IT'S #JUNETEENTH2020 so let me introduce y'all to America's first Black economist & my INSPIRATION:

Dr. Sadie T. M. Alexander, who earned her PhD in Economics in 1921 @Penn-- civil rights pioneer, first Natl president @dstinc1913, economist, lawyer, and activist.

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Dr. Alexander was born into a family of firsts- her relatives made history in art, medicine, education, etc.

Black excellence was in her blood.

And she was a product of her environment despite #Juneteenth happening just 30 years prior.

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At @Penn, she earned her Bachelors & Masters degrees in Education in 3 years. She made history when she earned her PhD in Economics, becoming the FIRST Black recipient of the degree.

She desired to use economics to expand civil rights for African-Americans and minorities.

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But when Alexander received her PhD, economists blackballed her... because racism and sexism.

She couldn't find a job ANYWHERE y'all which eventually led her to go back to school for law.

In 1927, she became @Penn first Black woman law school graduate. #SlightWork

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For the rest of her life, Alexander was a champion for civil rights:

- She marched in Selma, AL
- She supported Black liberation
- She desegregated the military
- She co-organized @nationalbar

and *SO* much more.

She lived & breathed #BlackLivesMatter . Truly iconic.

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Dr. Alexander's legacy in economics lives on through the work of @Nina_EBanks, who has unearthed the economics of Dr. Alexander via her speeches, and @SadieCollective, which honors her by fostering community for BW in economics and related fields.



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On a personal note, it is my deepest desire to be half of the woman, mother, economist, activist, and leader that Dr. Alexander was. I end with her words:

"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."

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This thread is popping off so let me include some required listening for #JUNETEENTH2020 #JuneteenthDay: @theindicator featured ya girl and @Nina_EBanks in an episode dedicated to Dr. Alexander.

It is one of their most popular episodes to date.

https://twitter.com/theindicator/status/1099665553604706304?s=20

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If you are also interested in learning more about Dr. Alexander's upbringing and life within the economics context, @SadieCollective has compiled resources, @Nina_EBanks @drjlastword research, and her daughter's speech that speaks to her life!

https://www.sadiecollective.org/dr-sadie-t-m-alexander

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I am really excited to know that SOOO many of y'all are interested in Dr. Alexander's story especially within economics.

Just know that something may be in the works.

Watch this space.

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