The representation of individuals on U.S. paper currency serves as a reflection of the nation’s values, history, and the stories that shape its identity. However, the absence of women, particularly women of color, on the front of U.S. bills has been a persistent issue. In recent years, there have been significant efforts to rectify this disparity, and Harriet Tubman’s likeness has emerged as a prominent choice for inclusion on the $20 bill. This article explores the history, challenges, and significance of this endeavor, drawing upon relevant sources to provide a comprehensive analysis.
Key Facts
- Harriet Tubman’s likeness on the $20 bill has been proposed for several years.
- U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen has been leading efforts in the Senate to feature Harriet Tubman on the $20 bill.
- Senator Shaheen introduced the Harriet Tubman Tribute Act of 2023, which would require the U.S. Department of Treasury to print $20 bills bearing Tubman’s likeness after December 31, 2030.
- The bill allows for a two-year delay, if needed, to address printing or counterfeiting issues.
- The U.S. Department of Treasury confirmed that the release date for the Tubman $20 bill is currently set for 2030, but it is considered a “soft date” subject to change.
- The process of changing the design of currency and implementing security features is lengthy and involves collaboration with federal agencies.
- The Tubman $20 bill would make her the first Black woman to be featured on the front of a U.S. dollar bill.
- The efforts to feature prominent women on currency aim to reverse the historical absence of women on U.S. bills and coins.
- There has been some criticism and debate surrounding the decision to put Tubman’s image on the $20 bill.
Senator Shaheen’s Tireless Advocacy
U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen has been at the forefront of the movement to feature Harriet Tubman on the $20 bill. For nearly a decade, she has consistently urged the U.S. Department of Treasury to prioritize this initiative. In 2015, she introduced the bipartisan Harriet Tubman Tribute Act, which aimed to require all $20 bills to bear Tubman’s likeness. Despite facing resistance during the Trump administration, Senator Shaheen continued her efforts, engaging with the Biden administration transition team to emphasize the importance of this recognition. In 2021, she joined forces with then-U.S. Senator Ben Sasse (R-NE) to send a letter to U.S. Department of Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, urging the Department to expedite the process of placing Tubman on the $20 bill.
The Harriet Tubman Tribute Act of 2023
In March 2023, as Women’s History Month commenced, Senator Shaheen renewed her push for Harriet Tubman’s depiction on the $20 bill by introducing the Harriet Tubman Tribute Act of 2023. This bill seeks to require the U.S. Department of Treasury to print all $20 Federal Reserve notes after December 31, 2030, bearing the likeness of Harriet Tubman. The legislation allows for a two-year delay, if necessary, to address any printing or counterfeiting concerns.
The Significance of Harriet Tubman’s Inclusion
Harriet Tubman’s selection for the $20 bill holds immense historical and symbolic significance. As an abolitionist, patriot, and American icon, Tubman’s life and contributions to the fight for freedom and equality are widely recognized. Her placement on the $20 bill would make her the first Black woman to be featured on the front of a U.S. dollar bill, marking a pivotal step in rectifying the historical absence of women and people of color on U.S. currency. Furthermore, it would serve as a powerful reminder of the resilience, strength, and determination of African Americans in the face of adversity.
Challenges and Considerations
The process of changing the design of currency and implementing security features is intricate and time-consuming. It involves collaboration with various federal agencies and careful attention to security measures to prevent counterfeiting. The initial target date for the Tubman $20 bill was 2020, coinciding with the 100-year anniversary of women’s suffrage. However, the Trump administration’s lack of commitment to the project resulted in delays. The current release date is set for 2030, but it is considered a “soft date” subject to change.
Criticisms and Counterarguments
The decision to place Harriet Tubman’s image on the $20 bill has not been without criticism. Some individuals have expressed concerns that it goes against Tubman’s values, as she fought against the very system that the currency represents. Others have argued that the focus should be on reparations for slavery rather than symbolic gestures. However, proponents of the initiative maintain that Tubman’s inclusion on the $20 bill is a necessary step in recognizing the contributions of women and people of color to American history and culture. They emphasize that it is not a replacement for reparations but a complementary effort to promote inclusivity and representation.
Conclusion
The Harriet Tubman Tribute Act of 2023 represents a significant step forward in the movement to feature Harriet Tubman on the $20 bill. Senator Shaheen’s unwavering advocacy, coupled with the historical importance of Tubman’s legacy, underscores the urgency of this initiative. While challenges and criticisms remain, the potential impact of Tubman’s inclusion on U.S. currency cannot be overstated. It would serve as a powerful symbol of progress, inclusivity, and the ongoing fight for equality and justice for all.
References
- “Shaheen Renews Push to Put Harriet Tubman on $20 Bill.” U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen, 2 Mar. 2023,
- “Women’s History Month 2023: Status, Timeline of Harriet Tubman $20.” NorthJersey.com, 22 Mar. 2023,
- “What We’ll Be Celebrating When Harriet Tubman Appears on the 20-Dollar Bill.” The Nation, 31 Mar. 2023,
FAQs
Is Harriet Tubman currently on the $20 bill?
Answer: No, Harriet Tubman is not currently featured on the $20 bill.
When is Harriet Tubman expected to be on the $20 bill?
Answer: The U.S. Department of Treasury has set a target date of 2030 for the release of the new $20 bill featuring Harriet Tubman. However, this date is considered a “soft date” and is subject to change.
Why is there a delay in putting Harriet Tubman on the $20 bill?
Answer: The process of changing the design of currency and implementing security features is intricate and time-consuming. Additionally, the Trump administration’s lack of commitment to the project resulted in delays.
Who is currently featured on the $20 bill?
Answer: The current $20 bill features Andrew Jackson, the seventh U.S. president.
Why is Harriet Tubman being placed on the $20 bill?
Answer: Harriet Tubman is being placed on the $20 bill to recognize her significant contributions to American history as an abolitionist, patriot, and conductor on the Underground Railroad. Her inclusion on the bill is seen as a step towards promoting inclusivity and representation of women and people of color on U.S. currency.
Who was the first woman to be featured on U.S. paper currency?
Answer: Martha Washington was the first woman to be featured on U.S. paper currency. Her image appeared on the one-dollar silver certificate in 1886.
Are there any other women featured on U.S. coins or currency?
Answer: Yes, there are other women featured on U.S. coins and currency. For example, Sacagawea is featured on the golden dollar coin, and Susan B. Anthony is featured on the one-dollar coin. Additionally, the signatures of Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and U.S. Treasurer Lynn Malerba appear on the current U.S. dollar bills, marking the first time that women’s signatures have been featured on U.S. currency.
What is the significance of Harriet Tubman’s inclusion on the $20 bill?
Answer: Harriet Tubman’s inclusion on the $20 bill is significant because it would make her the first Black woman to be featured on the front of a U.S. dollar bill. This would serve as a powerful symbol of progress, inclusivity, and the ongoing fight for equality and justice for all.