In 1919, Sadie Alexander journeyed to a hundred Black families, determined to find a solution for improving the Black economy. Her studies led her to becoming the first Black woman in the country with a PhD in economics. However, a degree would pale in comparison to her master plan for the U.S. economy.
Alexander knew we were at a disadvantage when it came to employment, but she had a vision for a new economy, one where Black people could flourish.
In 1945, the Philadelphia native advocated for federal job guarantees – which were guaranteed government jobs for those who were willing and able to work. It’s a concept that’s still talked about today.
Income equality and adequate wages were some of the outcomes Alexander was certain the plan could provide for our people. While the government never implemented her vision, her legacy of fighting for an equal economy lives on.
Alexander's plan steered away from a capitalist economy that leaves our people financially unstable. Her actions were among the first to attack a system that exploits us. A world where we all have what we need economically is possible.