Latest modern slavery fight updates - FreedomUnited.org
Donate

Abolitionist Harriet Tubman on the US $20

  • Published on
    April 23, 2016
  • News Source Image
  • Category:
Hero Banner

Abolitionist Harriet Tubman will soon replace Andrew Jackson on the front of the $20 bill. This is an historic move that provides a place for a woman on US currency.  Treasury Secretary Jack Lew said, “Today, I’m excited to announce that for the first time in more than a century, the front of our currency will feature the portrait of a woman, Harriet Tubman, on the $20 note.”

“Her incredible story of courage and commitment to equality embody the ideals of democracy that our nation celebrates, and we’ll continue to value her legacy by honoring her on our currency,” he continued.

There are some sweeping changes that will put a new cast of historic figures onto various bills. The plan is a major reversal for Lew, who appeared taken aback by the swift rebukes Treasury received last summer when he announced that he was considering replacing Hamilton on the $10 bill with a woman. While he explained that Hamilton was on the chopping block as a matter of practicality – the $10 bill was the next one up for a redesign – Lew still got an earful from fans of Hamilton, who helped create the Treasury Department and the modern American financial system.

There have been some criticisms, but Lew explored ways to respond to critics. “There are a number of options of how we can resolve this. We’re not taking Alexander Hamilton off our currency.”

But supporters are complaining too.  How long will it take to put the new design in action?  Lew guesses they will be released in  2020 for the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment when women were granted the right to vote.
He says he wants to make the changes quickly. “The two things most important are the security of our money and getting this process to move as quickly as possible. Due to security needs, the redesigned $10 note is scheduled to go into circulation next. I’ve directed the Bureau of Engraving and Printing to work closely with the Federal Reserve to accelerate work on the new $20 and $5 notes. Our goal is to have all three new notes go into circulation as quickly as possible, while ensuring that we protect against counterfeiting through effective and sophisticated production.”

To read the entire article about abolitionist Harriet Tubman, click on the link below.

http://www.politico.com/story/2016/04/treasurys-lew-to-announce-hamilton-to-stay-on-10-bill-222204

Subscribe

Freedom United is interested in hearing from our community and welcomes relevant, informed comments, advice, and insights that advance the conversation around our campaigns and advocacy. We value inclusivity and respect within our community. To be approved, your comments should be civil.

stop icon A few things we do not tolerate: comments that promote discrimination, prejudice, racism, or xenophobia, as well as personal attacks or profanity. We screen submissions in order to create a space where the entire Freedom United community feels safe to express and exchange thoughtful opinions.

Notify of
guest
0 Comments
Most Voted
Newest Oldest
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

This week

Jury awards $40 million to sex trafficking survivor at Georgia hotel

A federal jury has awarded $40 million to a survivor of sex trafficking who was repeatedly sexually exploited at a Georgia hotel when she was just 16 years old. The verdict marks a significant milestone in holding hotels accountable under a federal anti-trafficking law. The survivor, identified in court only as J.G., received $10 million in compensatory damages and $30 million in punitive damages. The decision was against Northbrook Industries, Inc.,

| Monday July 14, 2025

Read more