American history is padded with darkness, particularly the system of Slavery/ Racism and White Supremacy. In spite of the travesties, misdeeds, torture, unjustness and unnecessary deaths produced by Slavery, there were fabled exceptional people who stood out as Hero’s and mythical folklores for their contributions towards the abolishment of slavery. Commonly known brave characters such as Harriet Tubman; was documented to have freed hundreds of slaves by leading them to freedom through the infamous Underground Railroad system. Treasury Secretary, Jacob J. Lew announced one of his most daring career announcements yet; as he proposed a total American currency makeover where, Harriet Tubman (Tubman), be honored as the new face of $20 bills.
Critics are raging across the board with various differing opinions. as the idea spreads through Washington gaining approval from some members of Congress like President Obama as he welcomed the transformation of America’s century-old currency following Lew’s proclamation. “Tubman, an African-American and a Union spy during the Civil War, would bump Jackson — a white man known as much for his persecution of Native Americans as for his war heroics and advocacy for the common man — to the back of the $20, in some reduced image along with the White House. Tubman would be the first woman so honored on paper currency since Martha Washington’s portrait briefly graced the $1 silver certificate in the late 19th century,” retrieved from NY Times written by Jackie Calmes.
In addition to Tubman, other prominent women who helped mold early America through their heroic and impactful contributions which affected the lives of many, would be honored. These women include; Sojourner Truth, Susan B. Anthony, Alice Paul, Eleanor Roosevelt and Elizabeth Cady Stanton as of now. “While Hamilton would remain on the $10, and Abraham Lincoln on the $5, images of women would be added to the back of both — in keeping with Mr. Lew’s intent “to bring to life” the national monuments depicted there. The picture of the Treasury building on the back of the $10 bill would be replaced with a depiction of a 1913 march in support of women’s right to vote that ended at the building, along with portraits of five suffrage leaders: Lucretia Mott, Sojourner Truth, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Alice Paul and Susan B. Anthony, who in more recent years was on an unpopular $1 coin until minting ceased,” courtesy of NY Times by Jackie Calmes.
When you think about it, it makes perfect sense that our struggles are represented on the twenty dollar bill. We should be reminded that the legal tender given in exchange for goods and services has its roots in slavery, Jim Crow, segregation, mass incarceration, welfare reform and all other government-backed acts meant to “manage” Black people,” per Charing Ball of Madam Noire. USTYLE magazine recognizes the daily and long term tasks and accomplishments of “Boss” women who make significant impacts in their communities and culture holistically. Tubman epitomizes our kind of “Superwoman.”
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