On wednesday, Treasury Secretary Jacob J. Lew announced a huge makeover in American currency, he proposed a replacement of Andrew Jackson on the $20 bill with former slave, and abolitionist Harriet Tubman. As well as add women and civil rights leaders to the $5 and $10 backs. This remaking of the nations paper currency captured a historical moment, and a move towards a more accepting society. The new face of the $20 bill, Harriet Tubman, was an African American Union spy during the Civil War. She is to replace a slave holding president, Andrew Jackson, making her the first woman to appear on American paper currency. The final redesigns will be finished in 2020, and are the product of heated public commentary after the decision went up last June.
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/04/21/us/women-currency-treasury-harriet-tubman.html?_r=0
The replacement of a beloved American President with a former slave and abolitionist sends a very good message in todays society. I think it is a huge leap in the right direction and am personally very excited for the change to occur. This article written by Jackie Calmes, New York Times, gives hope and excitement to a future that respects the history of enslavement and sexism while working towards a completely equal society.
I think putting not only a person of color but also a woman on American currency is a great step forward.
ReplyDeleteShelby Linker, 8th period