It’s Official Harriet Tubman Will Be The Face Of The $20 Bill
It looks like the Department of Treasury is changing their mind and putting a woman on the $20 bill instead of the $10 bill as they announced previously.
According to Politico, Treasury Secretary Jack Lew is expected to announce today that Harriet Tubman will replace Andrew Jackson on the $20 bill. Other civil rights leaders are also reportedly going to be rotated across the $5 bill.
The Dept. of Treasury launched a campaign asking the public to redesign the $10 bill, however, a group called Women on 20s was the first to call attention to this issue.
“Women On 20s is one small way to join Americans in a big cultural hug and acknowledge that symbols matter – especially the pictures we put on our money,” explained Barbara Ortiz Howard, who founded the organization in January 2014. “When we have a woman on our bills, we will connect women to their value throughout history, literally validating their abilities and potential through the millions of bills passing from hand-to-hand every day.”
This makes Tubman, a former slave and famous abolitionist, the first woman to appear on US currency in 100 years.
Reaction overall seems positive, although some are conflicted about the symbolism.
The progress of being featured on the currency that was once used to purchase you and your relatives. Just, go head, Harriet Tubman.
— Akilah Hughes (@AkilahObviously) April 20, 2016
I can’t wait to see Harriet Tubman on the $20 bill! #WomenOn20s
— Angela Christaldi (@angelanoelle18) April 20, 2016
It’s complicated, putting a woman who freed slaves onto American currency. I do wonder what Harriet Tubman would have thought about that.
— Jamil Smith (@JamilSmith) April 20, 2016
Definitely a proud American moment!! @WomenOn20s thank you! “Harriet Tubman to Appear on $20 Bill” https://t.co/PBlq7uzvBg
— Chelsea Ritchie (@ChelsRitchie) April 20, 2016
There is power in taking over that which was once used to purchase what should never have been for sale. Harriet Tubman on the $20 is power.
— Sam White (@samwhiteout) April 20, 2016
“And I prayed to God to make me strong. And able to fight. And that’s what I’ve always prayed for ever since.” #HarrietTubman 1865
— Ava DuVernay (@AVAETC) April 20, 2016
i cant wait to see the impact that having harriet tubman on the 20 is going to have on rap music
— Tracy Clayton (@brokeymcpoverty) April 20, 2016
I’m gonna pay everything I ever owe in 20$s from now on! Mortgage, student loans, dinner, taxes…ALL OF IT!! #HarrietTubman
— Audra McDonald (@AudraEqualityMc) April 20, 2016
