Sadie Tanner Mossell Alexander was an African American economist, lawyer, and civil rights leader who made significant contributions to the fields of economics and law. She was born on January 2, 1898, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and was the first African American woman to receive a PhD in economics and the first to receive a law degree from the University of Pennsylvania.

Alexander's contributions to economics began early in her career, when she wrote her PhD thesis on the economic status of African Americans in the United States. Her research was groundbreaking and provided important insights into the economic challenges faced by African American communities. After earning her PhD, Alexander continued to conduct research and write about economic issues, and she became a respected authority on the subject.

In addition to her work in economics, Alexander was also a trailblazer in the field of law. She was the first African American woman to be admitted to the Pennsylvania bar, and she went on to have a successful career as a lawyer, advocating for civil rights and social justice. Alexander was involved in a number of important legal cases, including several that challenged the constitutionality of segregation, and her work helped to lay the foundation for the modern civil rights movement.

Alexander's dedication to civil rights extended beyond her work as a lawyer, as she was also active in a number of civil rights organizations and initiatives. She was a founding member of the National Association for the Study of Negro Life and History, and she served as the president of the National Bar Association. Her tireless advocacy and activism helped to bring attention to the inequalities faced by African Americans and provided a strong voice for change.

In recognition of her many contributions, Alexander was awarded a number of honors and awards throughout her life. She was the recipient of the Spingarn Medal, the highest honor awarded by the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), and she was inducted into the Pennsylvania Women's Hall of Fame. Today, she is remembered as a pioneering figure in the fields of economics and law, and as a steadfast advocate for civil rights and social justice.

Sadie Tanner Mossell Alexander was a woman of great intelligence, courage, and determination. Her contributions to economics, law, and civil rights have had a lasting impact on society, and her legacy continues to inspire future generations of leaders and activists. She was a true trailblazer who broke down barriers and paved the way for those who followed in her footsteps, and her life and work remain an important part of the story of America and its ongoing struggle for equality and justice for all