Artist selected to create Sadie T.M. Mossell Alexander statue for Thomas Paine Plaza.

The city of Philadelphia is advancing plans for a statue honoring Sadie Tanner Mossell Alexander, a significant figure in American history, as part of the administration of Mayor Cherelle L. Parker. The design of the statue, created by renowned artist Vinnie Bagwell, was officially revealed on Wednesday at a ceremony outside City Hall. This location, Thomas Paine Plaza, was previously the site of a statue of former Philadelphia Police Chief and Mayor Frank Rizzo, which was removed in 2020 due to sentiments regarding Rizzo’s history of racist policing.

The statue, entitled “The First Lady of the Law: Sadie Tanner Mossell Alexander,” captures Alexander in her graduation attire from the University of Pennsylvania, where she made history as the first Black woman to earn a Ph.D. in economics in 1921. Subsequently, she also became the first Black woman to graduate from Penn’s law school in 1927. Alexander was born in 1898 to influential Philadelphia families and was significantly shaped by her family and social circle, which included notable figures such as Nathan Francis Mossell, the first Black graduate of Penn’s medical school, and activists like Frederick Douglass and W.E.B. Du Bois.

Vinnie Bagwell’s design will not only depict Alexander but will also pay tribute to historical figures influencing her life and work, integrating their faces into the folds of her bronze robes. This artistic choice emphasizes the interconnectedness of successes and support systems across generations. With a budget of 0,000 and a design fee of 6,000, the project reflects a commitment to elevating the legacies of trailblazing individuals.

The statue is anticipated to be unveiled in the spring of 2027, marking Alexander’s place in history alongside other prominent African American figures in Philadelphia. This includes upcoming statues honoring Harriet Tubman and Marian Anderson, which will also be erected in the city.

Throughout her lifetime, Alexander championed civil rights, serving as a founding member of Philadelphia’s Commission on Human Relations and holding various significant roles, including assistant city solicitor and a member of President Harry S. Truman’s Committee on Civil Rights. Her statue will be set on a black granite pedestal, inscribed with her poignant words: “The future of our nation depends upon our willingness to uphold democracy and justice for all.”

Bagwell’s artistry aims to convey a timeless message about equity and justice, encapsulating Alexander’s essence through symbolic elements such as a copy of the U.S. Constitution representing the ongoing struggle for civil rights. As an artist, Bagwell is recognized for her self-taught skills and notable works that communicate the stories of marginalized communities, reinforcing the importance of representation in public art. Her upcoming installations, including a statue of Harriet Tubman at the Underground Railroad Heritage Center in Niagara Falls, further amplify this commitment to honoring the struggles and triumphs of Black individuals in American history.

This statue of Sadie Tanner Mossell Alexander will serve as a powerful reminder of her contributions to civil rights and her enduring legacy, aspiring to inspire future generations in their pursuit of justice and equality. The project not only acknowledges Alexander’s achievements but also reinforces the significance of collective action in the ongoing fight for equity. Media News Source.