Harriet Tubman is set to grace the new 20$, becoming the first woman in over a hundred years, and first african american ever to gain placement on a paper note. The 20$ bill is one of the most highly circulating notes out there. The back of the 5$ bill will also be remade to include Opera singer Marian Anderson, Eleanor Roosevelt, and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. After much deliberation, the announcement was made by the U.S. Treasury Secretary Jacob J. Lew, and met with both affection and harsh criticism.
I personally, have been taught much about Harriet Tubman and her story as a child. I have tremendous Respect for Harriet Tubman, and what she was able to accomplish in her fight against Slavery. Even still, I have Questions, I have to ask myself if she was the best choice, what is this REALLY about? As we all know, Anytime the Government throws an alley oop, best believe a slam dunk is coming.... Are THEY trying to kill two birds with one stone here? Appeasing both African American and Women together best believe other races and cultures will expect the same treatment, as they should. Why not a native American on the Money?Do we really need another reminder of slavery with Movies and Television shows coming out left and right? Why does it seem that our history is always rooted in slavery? Is this Americas way of saying sorry? By placing a former slave on the same currency that exists today BECAUSE of slavery. Such a dark past this country has, there is no real way to sugar coat it.
There are many many more women who have contributed to society, post slavery and I want to consider who would have been just as deserving if not more fitting to have placement on the 20$ bill.
Below is a list of 5 impactful American women that could do just as well on the new Twenty:
1. Madam C.J. Walker- African American Entrepreneur, Philanthropist, political and social activist. Remembered as The first African American Female self made Millionaire

2. Mary Mcleod Bethune- "The First Lady Of the Struggle" Educator, Philanthropist, Humanitarian, Political Activist and National Advisor to the President.
3. Sojourner Truth- Escaped Slavery with her infant daughter and went on to become an abolitionist and Advocate for Women's Rights.
4. Queen Lili' Uokalani- Last Reigning queen of the Hawaiian Islands.
5. Wilma Mankiller- Native American who lived through the Termination Era which forced Natives on Reservations to break up and Assimilate into Mainstream American Lifestyle, First Female Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation.
This is just a short list of alternative Icons who could have been considered for placement on the new money. We cannot always view the world though a black and white lens. There have been contributions to this society from people of all ethnic backgrounds. Do you personally agree with the notion of Harriet Tubman on the New 20$ bill? Who are some other important figures that should be remembered? Let us know your Thoughts in the comments below.
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