On September 22, 1991, an article written by Amy Hill Hearth ("Two 'Maiden Ladies' With Century-Old Stories to Tell"[1]), was published in The New York Times, introducing the then-unknown Delany sisters to a large audience.

Hearth and the sisters agreed to collaborate, working closely for two years to create the book.

[4] The book documented the oral history of the Delany sisters and was compiled by the same New York Times reporter that created the original article, Amy Hill Hearth.

[5] Having Our Say presents an historically accurate, nonfiction account of the trials and tribulations the Delany sisters faced during their century of life.

The book offers positive images and details of African-American (they preferred "colored") life in the 1890s.

[citation needed] The book chronicles the story of their well-lived lives with wit and wisdom.

He was born into slavery, but eventually became the first African-American Episcopal Bishop elected in the United States.

[6] The legislation of Jim Crow laws eventually prompted the Delany sisters move to Harlem.

[16] After the publication of the book, the Delany sisters received numerous letters from people seeking advice, life direction, and encouragement.

[citation needed] In 1995, Emily Mann, artistic director of the McCarter Theatre in Princeton, New Jersey, adapted Hearth's book for the stage.

The play adaptation, Having Our Say, debuted on April 6, 1995, at the Booth Theatre on Broadway in New York City.

[18] In 1999, Emily Mann, who had previously adapted the book to the Broadway stage, wrote a screenplay for CBS television.

The executive producers included Camille O. Cosby, Jeffrey S. Grant, and Judith R. James.