Philadelphia is set to honor Sadie T.M. Alexander, a groundbreaking figure in civil rights and law, with a statue in her memory. Alexander made history as the first Black woman to graduate from the University of Pennsylvania’s Law School in 1927. This statue will celebrate her trailblazing achievements and lasting contributions to both law and civil rights.
A Trailblazing Legacy in Law and Civil Rights
Born in 1898 in Philadelphia, Alexander was a true pioneer. She became the first Black woman in the country to earn a Ph.D. in economics from the University of Pennsylvania in 1921. However, her journey didn’t stop there. In 1927, she made history again by becoming the first Black woman to graduate from U Penn’s prestigious Law School. Her accomplishments were remarkable not only for their rarity but for the barriers she broke for women of color in both education and the professional world.
Following her graduation, Alexander worked tirelessly to create opportunities for others. She joined her husband’s law firm, practicing estate and family law. Later, she became the first Black woman assistant city solicitor for Philadelphia. Her legal expertise and commitment to civil rights earned her positions on significant committees, including the Committee on Civil Rights under President Harry Truman.
Sadie T.M. Alexander’s Role in Civil Rights
Alexander’s impact extended far beyond her law career. She was an active advocate for civil rights and played a pivotal role in shaping policies to address racial injustice. She became a founding member of the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law and served as the secretary for the National Bar Association. These roles were vital in advancing racial equality, as she worked to open doors for future generations of Black lawyers and activists.
Her work with the Committee on Civil Rights helped guide the efforts to create a more inclusive and just society. Alexander’s contributions to the legal profession and civil rights movement were crucial in laying the groundwork for future reforms in America.
The Statue Project and Public Engagement
Now, Philadelphia is honoring Alexander’s profound legacy with a statue that will be placed at Thomas Paine Plaza, outside the Municipal Services Building. The city’s art office, Creative Philadelphia, has announced an open competition for artists to design the statue. The competition will prioritize submissions from local artists, particularly women and people of color, and will include a public engagement session on November 7th to gather community input.
A selection committee, which includes representatives from Alexander’s family, the NAACP, U Penn’s Black Law Student Association, and the Philadelphia Bar Foundation, will choose the final design. The city hopes that the statue will inspire future generations, especially young people of color, to follow in Alexander’s footsteps and pursue their dreams in law and civil rights.
A Continuing Legacy of Excellence
This statue is the second public art project in Philadelphia to honor a civil rights leader. In 2022, a statue of Harriet Tubman was also commissioned, marking the city’s continued commitment to celebrating Black history. Alexander’s statue will be a lasting tribute to her pioneering spirit and her unyielding dedication to justice and equality.
Philadelphia’s tribute to Sadie T.M. Alexander is a reminder of how far we’ve come and how much further we need to go to achieve equality and justice for all. It is a symbol of the enduring impact one individual can have on society and the ongoing fight for civil rights in America.
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