In honor of Women’s History Month, we are kicking off a series highlighting the women that inspire us. Today, we take a moment to celebrate the remarkable achievements and contributions of Dr. Sadie Tanner Mossell Alexander.
Dr. Alexander was a trailblazing figure in education, law, and civil rights, leaving an indelible mark on American history. Her dedication to justice and equality paved the way for future generations of Black professionals. In our podcast, we discuss her legacy and we talk to Princess Nworah, NKU Economic student, that has been impacted by the efforts that Dr. Alexander championed. We also recognize Anna Gifty Opoku-Agyeman and Fanta Traore for the efforts to build a representative pipeline.
Dr. Sadie Tanner Mossell Alexander: A Pioneer's Journey
Dr. Sadie Tanner Mossell Alexander was born on January 2, 1898, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She went on to become the first African American woman to earn a Ph.D. in Economics in 1921, an accomplishment that showcased her determination and intellectual prowess. Her groundbreaking dissertation on "The Standard of Living Among One Hundred Negro Migrant Families in Philadelphia" highlighted her commitment to addressing socio-economic disparities within the Black community.
Education and Legal Advocacy:
After earning her doctorate, Dr. Alexander continued her journey of firsts. She was the first Black woman to graduate from the University of Pennsylvania Law School in 1927. She swiftly broke down barriers in the legal field, becoming the first Black woman to practice law in Pennsylvania. Her work as an attorney focused on civil rights and social justice, advocating for equality and the rights of marginalized communities.
Impactful Career:
Dr. Alexander’s influence extended beyond the courtroom. She was a dedicated educator and served as a professor at several prestigious institutions, including Howard University and the University of Pennsylvania. Her tireless efforts in academia inspired countless students and future leaders.
The Sadie Collective: Continuing the Legacy
Dr. Sadie Tanner Mossell Alexander’s legacy is one of resilience, determination, and advocacy for Black rights. Her groundbreaking achievements in education and law continue to inspire generations. Today, her legacy lives on through the Sadie Collective, an organization dedicated to advancing Black women in economics, finance, data science, and policy. The Sadie Collective strives to empower young Black women to follow in Dr. Alexander’s footsteps by breaking down barriers and achieving excellence in their chosen fields.
To learn more about the Sadie Collective and its mission, please visit their official website: https://www.sadiecollective.org
As we honor Dr. Sadie Tanner Mossell during Wome'n’s History Month, let us also celebrate the ongoing work of organizations like the Sadie Collective, which continue to champion the advancement of Black women in academia and beyond.
Show Notes
In this special Women's History Month episode of "Economics with Dr. A," hosted by Dr. Abdullah Al Bahrani, we dig into the remarkable legacy of Sadie Alexander, the first Black woman to earn a PhD in economics. Featuring insights from Princess Nworah's recent experience at the Sadie Collective conference, we explore the impact Sadie Alexander and the Collective have had on young economists today.
Host: Dr. Abdullah Al Bahrani
Guests: Princess Nworah, with contributions from Fawwaaz and Antowan
Episode Highlights:
1. Introduction to Women's History Month Series
Dr. Al Bahrani introduces the focus on “women who inspire us” series, starting with Sadie Alexander.
2. Sadie Alexander's Legacy
Discussion on Sadie Alexander's pioneering achievements and lasting influence in economics.
3. The Sadie Collective
Background on the Sadie Collective, founded by Anna Gifty and Fanta Traore, and its role in mentoring and inspiring young economists. A previous interview with Fanta Traore is mentioned, linking to the Econ Games speaker series.
4. Princess Nworah's Experience
Princess shares her transformative experience at the Sadie Collective conference, her journey from Nigeria to studying economics in the US, and the shift in her academic focus towards math and statistics inspired by the conference.
5. Mentoring and Aspirations
Discussion on the importance of mentoring, community, and role models in economics. Princess outlines her aspirations and plans to bring more students to the next Sadie Collective conference.
6. Career Fair and Networking Opportunities
Insights into the career fair at the Sadie Collective conference, highlighting the tailored opportunities for students in economics, data science, and policy research.
7. Key Takeaways and Inspirations
Princess and Dr. Al Bahrani discuss key learnings from the conference, including the importance of self-care, ambition, and community support in pursuing economic studies and research.
8. Looking Ahead: Goals and Research Interests
Princess expresses her interest in exploring feminism and economics, inspired by the conference to pursue a PhD and conduct research that addresses critical questions about economic improvement and gender disparities.
9. Acknowledgments and Thanks
Special thanks to the Sadie Collective, Anna Gifty, and Fanta Traore for their mentorship and impact on students like Princess and Aro. Dr. Al Bahrani reflects on the role of mentorship in his students' lives and the importance of the Sadie Collective in providing a platform for young economists.
Resources and Links:
- Link to the interview with Fanta Traore as part of the Econ Games speaker series. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hymdh0BuKKI&t=882s
- Sadie Collective website and information on how to get involved or attend future conferences https://www.sadiecollective.org/