Today,
some of our children are dropping
out of school and are not learning
the basic skills needed to achieve
success in the 21st century.
Faith-Based Strategies
• Encourage teachers and other
education professionals in your
congregation to establish and
operate after-school tutorial
programs at your church.
• Where feasible and affordable,
set up a computer laboratory
for adults and young people,
offering them training in the
basic concepts of information
technology.
• Organize ‘drop-out prevention’
counseling workshops.
• Conduct life skills workshops
(opening a bank account,
interviewing skills, resume writing,
dressing for the workplace, etc.).
THE SCRIPTURE
Take fast hold of instruction; let (them) not go:
keep (them), for (they) are thy life.
Proverbs 4:13
SUGGESTED SERMONS
“The Power of One Great Idea”
“Better Late Than Never”
The Challenge
Unlike many ex-slaves, the Delany
family was able to survive after the
Civil War because they were both
skilled and literate. Today, just as
earlier in history, literacy is still
a major issue in many African
American communities, particularly
in rural communities. Overcoming
the daily indignities and humiliations of being illiterate will require
the commitment of sensitive,
compassionate tutors and mentors.
Faith-Based Strategies
• Establish mentoring and literacy
programs for the congregation.
• Celebrate the accomplishments
of those who have not fame,
wealth or notoriety.
• Have church elders share with
the congregation the jobs they
have performed over a lifetime.
• Establish a church-based “Take
a Child to Work” day that enables
young people to develop a sense
of respect for their elders and to
experience the world of work.
THE SCRIPTURE
The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing:
but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat.
Proverbs 13:4
SUGGESTED SERMONS
“Lifting As We Climb”
“The Ministry of Mentoring”
Pride and
Prejudice
“The [Delany] family motto was,‘Your job is to help somebody.’
According to Bessie and Sadie Delany, this code applied to anyone who
needed help, regardless of color. Their accomplishments could not shield
them from discrimination and the pain of racism, but they held themselves to high standards of fair-minded idealism.”
Having Our Say, Amy Hill Hearth
Faith-Based Strategies
The Challenge
• Conduct cultural awareness
“I love to laugh. Oppressed people
workshops and seminars.
have a good sense of humor. Think
of the Jews. They know how to laugh, • Engage congregations from
and to laugh at themselves!”
a variety of faith traditions, races
Sadie Delany and cultures in activities designed
to foster racial reconciliation.
“Well, we colored folks are the same
way. We colored folks are survivors.” • Develop partnerships with people
Bessie Delany of other cultures to revitalize
economically distressed
communities.
• Design retreats to expose young
people to persons of different
religious, socioeconomic and
cultural backgrounds.
THE SCRIPTURE
There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond
nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are
all one in Christ Jesus.
Galatians 3:28
SUGGESTED SERMONS
“Red, Yellow, Black and White: They’re All Precious
in God’s Sight”
“Mixed Blessings”
James Miliam, Mama’s
father, in the late
1850’s.
Thomas Sterling
Delany, Papa’s father
“Negroes are used to getting kicked around, so we can sympathize when
other people get picked on. Like when they sent Japanese-Americans to
those internment camps: now, that was wrong! That was racial paranoia.
… Mankind can be cruel beyond words.Yes, we colored folk can relate
to that, because we’ve surely had folks who wanted to stomp on us, tried
to wipe us out.”
Sadie and Bessie Delany
The Challenge
The Delany sisters lived through
periods when the cruelty of mankind
took center stage – the cruelties of
slavery, lynchings, and other acts of
racial hatred. They not only
sympathized with other African
Americans, but also embraced a
sense of empathy for the plight of
other ethnic groups. Their life
experiences, religious upbringing
and sense of fair play shaped their
view of the world. Today, race and
ethnicity are still grounds for
committing violence against people
who are perceived as being different.
Faith-Based Strategies
• Mobilize congregations to
engage in political advocacy
for civil and human rights.
• Address the issues of racial hatred,
mistrust and discrimination within
your congregation.
• Conduct interfaith, multiracial
worship services.
• Have your church newsletter
publish a column that features
‘random acts of kindness’ that
promote racial harmony.
THE SCRIPTURE
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 5:10
SUGGESTED SERMONS
“The Sin of Stereotyping”
“Clean Containers, Filthy Contents”
About Youth
“Papa said to me,‘Daughter, you are college material.You
owe it you your nation, your race, andd yourself to go.
And if you don’t, then shame on you!’”
Sadie Delany
The Challenge
The Delany children were nurtured
to pursue excellence in all their
endeavors – that they had a
responsibility to themselves and
to others to efficiently capitalize
on opportunities. Without models,
some young people fail to apply
themselves; without models, they
may assume defeatist attitudes or
have unrealistic expectations in
wanting to ‘start at the top.’ The
most difficult challenge today is
helping our youth to develop a strong
sense of self-confidence – believing
in our young people, and helping
them to believe in themselves.
Faith-Based Strategies
• Plan college fairs and career
workshops for middle school,
junior high school and high
school students as well as a college
visit tour for high school freshman
and sophomores.
• Build the self-confidence of
young people by exposing them
to educational and cultural
experiences such as visits to
museums, historical landmarks,
the theater, art galleries, etc.
• Establish church-wide ‘Big
Brother, Big Sister’ and job
shadowing programs.
• Plan activities that encourage
young people to present themselves to the public such as essay
contests, high school/college
bowls, debate teams, poetry
readings, etc.
THE SCRIPTURE
Know ye not that they which run in a race run all,
but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.
1 Corinthians 9:24
SUGGESTED SERMONS
“Jesus: The Boy with Big Dreams”
“Little Ones to Him Belong”
Lonette McKee as
Mama, Haligh Porter
as Bessy at 5, and
Kiarra Harris as Sadie
at 7
“You see, I think I’m just as good as anyone. That’s the way I
was brought up. … I remember being aware that colored people were
supposed to feel inferior, I knew I was a smart little thing…
I couldn’t understand how people could look at me and not see that,
because it sure was obvious to me.”
Bessie Delany
The Challenge
Sadie and Bessie were blessed with a
family and an extended family that
instilled in them a strong sense of
identify and self-worth. Their
existence as ‘little colored girls’ in
a white world did not hamper their
ability to ‘reach high.’ The Delanys
took pride in their heritage, their
culture, their family background
and their achievements—never
letting the opinions or the insults
of the ignorant foil their efforts
to succeed. It is important for all
children to feel loved and valued. It
is crucial that we as adults prepare
our children mentally and spiritually,
for the challenges they will face in
an unjust society.
Faith-Based Strategies
• Assign young people meaningful
tasks within the church and in the
community, and provide them
honest and productive feedback.
• Encourage communication
between adults, particularly
the elders and the youth in
your congregation.
• Implement youth-driven community service programs that
contribute to the development
of their character.
• Develop after-school tutorial and
Saturday enrichment programs
that stretch young people to their
fullest potential.
• Provide parents with workshops
on ‘parenting skills’ that focus on
raising self-assured, responsible,
and independent children.
THE SCRIPTURE
For if they fall, the one will lift up their fellow: but
woe to (them) that are alone when (they) falleth; for
(they) hath not another to help (them) up.
Ecclesiastes 4:10
SUGGESTED SERMONS
“Keep Your Head to the Sky”
“Mastering the Art of the Possible”
On Aging
“One time, some doctor asked Sadie to do a senility test. Of
course, she passed. A year later, he asked her to do it again,
and she said,‘Don’t waste your time, doctor.’And she answered
all the questions from the year before, before he could ask them.”
Bessie Delany
The Challenge
The Delaney sisters remained alert
and vibrant in their senior years.
Their wit and wisdom, mental
sharpness and physical vitality are
remarkable, but not uncommon.
Their insights and perspectives are
valuable assets. We are blessed that
they were encouraged to write about
their lives. The contributions of
many senior citizens are generally
overlooked, because society is often
unwilling to accommodate the
changes brought about by advancing
age. Too many of our elders are
ignored or under-utilized in the
church and in the community when
they reach their golden years.
Faith-Based Strategies
• Encourage the church elders to
share the history of the church with
the congregation as a part of the
long-range planning process.
• Be sure to include the elderly when
the church takes an inventory of
the talents and gifts of the
members of the congregation.
• Compile and share information on
sensitive and high quality geriatric
care with the senior members of
your congregation. Educate the
congregation to recognize the
signs of typical age-related
health problems, i.e., Alzheimer’s
syndrome, depression and
malnutrition.
• Establish an “Adopt-a-Grandparent” program that facilitates
meaningful interaction between
church youth and the senior
members of your congregation.
THE SCRIPTURE
But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their
strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles;
they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk,
and not faint.
Isaiah 40:31
SUGGESTED SERMONS
“Keep On, Keeping On”
“A View of the Promised Land”
Laura E. Beard,“Culot,” the
children’s
chaperone
“Tell you the truth, I wouldn’t be here without sister Sadie.
We are companions. But I’ll tell you something else: Sadie has taken on
this business of getting old like it’s a big project. She has
it all figured out, about diet and exercise. …until I was ninety-eight years
old, I would climb up on the ladder and saw those
tree branches off so we had a view.”
Bessie Delany
The Challenge
Sadie and Bessie enjoyed a rare
gift in their older years – constant
companionship. Their lives together
had a positive and profound impact
on their mental alertness and
physical condition. Many senior
citizens live alone or in nursing
homes that are far away from family
and friends. While some families are
able to keep Grandma and Grandpa
at home, too often, the medical
and caregiving burdens are
overwhelming for many families.
Vast majorities of the elderly do not
enjoy their later years because of
loneliness and having a sense of
being “put out to pasture.”
Faith-Based Strategies
• When and where feasible, the
church should consider building
senior housing and assisted care
residential facilities.
• Start or expand outreach services
to nursing homes, including onsite worship services, liturgical
music and drama programs,
and flower days.
• Provide workshops for seniors
and their families on the topics
of aging that include health,
physical fitness and combating
loneliness and depression.
• Organize special fellowship
events for the elderly of the
church as well as for seniors
in the community and nearby
nursing homes.
THE SCRIPTURE
And let us consider how we may spur one another
on toward love and good deeds.
Hebrews 10:24
SUGGESTED SERMONS
“Our Final Testament”
“He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother”
Faith and
Values
“All of the values that made us strong came from the church. It was religious faith that formed the backbone of the Delany family. We were good
Christians, and God never let us down. … I’ll tell you something else,
honey.We were good citizens, good Americans! We loved our country,
even though it didn’t love us back.”
Bessie Delany
The Challenge
The Delany family developed a
strong set of values in church. Their
faith helped them to adhere to those
values in their daily lives, despite the
challenges of racism, sexism and
threats of violence. Their view of the
world was both realistic and positive,
which enabled them to love their
country and humankind. For many,
the church has become ‘a place to
be and be seen,’ rather than an
oasis for spiritual development and
rejuvenation. The church must
remain central to the struggle
against the erosion of families
and communities and the
inhumaneness of society’s
institutions.
Faith-Based Strategies
• Demonstrate the “power of
prayer.” Provide contemporary
examples of how faith has served
as the found-ation for prosperity
and success.
• Establish for specialized ministries
for various life cycle and interest
groups: singles, the widowed, the
disabled, the unemployed, etc.
• There is a whole, new genre of
literature on the topic of faith,
i.e, faith and healing, faith and
overcoming substance abuse,
the faith factor in correcting
delinquency. Contact faith
based clearinghouses to obtain
copies of these materials to
share with your congregation.
• Consider how the culture of
your church environment invites
or repels children, young adults,
and single people.
THE SCRIPTURE
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for,
the evidence of things not seen.
Hebrews 11:1
SUGGESTED SERMONS
“The Substance of Things Hoped For, the
Evidence of Things Unseen”
“From Vision to Victory”
Michael T. Williamson as
Papa
“The whole time in Harlem, we lived the same way we did in Raleigh.
We didn’t change our values or behavior one bit. Every Sunday was the
Lord’s day, and you could find us, sure as daylight, at Saint Martin’s
Episcopal Church.”
Sadie Delany
The Challenge
Sadie and Bessie lived in Harlem,
“when Harlem was Harlem.” The
breadth of their experiences and
acquaintances ran the gamut – from
the Cab Callaway to James Weldon
Johnson … from Paul Robeson to
Adam Clayton Powell. No matter
their popularity or their busy
schedules, they remained firmly
rooted in the church. Today, even
the smallest churches are overflowing on Christmas and Easter
with people who have neither the
time nor the interest to attend at
other times during the year.
Sustaining one’s faith and values
in the absence of a commitment
to regular worship is, indeed, a
significant challenge.
Faith-Based Strategies
• Collaborate with the appropriate
agencies/organizations/schools
to identify new people and families who have moved into your
neighborhood. Establish a committee to welcome them into
the area and to invite them to
attend your worship services.
• Conduct ‘Come As You Are’ worship
services to de-emphasize the fashion show mentality that exists at
many churches. This will enable
those who cannot afford to dress
up to feel comfortable and at ease.
• Enable families with young
children to attend by providing
‘Children’s Church’ or day care
services during the worship hour.
• Invite prominent religious and
secular guest speakers to share
in your worship services.
THE SCRIPTURE
Let every thing that hath breath praise
the Lord. Praise ye the Lord.
Psalm 150:6
SUGGESTED SERMONS
“Where Two or Three Gather, Heaven Reigns”
“The Little Church on Your Block”
big)
SUNDAY, APRIL 18 AT 9:00PM,
ON THE CBS TELEVISION NETWORK
(Chrysler Logo Here,
Robert M. Franklin Another Day’s Journey:
Black Churches Confronting the American Crisi
“The renewal of American civil society depends
on vigorous religious groups doing their part to heal,
reconcile, nurture, guide, discipline and
inspire individuals to join in authentic community.”
The Delany Sisters’ First 100 Years
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