Sadie Tanner Mossell Alexander (1898-1989) was an American lawyer, economist, and civil rights activist. She was the first African American woman to receive a Ph.D. in economics from the University of Pennsylvania and the first African American woman to be admitted to the Pennsylvania bar.

Born in Philadelphia, Alexander grew up in a family of activists and was educated at the University of Pennsylvania, where she earned her undergraduate and graduate degrees in economics. After earning her law degree from the same institution, she was admitted to the Pennsylvania bar in 1927, making her the first African American woman to practice law in the state.

Alexander was active in the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and was involved in several landmark civil rights cases, including Brown v. Board of Education, which desegregated public schools. She also served as an expert witness in cases challenging racial discrimination in employment and housing.

Throughout her career, Alexander was a vocal advocate for equal rights and opportunities for African Americans. She was a prolific writer and speaker, and her work helped to shape the civil rights movement in the United States.

In addition to her legal and activism work, Alexander was a respected economist, and her research focused on issues of poverty, unemployment, and racial inequality. She was a faculty member at several universities and served on various government committees, including President Lyndon B. Johnson’s National Advisory Committee on Civil Disorders.

Alexander’s legacy as a trailblazer and champion of civil rights continues to inspire generations of activists and leaders. She was inducted into the National Women’s Hall of Fame in 1993 and her life and work have been recognized with numerous awards and honors.

In conclusion, Sadie Tanner Mossell Alexander was a remarkable woman who broke barriers and made significant contributions to the fields of law, economics, and civil rights. Her unwavering commitment to justice and equality serves as a reminder of the power of determination and perseverance in the face of adversity.