The Treasury Department announced Wednesday a significant makeover to US banknotes that will literally change the face of currency as we know it. The current all-white male cast of historians featured on the country’s paper bills will be infused with a more diverse array of history-makers, including notable African-Americans and women whose bravery, determination and contributions have made a significant and lasting impact on shaping the nation.
Among the changes, African American abolitionist Harriet Tubman will replace the image of Andrew Jackson on the front of the $20 bill. Abolitionist, women’s suffrage advocate, and author of the famous address, “Ain’t I A Woman,’’ Sojourner Truth will grace the back of the $10 bill. Acclaimed contralto Marian Anderson, whose landmark 1939 performance at the Lincoln Memorial drew about 75,000 observers and millions of radio listeners, will be featured on the back of the $5 bill. Martin Luther King Jr., whose leadership affected monumental progress for racial justice, social and economic equality, will also be featured on the back of the $5 bill.
What is the significance of incorporating diverse images on US currency? Aside from honoring the diversity of our history as a nation and acknowledging the impact of people who aren’t white and male, it’s a step toward dismantling the internalization of inferiority indoctrinated into minorities who live in a society that does not acknowledge their historical relevance and contributions. In the above clip from his 2004 comedy special, For What It’s Worth, comedian Dave Chappelle succinctly summarizes the significance of this landmark moment in history.
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