Will Harriet Tubman Be on the $20 Bill? Let's Dive In!

Hey there, history buffs and currency enthusiasts! Today, we're going to explore a fascinating topic that's been making waves in the news: will Harriet Tubman be on the $20 bill? So, grab a cup of coffee, get comfy, and let's dive in! Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and will harriet tubman be on the 20 dollar bill.

Harriet Tubman: A Brief Introduction

Before we jump into the $20 bill debate, let's quickly recap who Harriet Tubman is. Born into slavery around 1822, Harriet Tubman escaped to freedom in 1849 and became a leading abolitionist, helping hundreds of other enslaved people break free through the Underground Railroad. She was also an activist for women's suffrage and served as a spy and nurse for the Union during the Civil War. Pretty incredible, huh? Now, let's talk about that $20 bill!

The $20 Bill: A Brief History

The $20 bill has quite the history itself. Introduced in 1862, it's the second oldest U.S. currency note still in circulation. The first portrait on the $20 bill was that of Andrew Jackson, who has been the face of the bill since 1928. But will this change? Let's find out!

The Push for Harriet Tubman on the $20 Bill

The Petition

Back in 2013, a petition was launched on the White House's "We the People" platform, calling for Harriet Tubman to replace Andrew Jackson on the $20 bill. The petition gained traction, receiving over 25,000 signatures and sparking a national conversation.

The Treasury's Announcement

In 2016, the Treasury Department announced plans to put Harriet Tubman on the $20 bill. The new design was expected to be unveiled in 2020, marking the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment, which gave women the right to vote. How cool is that?

The Delay: What Happened?

So, everything was set, right? Wrong! In 2019, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin announced that the redesign of the $20 bill would be delayed until 2028, citing concerns about counterfeiting and saying that security features were the priority. This news was met with disappointment and criticism from many.

The Current Status

As of now, the situation is a bit uncertain. While the Treasury Department has stated that Harriet Tubman will indeed be on the $20 bill, the timeline has been pushed back significantly. Some are speculating that political factors may be at play, but that's a topic for another day.

What Can We Do?

If you're feeling frustrated about the delay, you're not alone. But don't despair! There are still things we can do to help make this happen. Here are a few ideas:

1. Sign Petitions: There are still active petitions out there. Signing them can help keep the pressure on.
2. Spread Awareness: Talk about this with your friends, family, and on social media. The more people know, the more they can help.
3. Support Organizations: Groups like Women on 20s and Change the Currency are actively working to get Harriet Tubman on the $20 bill. Consider donating or volunteering your time.

Conclusion

So, will Harriet Tubman be on the $20 bill? The official answer is yes, but when is still up in the air. Despite the delay, we can't let this momentum fade. Let's keep pushing for a more inclusive and representative currency, one that honors the incredible legacy of Harriet Tubman.

Thanks for joining us on this journey through history and into the future of U.S. currency. Until next time, keep fighting the good fight!