Commemorative statue erected in tribute to a pioneering champion of civil rights outside the Municipal Services Building in Philadelphia
Philadelphia to Honor Pioneering Civil Rights Figure with Statue
Philadelphia is set to pay tribute to Sadie Tanner Mossell Alexander, a trailblazing civil rights and legal advocate, with a statue in the heart of the city. The statue, expected to be completed in approximately two years, will stand near a building where Philadelphians go to address quality-of-life issues.
Sadie Alexander, born in 1898, made history as the first Black woman in the United States to earn a Ph.D. in economics from the University of Pennsylvania in 1921. In 1924, she became the first Black woman to graduate from Penn Law School, and by 1927, she was the first Black woman admitted to the Pennsylvania Bar. Her legal career was marked by her tireless efforts to fight for those in need, and she served as assistant city solicitor for Philadelphia.
In the realm of civil rights, Alexander was a prominent figure. She served on President Harry Truman’s Committee on Civil Rights and was a founding member of the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law. Her dedication to justice and equality transcended racial and gender boundaries, as she championed the rights of Black Americans, women, and marginalized groups.
The statue of Alexander will stand as a testament to her legacy, depicting her in her law school graduation robe, holding the U.S. Constitution open to the 14th Amendment’s Equal Protection Clause. This symbolic gesture underscores her unwavering commitment to democracy and justice.
Meanwhile, another statue is planned for Philadelphia, this time honoring Harriet Tubman. Concept art for the Tubman statue shows her standing on a mound of chains and shackles with her hands clenched in prayer, ready to face her foes. Artist Vinnie Bagwell, commissioned for the Alexander statue, has expressed his hope that the statue will inspire young girls, especially Black girls, to see a reflection of themselves and understand their potential to lead.
The Tubman statue is expected to be unveiled at City Hall, across the street from the Municipal Services Building, next year. Interestingly, the location of the Alexander statue will be near a spot where a monument to former Mayor Frank Rizzo once stood. The Rizzo statue was removed in 2020.
Mayor Cherelle Parker has been planning the statue for Sadie Tanner Mossell Alexander since 2018, recognising the importance of commemorating her contributions to American history. The statues for these two remarkable women will stand as a reminder of the city's commitment to celebrating the achievements of trailblazers who have fought for justice, equality, and the rights of all.
[1] "Sadie Tanner Mossell Alexander." National Women's History Museum. Accessed February 16, 2023. https://www.womenshistory.org/education-resources/biographies/sadie-tanner-mossell-alexander.
[2] "Sadie Tanner Mossell Alexander." National Constitution Center. Accessed February 16, 2023. https://constitutioncenter.org/interactive-constitution/biographies/sadie-tanner-mossell-alexander.
[3] "Sadie Tanner Mossell Alexander." The Philadelphia Inquirer. Accessed February 16, 2023. https://www.inquirer.com/philly/news/sadie-tanner-mossell-alexander-statue-philadelphia-black-history-month-20230216.html.
- The statue of Sadie Tanner Mossell Alexander will be a symbol of personal growth, showcasing the potential for leadership in young girls, particularly black girls.
- In addition to the Alexander statue, Harriet Tubman will also be honored with a statue in Philadelphia, representing a milestone in the fashion-and-beauty of African American history.
- Philadelphia's dedication to honoring trailblazers extends to the realm of education-and-self-development, as demonstrated by the statues for Sadie Tanner Mossell Alexander and Harriet Tubman.
- The statues for these two civil rights figures will stand adjacent to symbols of career-development, as they once stood near a building where Philadelphians address quality-of-life issues.
- Alongside these statues, one might find shops for shopping, catering to various lifestyles, including food-and-drink, home-and-garden, and more.
- The removal of the Rizzo statue reflects a shift in the city's commitment to relationships, focusing on equality and justice for all, rather than division and discrimination.
- As the city commemorates these trailblazers, it also acknowledges the importance of casino-and-gambling regulation, weather, sports, and even pets in the overall quality of life for its citizens, fostering a well-rounded lifestyle.
