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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What was the surname of the woman who sparked great controversy in the fight against segregation?

2. According to the sisters, Nanny's judgment was often _____.

3. Bessie gave which of the following a "comeuppance" over the ordeal?

4. Which city was the site of major activity in the Civil Rights Movement?

5. Sadie is quoted as saying, "Life is short, and it's up to you to make it ____."

Short Essay Questions

1. The sisters talk about their situation during World War II. Discuss at least one issue the sisters had at that time.

2. Sadie and Bessie's neighbors in the projects were upset about the actions of the neighborhood kids. How did the sisters react to the issue?

3. Discuss the Delanys' involvement with the up and coming jazz scene in Harlem.

4. Who convinced the sisters to move to Westchester? What kind of reception did the sisters receive?

5. How did Nanny's death change Sadie's role in the family? What was the family's reaction to the change?

6. Discuss Hubie's role in the political arena in New York.

7. Discuss at least two of Bessie's major challenges at Columbia.

8. What does Bessie say about the extra effort that must be put forth by Negroes?

9. The sisters talk about the deaths in the family. Who died first? Could any of the deaths have been prevented? Explain.

10. How did Sadie make extra money in the early years? What dampened the success of the business?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The Delany children were raised in somewhat of a sheltered way. Discuss the childhoods of the children. How were they affected by being so sheltered? What kind of influence did Henry and Nanny have on the way the children viewed the world? How might the children be different if raised in Raleigh proper, or in some unprotected area? What do you think Henry and Nanny might have done to protect their children in a different environment? Explain.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss Hubert Delany. What was unusual about Hubert's professional career? How did he make a difference as an activist? How did the sisters feel when Hubert became a celebrated government official? What was Hubert's job? What was his role in law making and policy? Where did Hubert serve? What was the relationship between Hubert and his sisters? Which organizations did Hubert support?

Essay Topic 3

Although the Delany family had many admirers, they also had detractors. Examine the type of person that might be most likely to detract from the family's accomplishments. Why do you think some of the lower class black families were resentful of the Delanys? Were they jealous? Did they have the same ambition or opportunities? Why did some think the family was trying to live in a white man's world? What does it mean when people said that the Delanys were trying to live above their station? How did the Delanys react to their supporters and detractors? What is your opinion?

(see the answer keys)

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