For over a century, Harriet Tubman has been a symbol of resilience, courage, and the unyielding fight for freedom. Known for her extraordinary efforts as a conductor on the Underground Railroad, Tubman helped hundreds of enslaved individuals escape to freedom. Now, in the 21st century, Tubman is set to be immortalized in an entirely new way: as the face of the $20 bill. However, despite the announcement of this significant move several years ago, the question remains: when will Harriet Tubman finally appear on the $20 bill? This article explores the long, complicated journey of Tubman’s image being placed on U.S. currency and the historical, political, and social implications of this delayed tribute.
A Historic Announcement: The Plan to Replace Andrew Jackson
In 2016, the U.S. Treasury Department made a historic announcement that Harriet Tubman would replace Andrew Jackson, the seventh president of the United States, on the $20 bill. The move was part of an effort to make U.S. currency more reflective of the country’s diversity and to honor the legacy of individuals who fought for freedom and equality. Tubman, a woman born into slavery who became a key figure in the abolitionist movement, was chosen to grace the front of the $20 bill due to her heroic actions and dedication to justice.
Her selection was a significant moment in American history. Tubman’s contributions to the abolition of slavery and her role in helping enslaved African Americans escape to freedom through the Underground Railroad have made her one of the most revered figures in U.S. history. Replacing Jackson, who had been a controversial figure due to his policies toward Native Americans and his role in perpetuating slavery, with Tubman represented a major shift in how the country viewed its historical heroes.
Why Harriet Tubman?
Harriet Tubman’s life was one of remarkable courage and resilience. Born into slavery in Maryland in 1822, she escaped to freedom in 1849, eventually making more than a dozen missions back to the South to rescue hundreds of enslaved individuals. Her efforts on the Underground Railroad earned her the nickname “Moses,” as she led many to freedom, using a network of safe houses, trusted allies, and strategic routes to navigate the dangers of the journey.
In addition to her work with the Underground Railroad, Tubman was also an advocate for women’s suffrage, a nurse during the Civil War, and a fierce opponent of injustice in all its forms. Her tireless work in the fight for freedom and equality was unparalleled, and her inclusion on U.S. currency symbolized a new acknowledgment of African American contributions to the nation’s history.
Her image on the $20 bill would not only serve as a recognition of her bravery but also as a symbol of the ongoing struggle for civil rights and equality in the United States. For many, Tubman represents not only freedom from slavery but also a reminder of the continuous fight for racial and social justice.
Delays and Setbacks: The Struggle to Make Tubman a Reality
Despite the historic announcement in 2016, the timeline for Tubman’s appearance on the $20 bill has been fraught with delays, political challenges, and questions about priorities. Initially, the U.S. Treasury Department set a goal of having the new $20 bill ready for release by 2020, in time for the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment, which granted women the right to vote. However, this timeline has not been met.
In 2017, the Trump administration, under then-Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, delayed the redesign, citing the need to focus on more pressing matters, such as addressing security concerns about counterfeit money. Mnuchin also indicated that the Treasury Department would prioritize redesigning the $10 bill, featuring the image of Alexander Hamilton, who has enjoyed renewed popularity due to the success of the Broadway musical “Hamilton.” The delay in Tubman’s placement on the $20 bill sparked criticism from many who viewed it as a missed opportunity to address the lack of representation for African Americans and women on U.S. currency.
Mnuchin’s reluctance to push forward with Tubman’s redesign prompted widespread backlash, with many accusing the administration of stalling a crucial moment for American history. Advocates for Tubman’s inclusion, as well as civil rights groups, have continued to push for the redesign to move forward.
What Are the Current Plans for the $20 Bill?
As of now, the redesign of the $20 bill has not been completed, and there is no definitive timeline for when Harriet Tubman’s image will replace Andrew Jackson. In 2021, President Joe Biden’s administration expressed support for continuing the efforts to place Tubman on the bill. Biden’s Treasury Secretary, Janet Yellen, has stated that the redesign remains a priority, but it is unclear when the new bill will officially enter circulation.
One of the main challenges has been the technical and security aspects of redesigning U.S. currency. Currency redesigns are a complex and time-consuming process that involves ensuring the security features of the bill are up to date, which can take several years. Given the unprecedented nature of featuring a woman and an African American historical figure on U.S. currency, the redesign of the $20 bill has been scrutinized and reviewed by various government agencies.
The Department of Treasury has confirmed that the Tubman redesign is still in the works, but there is no official release date yet. In the meantime, Andrew Jackson’s portrait remains on the $20 bill, despite calls for change.
The Symbolism of Tubman on U.S. Currency
The placement of Harriet Tubman on the $20 bill holds significant symbolism. It would represent a profound acknowledgment of the contributions of African Americans and women to the history of the United States. It also challenges the historical dominance of figures like Andrew Jackson, whose legacy is controversial due to his policies toward Native Americans, particularly the forced relocation of tribes along the Trail of Tears.
Tubman’s presence on the $20 bill would not just be a simple redesign of currency; it would be a public recognition of the injustices faced by marginalized groups throughout U.S. history. It would be a step toward correcting the historical record and ensuring that those who fought for freedom and equality are properly honored.
Looking Ahead: The Long Road to Tubman on the $20 Bill
The delay in Harriet Tubman’s appearance on the $20 bill raises important questions about representation, historical memory, and the pace of change in the United States. For many, Tubman’s image on the bill is not just about honoring a historical figure; it is about recognizing the ongoing struggle for equality and justice, particularly for Black Americans.
While the official release of the redesigned $20 bill remains uncertain, the fight for Tubman’s place on U.S. currency is far from over. Activists, historians, and civil rights organizations continue to advocate for the redesign, emphasizing that the importance of representation on currency goes beyond aesthetics—it is a reflection of the values and ideals of a nation.
In the end, when Harriet Tubman finally adorns the $20 bill, it will be a moment of profound significance—a tribute to one of the most extraordinary figures in American history and a reminder of the long road toward justice and equality. Until then, the question remains: when will we see Tubman’s face on the $20 bill, and what will it mean for the future of American currency and culture? The answer to that question may not come soon, but Tubman’s legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.