In August 2015, Lin-Manuel Miranda's "Hamilton" made its Broadway debut. Miranda took a well-known but under-appreciated historical figure and turned him into a nationally celebrated character. The play caught the attention of millions and inspired many to learn more about the topic and better appreciate American history. In fact, it even saved the ten dollar bill from losing Alexander Hamilton's face on it.
Many wonder what Miranda's next move will be, but as a "Hamilton" fanatic myself, I've done some research to determine seven other people who deserve to have the entire nation rapping about them.
1. George Washington
I know what you're thinking... under-appreciated? Who doesn't know who George Washington is?! But think about it. If you went up to five random people today and asked them how Washington went from a regular guy to the first president of the United States, it's highly unlikely that even one person could accurately tell you. George has a really cool story to tell, and without a doubt deserves to have the whole world talking about how awesome his life was. Also, giving the younger generations a look at how the nation really became a nation will give them a head start in school and hopefully a greater appreciation for US History.
2. John Adams
Poor John, the forgotten Founding Father. This man deserves the "Hamilton" treatment for many reasons. First of all, he's a Founding Father and how much do you really know about him? He was always being overshadowed and out-shined by the know-it-all Thomas Jefferson. This play would definitely be interesting, I mean, anything that includes the Election of 1800 has to be. It would be entertaining, educational, and it would give Adams the recognition he deserves.
3. Albert Einstein
Okay, I know. I know you know who he is, 3.14 and all that. But did you know that he actually gave us nation-saving intel about Germany? Einstein was Jewish, and spared himself from being taken to a concentration camp by just so happening to be on a trip here in the US to Caltech. When he got back to his home in Germany, he discovered it had been raided and decided it was time to move to America. Then, being as awesome as he was, he wrote a letter to FDR snitching on Germany's "uranium project" prompting the development of the atomic bomb. Thanks to Einstein, we got a head start and developed it first. Oh, and he also did some pretty cool math stuff.
4. Eleanor Roosevelt
Obviously we need some #GirlPower. Eleanor Roosevelt went from not even wanting to be first lady to being arguably the most influential first lady our country has ever had. She fought hard for women's rights and also worked to make a name for African-Americans. She even had her own daily newspaper column! A play documenting this woman's life would inspire young women and show them what they're capable of. Also, her husband was pretty cool.
5. Frederick Douglass
Frederick Douglass has an amazing life story. If anyone deserves the "Hamilton" treatment, he does. Growing up with an impossible slave lifestyle, Douglass persevered and became a face of the abolitionist movement. He even convinced Abraham Lincoln to let African Americans fight alongside the Union during the Civil War and went from secretly being taught how to read to being a world renowned writer.
6. Robert F. Kennedy
Bobby Kennedy is far too underrated. Had he not been assassinated, he would likely have been one of our presidents, just like Hamilton.
