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Dr. Sadie T.M. Alexander Scholarships

Over 30 years since her passing, the work and legacy of Dr. Sadie T.M. Alexander is more important than ever.

For this reason, the creation of the Dr. Sadie T.M. Alexander Scholarships is vital to the Law School’s commitment to continuing to build a more inclusive educational environment, while working to dismantle the legacy of racial and economic injustice in this country.

“These scholarships will be awarded to incoming students whose education, experience, and professional commitments advance racial justice and honor the extraordinary work and legacy of Dr. Alexander,” said Dean Ted Ruger in a statement announcing the scholarships last fall. “They’re one part of a much larger strategy to ensure that our students have the support to advance equity and justice through their personal and professional endeavors, as Dr. Alexander did.”

The Dr. Sadie T.M. Alexander Scholarships, established in February of 2021, will be awarded to admitted JD applicants who begin the program in the fall of 2021 or thereafter. The Selection Committee seeks individuals with the greatest potential to honor Dr. Alexander’s legacy of cross-disciplinary, ground-breaking academic achievement and professional success – as well as the resilience and determination evident in her many accomplishments. Given Dr. Alexander’s commitment to advancing racial and economic justice, the Selection Committee seeks applicants who can articulate a desire to focus on these issues throughout their careers.

“We are grateful to our Black Law Students Association for suggesting that we create scholarships honoring the legacy of Dr. Sadie T.M. Alexander,” said Arlene Rivera Finkelstein, Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer. “We know what an inspiration Dr. Alexander is for students, and for us all. It feels particularly appropriate to honor her memory with scholarships that recognize the excellence of our applicants and reduce financial barriers to law school.”

“BLSA advocated for this scholarship because Penn Law should join us in celebrating Dr. Alexander in a lasting and meaningful way,” said Jocelyn A.K. Walcott L’22. “Her life exemplified interdisciplinary, intellectual curiosity and a deep commitment to public service. Dr. Alexander was a true embodiment of Penn Law’s values. With the Dr. Sadie T.M. Alexander scholarship, Penn Law honors her legacy and recognizes that a Black woman set an exemplary standard that people from all backgrounds should aspire to reach.” 

Read more about the life and legacy of Dr. Sadie T.M. Alexander

Read about Dr. Sadie T.M. Alexander in the Pennsylvania Gazette

Read more about the current Dr. Sadie T.M. Alexander Scholars

Sadie T.M. Alexander

Sadie T.M. Alexander portrait photograph in 1934.
Sadie T.M. Alexander portrait photograph in 1934.
University of Pennsylvania Archives
Sadie T.M. Alexander portrait photograph in 1934.  
Law Offices of Raymond Pace Alexander and Sadie T.M. Alexander
Law Offices of Raymond Pace Alexander and Sadie T.M. Alexander
University of Pennsylvania Archives
Law Offices of Raymond Pace Alexander and Sadie T.M. Alexander  
Sadie T.M. and Raymond Pace Alexander in 1974.
Sadie T.M. and Raymond Pace Alexander in 1974.
University of Pennsylvania Archives
Sadie T.M. and Raymond Pace Alexander in 1974.  
Sadie T.M. Alexander portrait a child,1905.
Sadie T.M. Alexander portrait a child,1905.
University of Pennsylvania Archives
Sadie T.M. Alexander portrait a child,1905.  
Sadie T.M. Alexander as a member of the Truman Commission on Civil Rights in 1947.
Sadie T.M. Alexander as a member of the Truman Commission on Civil Rights in 1947.
University of Pennsylvania Archives
Sadie T.M. Alexander as a member of the Truman Commission on Civil Rights in 1947.  

Selected works about Dr. Sadie T.M. Alexander

  • THE LIFE AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF SADIE TANNER MOSSELL ALEXANDER, 49 UNIV. OF PA. ALMANAC (2002). HTTPS://ALMANAC.UPENN.EDU/ARCHIVE/V49/N02/SADIE_TIMELINE.HTML

  • DAMON HEWITT, A PICTURE IS WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS: THE LEGACY OF SADIE TANNER MOSSELL ALEXANDER, 16 NAT’L. BLACK L. J. 109 (1998/1999).

  • RAYMOND PACE ALEXANDER, BLACKS AND THE LAW, 43 N.Y. ST. B.J. 15 (1971).

  • NINA BANKS, BLACK WOMEN AND RACIAL ADVANCEMENT: THE ECONOMICS OF SADIE TANNER MOSSELL ALEXANDER, 33 REV. BLACK POL. ECON. 9 (2005).

  • KENNETH W. MACK, A SOCIAL HISTORY OF EVERYDAY PRACTICE: SADIE T. M. ALEXANDER AND THE INCORPORATION OF BLACK WOMEN INTO THE LEGAL PROFESSION, 1925-1960, 87 CORNELL L. REV. 1405 (2002).

Selected works by Dr. Sadie T.M. Alexander

Law School Scholarship Opportunities 

The Law School offers numerous additional scholarship opportunities. For details, visit Financing Your Education. 

External Scholarships

There are many external and private scholarships available for law students with diverse backgrounds and interests. For additional financial aid opportunities visit AccessLex Institute’s Law School Scholarship Databank.