This past Wednesday, it was announced by the United States Treasury Secretary, Jack Lew, that the new face of the $20 bill would be none other than Harriet Tubman, a renowned American abolitionist and civil rights icon during the Civil War. Many have raised questions as to why this specific figure was chosen as the new face to which Lew replied, "The decision to put Harriet Tubman on the new $20 was driven by thousands of responses we received from Americans young and old. I have been particularly struck by the many comments and reactions from children for whom Harriet Tubman is not just a historical figure, but a role model for leadership and participation in our democracy."
But still many questions remain. Why the $20 bill? When are these new bills coming into circulation? And not only are these questions being asked, but little is being communicated about the entire idea of revamping our nation's currency.
First off, it is not just Harriet Tubman that is being placed on currency. There is talk of several women and civil rights leaders (such as Sojourner Truth and Susan B. Anthony) being featured on the $5 and $10. Although the news of Tubman replacing Andrew Jackson is monumental, it is worth noting the advancements made by our government to demonstrate a more well-rounded and progressive society.
But to go back to the big talk, why is Harriet replacing Andrew Jackson, one of our Presidents, instead of Alexander Hamilton on the $10? Strangely enough, the Treasury has chosen to keep Alexander Hamilton to appease the "fanbase swollen with enthusiasm over a Broadway rap musical based on the life of the first Treasury secretary."
And when is the release date? When will we get our hands on these new dollar bills? According to an article by the Washington Post, the U.S. Treasury hopes to release this new currency in (drum roll*) 2020! A lot of people are confused by why it is taking so long, but the release date is significant -- it marks the 100th anniversary of women's suffrage. However, there is talk that it could take even longer than this.
And where did any of this even come from? It seems to have caught the American public off-guard (in a good way). After speaking out against the "very male and very white" currency of our country, a campaign known as Women on 20s has surfaced and is the spearhead for women on our money. They held rounds of voting to decide what historical and female figures should be on our currency, Harriet Tubman championing in the votes. This campaign has worked vigorously in order for the President and the Secretary of the Treasury to notice its mission and enact change regarding our legal tender.
So, there is just a bit more clarity behind this story that is blowing up social media and new networks everywhere. There is still more to come, but it goes without saying that there is much more to the story than Harriet Tubman replacing Andrew Jackson. This is a story of progression, a story of change. This is a story of moving forward and a story of empowerment. And knowing more about the fine details of such events is crucial for becoming a part of such movements and putting our voices into the conversation of such influential decisions.
