Harriet Tubman To Appear On $20 Bill | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

Harriet Tubman To Appear On $20 Bill

Why this decision is so important.

12
Harriet Tubman To Appear On $20 Bill
National Geographic

As a woman, and as a woman interested in politics, there was no better news than the announcement last Wednesday that Harriet Tubman will be replacing Andrew Jackson on the $20 bill. Jackson, who was the seventh President of the United States, has a controversial history, with the infamous Trail of Tears and other human rights injustices staining his legacy.

The decision to replace Andrew Jackson did not come easily and the debate to instead replace Alexander Hamilton on the $10 bill came in tandem with the conversation about Jackson's spot on the $20. Hamilton, the first United States Secretary of the Treasury, has the cast of the new Broadway show "Hamilton" to thank in part for his continued spot on the $10 bill. Jackson was not so lucky this time, but why is this such a significant move for the Treasury Department of the United States?

American society has been a patriarchy for the entire history of this country. Just take a look at the breakdowns in Congress if you had any questions about this. Women and minority groups are extremely underrepresented by a government that is supposed to serve all of its citizens equally and justly. But how can a governing body do so, and do so effectively, if there is an institutionalized issue of underrepresented minorities?

This is why I think putting Harriet Tubman on the $20 bill and women on the backs of currency in the United States is both a necessary and just step toward representation and equality. The history of the United States is marked with the stories of men; typically these men are heterosexual, white, Protestant and land owners. It is far beyond time to start to remember the other parts of history that are not celebrated nearly enough.

Harriet Tubman, who helped hundreds of enslaved African Americans to freedom through the Underground Railroad, should be celebrated for her place in American history. Not only is she a woman of color, but a former slave who was brave enough to escape slavery and then help others to do the same. The real question for me is why we did not make this change for our $20 bill sooner and instead left a man responsible for the deaths of thousands of Native Americans representing our country on one of the most frequently-used bills in circulation today.

Will more women follow in this trend and have their time on the front of American currencies? Only time will tell. This decision came at the same time as the Treasury Department's announcement that women will grace the other side of bills as well.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

14658
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
college

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

6365
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

4698
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

11 Signs You Live At The Library As Told by 'Parks And Recreation'

A few signs that you may live in the library whether you'd like to admit it or not.

4136
brown wooden book shelves with books

Finals week is upon us. It is a magical time of year during which college students everywhere flock to the library in attempt to learn a semester's worth of knowledge in only a week. For some students, it's their first time in the library all semester, maybe ever. Others have slaved away many nights under the fluorescent lights, and are slightly annoyed to find their study space being invaded by amateurs. While these newbies wander aimlessly around the first floor, hopelessly trying to find a table, the OGs of the library are already on the third floor long tables deep into their studies. Here is a few signs that you may live in the library, whether you'd like to admit it or not.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments