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Are They Putting Harriet Tubman On The 20 Dollar Bill

Harriet Tubman

Introduction

In 2016, the United States Treasury announced that it would be redesigning the $20 bill to feature Harriet Tubman, the famous abolitionist and political activist. This move was seen as a significant step towards recognizing and celebrating the contributions of women and people of color in American history. However, since then, there have been various setbacks and delays, leading many to wonder if Tubman will indeed be featured on the new $20 bill.

The History of Harriet Tubman

Harriet Tubman was born into slavery in Maryland in the early 1820s. She escaped to freedom in 1849 and became a conductor on the Underground Railroad, a network of secret routes and safe houses used by enslaved African Americans to escape to freedom in the North. Tubman made numerous trips back to the South, risking her life to lead hundreds of slaves to freedom.During the Civil War, Tubman worked as a nurse, cook, and spy for the Union Army. She was also the first woman to lead an armed expedition during the war, leading a raid on Confederate-held plantations in South Carolina.After the war, Tubman continued to advocate for the rights of African Americans and women. She was involved in the women's suffrage movement and worked with Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton.

The Decision to Feature Harriet Tubman on the $20 Bill

In April 2016, the United States Treasury Department announced that it would be redesigning the $20 bill to feature Harriet Tubman. This decision was made after a long campaign by activists and lawmakers to put a woman on American currency.The original plan was for the new bill to be released in 2020, to coincide with the 100th anniversary of women's suffrage in the United States.

The Setbacks and Delays

Since the initial announcement, there have been various setbacks and delays in the process of redesigning the $20 bill. In May 2019, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin announced that the redesign would be delayed until 2028, citing "technical issues" as the reason for the delay.Many people have criticized Mnuchin's decision, arguing that the delay is a deliberate attempt to avoid putting Tubman on the $20 bill. Some have pointed out that the Trump administration has shown little enthusiasm for the idea of putting a woman of color on American currency.

The Future of the $20 Bill

Despite the delays and setbacks, many people remain hopeful that Harriet Tubman will eventually be featured on the $20 bill. In January 2021, the Biden administration announced that it would be accelerating the process of redesigning the bill and that Tubman would be featured on the new design.However, it is still unclear when the new bill will be released or what it will look like. Some have suggested that the design may feature both Tubman and Andrew Jackson, the current face of the $20 bill.

Conclusion

The decision to feature Harriet Tubman on the $20 bill was a significant step towards recognizing the contributions of women and people of color in American history. Despite the setbacks and delays, many people remain hopeful that Tubman will eventually be featured on the new bill. It is important that we continue to push for greater representation and inclusivity in all areas of American society, including our currency.

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