Sadie T. M. Alexander

Sadie Tanner Mossell Alexander (January 2, 1898 – November 1, 1989) was a pioneering Black professional and civil rights activist of the early-to-mid-20th century. In 1921, Mossell Alexander was the second African-American woman to receive a Ph.D. and the first one to receive one in economics in the United States.

Quotes

• I knew well that the only way I could get that door open was to knock it down; because I knocked all of them down. Don't let anything stop you
  • Honoring Her Legacy Retrieved 31 March 2025
• If I would tell you my medical history, you would agree with me that I was destined to live for some years.
• When I entered Penn’s School of Education in September 1915, I was convinced I had the ability to succeed.
• I wasn’t thinking about marrying Raymond or anybody else because I had things on my mind that I wanted to do.
• I went to law school and I enjoyed law school. However, I was met with many obstacles, but I was strong enough then not to let them worry me. And I also realized that on the campus…I had become really a pet.
• Our interest in better race relations had naturally come as a result of our experiences and our desire to see that this doesn’t continue to happen
• Work hard and prepare perfectly for every case and devote yourself to further causes which advance improvement of all phases of the human condition and spirit.
  • Sadie Tanner Mossell Alexander Retrieved 31 March 2025