Who was the first African American woman to earn a Ph.D. in the United States?

• A. Mary McLeod Bethune
• B. Sadie Tanner Mossell Alexander
• C. Charlotte Hawkins Brown
• D. Angela Davis

Answer: (B)

Sadie Tanner Mossell Alexander was indeed the first African American woman to earn a Ph.D. in the United States, achieving this milestone in 1921 from the University of Pennsylvania. Her dissertation focused on the educational status of African Americans, and she made significant contributions to the fields of education and social justice. Alexander was a pioneer not only in academia but also in advocating for civil rights, serving as the first female member of the Philadelphia chapter of the NAACP and engaging in efforts to improve the social and economic conditions of African Americans.

The other individuals listed played important roles in African American history and education, but they did not earn the distinction of being the first African American woman to acquire a doctoral degree. Mary McLeod Bethune, for instance, was an influential educator and activist, but she is best known for establishing a school for African American girls and her work in promoting education. Charlotte Hawkins Brown was a notable educator and founder of the Palmer Memorial Institute, while Angela Davis is known for her activism and scholarship, particularly in the areas of prison reform and social justice. Each of these figures made significant contributions to African American history, but Sadie Tanner Mossell Alexander's achievement stands out as a groundbreaking academic milestone.