Sadie Tanner Mossell Alexander • University Archives and Records Center

Breaking Barriers: The Life And Legacy Of Sadie Tanner Mossell Alexander

Sadie Tanner Mossell Alexander • University Archives and Records Center

Imagine being the first in your field, paving the way for countless others to follow. Sadie Tanner Mossell Alexander did just that, breaking barriers in economics and law as an African American woman in the early 20th century. Her journey is not just a story of personal achievement; it's a testament to resilience, courage, and the relentless pursuit of justice.

Who Was Sadie Alexander?

Sadie Tanner Mossell Alexander, born at the close of the 19th century, became a trailblazer in many aspects of her life. She was the first Black American to earn a Ph.D. in economics and only the second Black woman to obtain a Ph.D. in any field. Alexander also made history as the first Black woman to graduate from the University of Pennsylvania's Law School and gain admission to the Pennsylvania bar. Throughout her career, she dedicated herself to civil rights advocacy, serving on President Harry Truman's Committee on Civil Rights and being appointed to the White House Conference on Aging by President Jimmy Carter.

Early Life and Education

Born on January 2, 1898, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Sadie Tanner Mossell was the daughter of Aaron A. Mossell and Mary Tanner Mossell. Her father left when she was very young, and she spent her childhood in Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. Alexander graduated from M Street High School, now known as Dunbar High School, in 1915, and went on to enroll in the University of Pennsylvania's School of Education, where she faced significant racial challenges but graduated with honors in 1918.

Family Background and Influence

Coming from a family of achievers, Alexander was inspired by her relatives. Her grandfather, Bishop Benjamin Tucker, was a prominent figure in the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Her uncle, Henry Ossawa Tanner, gained acclaim as an artist and another uncle, Nathan F. Mossell, was the first medical school graduate from the University of Pennsylvania and co-founded Mercy-Douglass Hospital. This environment of excellence set the stage for her future accomplishments.

Academic Achievements in Economics

After earning her undergraduate degree, Alexander continued her education at the University of Pennsylvania, where she studied economics. She earned a master's degree in 1919 and became the first Black American to receive a Ph.D. in economics in 1921. Despite her qualifications, she faced discrimination when seeking employment in her field and took a position as an assistant actuary for the North Carolina Mutual Life Insurance Company from 1921 to 1923.

Legal Education and Milestones

In 1924, Alexander pursued a law degree, motivated by the desire to use legal avenues to advocate for Black Americans. Following in her father's footsteps, she enrolled in the University of Pennsylvania's Law School, where she became the first Black female graduate in 1927 and subsequently the first Black woman admitted to the Pennsylvania bar. Her persistence in the face of opposition was remarkable, and she overcame barriers to join the law review despite initial objections from the administration.

Advocacy for Civil Rights

Alexander leveraged her legal education to fight for civil rights. Together with her husband, she worked tirelessly to secure access for Black Philadelphians to restaurants, hotels, and theaters. In 1946, she was appointed by President Truman to the President's Committee on Civil Rights, which produced the influential report "To Secure These Rights" in 1948, outlining necessary reforms for civil rights protections in the United States.

Legacy in Civil Rights Organizations

In 1951, Alexander co-founded the Commission on Human Relations in Philadelphia, contributing to the city's civil rights efforts until 1968. She collaborated with various organizations, including the American Civil Liberties Union and the National Urban League, and was present during significant civil rights events, such as Martin Luther King Jr.'s march from Selma to Montgomery in 1965, where she honored him with a replica of the Liberty Bell.

Professional Journey in Law

Throughout her career, Alexander specialized in estate and family law. She served as assistant city solicitor of Philadelphia and later established her law firm, Alexander & Alexander, with her husband. After he became a judge in 1959, she continued her practice and remained an influential figure in legal and civil rights circles until her retirement in 1982.

Recognition and Accomplishments

As a pioneer, Alexander was the first national president of Delta Sigma Theta, a sorority for Black women. She also served as secretary of the National Bar Association, being the first woman to hold that position. In 1948, the National Urban League recognized her as its Woman of the Year for her contributions to civil rights and community service.

Impact and Legacy

Sadie Tanner Mossell Alexander passed away on November 1, 1989, leaving behind a legacy of courage and advocacy. Her contributions to civil rights and her trailblazing achievements continue to inspire new generations. The Sadie Collective, established in 2018, honors her legacy by encouraging Black women to pursue careers in economics and related fields.

Personal Life and Family

In 1923, Alexander married Raymond Pace Alexander, an attorney. Together, they had two daughters, Mary Elizabeth and Rae Pace, who carry forward their mother's remarkable legacy. Their family life was undoubtedly intertwined with Alexander's commitment to justice and equality, shaping the next generation of leaders.

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Sadie Tanner Mossell Alexander • University Archives and Records Center
Sadie Tanner Mossell Alexander • University Archives and Records Center
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Sadie Alexander, la prima donna afroamericana avvocato
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