Philadelphia, Pa. — A statue honoring Dr. Sadie T. M. Alexander, a groundbreaking figure in law and economics, is set to be unveiled later this year after a selection process that will conclude by the end of July. Five finalists have been identified for the statue’s design, and a committee will announce the winning choice based on public feedback.
Dr. Alexander made history as the first African American woman to receive a Ph.D. in economics in the United States and was also the first Black woman to graduate from the University of Pennsylvania Law School. Her significant contributions extend to her role on President Harry S. Truman’s President’s Committee on Civil Rights and as the inaugural national president of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Throughout her career, Alexander served as an assistant city solicitor in Philadelphia and practiced law alongside her husband, Raymond Pace Alexander, a well-respected attorney in his own right. Her commitment to civil rights and advocacy for marginalized communities marked her legacy. Dr. Alexander passed away in 1989 and is interred at West Laurel Hill Cemetery in Bala Cynwyd.
The statue will be placed outside the Municipal Services Building in Center City, symbolizing her impact on the community and her role in advancing civil rights. The public survey that informed the design selection reflects a community keen on honoring Alexander’s remarkable achievements.
As residents await the announcement of the winning design, anticipation for the statue highlights a broader recognition of African American contributions to the United States’ legal and economic landscape. It serves as a reminder of the strides made in civil rights and the ongoing journey toward equality.
Community leaders and the special committee involved in the selection process have emphasized the importance of honoring figures like Dr. Alexander, whose groundbreaking work set a precedent for future generations of lawyers and economists. This initiative also reflects a growing recognition of the need to celebrate diverse historical figures in public art.
Once selected, the statue will serve as both an educational tool and a source of inspiration for those who engage with it. By commemorating Dr. Alexander’s legacy, Philadelphia aims to foster a greater understanding of the contributions made by women and people of color in shaping the nation’s history.
This article was automatically written by Open AI, and the people, facts, circumstances, and story may be inaccurate. Any article can be requested for removal, retraction, or correction by writing to contact@publiclawlibrary.org.