Introducing Sadie Tanner Mossell Alexander as the first African American woman to earn a PhD (economics) in the United States in 1921, the first woman to receive a law degree from the University of Pennsylvania Law School in 1927, the first African American woman admitted to the Pennsylvania Bar, and the first National President of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated (1919 – 1923). Born in Philadelphia in 1898, she spent her high school years in Washington, DC, attending the M Street School, now known as Dunbar High School. She graduated from University of Pennsylvania in 1918 and continued on to earn a Master’s Degree and PhD in economics. Dr. Alexander worked for North Carolina Mutual in Durham, NC for two years before marrying and moving back to Pennsylvania and entering law school. After her admittance to the bar in 1927, she joined her husband in his law practice specializing in estate and family law. Dr. Alexander was the first African American woman appointed Assistant City Solicitor for the City of Philadelphia. She held that position from 1928 – 1930 and 1934 – 1938. She served on numerous boards, committees, and commissions and held office in many local and national organizations. The Honorable Sadie Tanner Mossell Alexander retired from practice and from public life generally in 1982. She died in 1989. #RACDST #Women #DST101
Posted on: Tue, 11 Mar 2014 01:13:28 +0000
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