
Harriet Tubman and the $20 Bill: A Symbol of Historical Recognition
The $20 bill is one of the most widely circulated denominations in the United States, bearing the portrait of Andrew Jackson, the seventh president of the United States, for nearly a century. However, a groundbreaking decision made in 2016 by the U.S. Department of the Treasury proposed replacing Jackson’s portrait with that of Harriet Tubman, a move that has since sparked widespread discussion, debate, and anticipation. This decision symbolizes not just a shift in how America chooses to honor its history but also a re-examination of the nation’s values and ideals.
Who Was Harriet Tubman?
Harriet Tubman, born into slavery in Maryland in the early 1820s, is an enduring symbol of courage, resilience, and humanitarianism. Her early life was marked by unimaginable hardship; she endured physical abuse, grueling labor, and the constant threat of being sold away from her family. Yet, Tubman’s indomitable spirit led her to escape bondage in 1849, embarking on a perilous journey to freedom through the Underground Railroad.
Tubman did not stop at securing her own freedom. Over the next decade, she returned to the South repeatedly, risking her life to guide more than 70 enslaved people to freedom. Her role as a “conductor” on the Underground Railroad earned her the nickname “Moses,” and she became a living legend for her bravery. During the Civil War, Tubman served as a spy, nurse, and cook for the Union Army, further cementing her legacy as one of America’s most revered freedom fighters.
In her later years, Tubman continued her advocacy, championing women’s suffrage and working tirelessly to improve the lives of marginalized communities. Her life’s work epitomizes the fight for equality, justice, and freedom—values that resonate deeply with the American ethos.
The Push for Change: Reimagining the $20 Bill
The decision to feature Harriet Tubman on the $20 bill was announced in April 2016 under the Obama administration. The move was part of a broader effort by the Treasury to redesign U.S. currency to reflect the nation’s diversity and honor individuals who have shaped its history. Tubman’s inclusion on the bill was seen as a historic milestone, making her the first African American and the first woman in over a century to be prominently featured on U.S. paper currency.
Andrew Jackson’s removal from the front of the bill—with plans to relocate his image to the reverse side—was particularly symbolic. While Jackson is celebrated for his populist appeal and military accomplishments, his legacy is also marred by his role in the forced removal of Native Americans through the Indian Removal Act and his staunch support of slavery. Replacing Jackson with Tubman represents a shift in focus, acknowledging the contributions of those who fought for justice and equality rather than perpetuating narratives that glorify controversial figures.
Delays and Challenges
Despite widespread support for the redesign, the plan has faced numerous delays. Under the Trump administration, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin announced in 2019 that the redesign would not be unveiled until at least 2028, citing technical and security reasons. This decision sparked criticism from many who viewed it as an unnecessary postponement of a long-overdue acknowledgment of Tubman’s legacy.
The delay also reignited debates about the political and cultural implications of changing the currency. Opponents argued that the decision to replace Jackson was a politically motivated gesture that undermined historical continuity. Supporters, on the other hand, saw the redesign as an essential step toward reckoning with America’s complex past and celebrating the contributions of historically marginalized groups.
In January 2021, President Joe Biden’s administration revived efforts to expedite the redesign. The Treasury Department reaffirmed its commitment to featuring Harriet Tubman on the $20 bill, signaling renewed momentum for the project. However, as of now, the timeline for the redesign remains uncertain.
The Significance of Harriet Tubman on the $20 Bill
The choice to place Harriet Tubman on the $20 bill carries profound symbolic weight. Currency is more than just a medium of exchange; it is a reflection of national identity and values. By honoring Tubman, the United States acknowledges the enduring impact of her contributions to the fight for freedom and equality.
Tubman’s inclusion on the $20 bill also serves as a powerful statement about representation. For centuries, U.S. currency has predominantly featured white male figures, perpetuating a narrow and exclusionary view of American history. Featuring Tubman’s image challenges this paradigm, offering a more inclusive narrative that celebrates the diversity of the American experience.
Public Reception and Cultural Impact
The announcement of Tubman’s inclusion on the $20 bill was met with widespread acclaim from many quarters. Advocates for racial and gender equality hailed the decision as a watershed moment in the ongoing struggle for representation and recognition. Educators and historians lauded the move as an opportunity to introduce future generations to Tubman’s extraordinary legacy.
However, the decision has not been without controversy. Critics argue that changing the face of U.S. currency is a superficial gesture that does little to address systemic inequalities. Others contend that the focus should be on substantive policy changes rather than symbolic acts. Despite these critiques, the overwhelming sentiment among supporters is that representation matters, and Tubman’s presence on the $20 bill would be a meaningful step toward honoring the contributions of historically marginalized groups.
The cultural impact of Tubman’s proposed inclusion extends beyond the currency itself. It has spurred renewed interest in her life and legacy, leading to a proliferation of books, documentaries, and educational initiatives. Tubman’s story resonates deeply with contemporary movements for social justice, inspiring new generations to continue the fight for equality and freedom.
Moving Forward: The Path to Realization
As the U.S. grapples with its history and strives to build a more inclusive future, the redesign of the $20 bill serves as both a challenge and an opportunity. The technical and logistical hurdles involved in redesigning currency are significant, but they pale in comparison to the symbolic importance of the project.
The inclusion of Harriet Tubman on the $20 bill is not just about honoring her individual legacy. It is about acknowledging the countless unnamed individuals who fought for freedom and justice, often at great personal cost. It is about reshaping the narrative of American history to reflect its full complexity and diversity.
Conclusion
The proposal to feature Harriet Tubman on the $20 bill is a bold and transformative step in how the United States chooses to remember its past and envision its future. Tubman’s life embodies the highest ideals of courage, resilience, and selflessness, making her a fitting choice to represent the nation’s values.
While the journey to realize this vision has been fraught with challenges, the significance of the effort cannot be overstated. Placing Tubman’s image on the $20 bill would serve as a powerful reminder of the progress made and the work that remains to be done in the pursuit of equality and justice for all. In honoring Harriet Tubman, the United States not only pays tribute to a remarkable individual but also affirms its commitment to building a more inclusive and equitable society.