In 2016, then-Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew announced that Harriet Tubman, a former slave who became a leader in the Underground Railroad and fought for women's suffrage, would replace Andrew Jackson on the front of the $20 bill. The decision was hailed as a step forward for both women and people of color, as Jackson's legacy includes his role in the forced removal of Native Americans from their lands.
However, the process of actually getting Tubman's face on the bill has been slow and fraught with controversy. The Trump administration delayed the redesign, and there were concerns that the new Treasury Secretary, Steven Mnuchin, would reverse the decision altogether.
But in April 2021, the Biden administration announced that it would accelerate the process of putting Tubman on the $20 bill, with a goal of unveiling the new design in time for the 20th anniversary of 9/11 in 2022. This news was met with excitement and relief from advocates who have been pushing for Tubman's recognition for years.
Harriet Tubman's life and legacy are a testament to the power of courage and determination in the face of oppression. Born into slavery in Maryland in the early 1820s, Tubman escaped to freedom in 1849 and went on to make at least 13 missions to rescue approximately 70 enslaved people through the Underground Railroad. She also served as a spy and nurse for the Union army during the Civil War and later became an advocate for women's suffrage.
Despite facing immense danger and hardship throughout her life, Tubman never wavered in her commitment to justice and freedom. She once said, "I never ran my train off the track, and I never lost a passenger." Her bravery and resilience continue to inspire people around the world today.
The decision to put Tubman on the $20 bill is a recognition of her contributions to American history and a statement about the values that our country aspires to uphold. It is also a reminder that progress is possible, even in the face of resistance and adversity.
However, there is still work to be done to ensure that Tubman's legacy is fully honored. The redesign of the $20 bill has been delayed multiple times, and it remains to be seen whether the Biden administration's timeline will be met. There are also concerns that the new design could be watered down or compromised in some way.
In addition, the fight for racial and gender equality is far from over. The recent wave of anti-Asian violence and the ongoing struggle for Black lives remind us that there is still much work to be done to create a truly just and equitable society.
Nevertheless, the decision to put Harriet Tubman's face on the $20 bill is a moment of progress and hope. It is a reminder that the actions of one person can have a profound impact on history, and that the struggles of the past can inspire us to create a better future.
