The United States $20 bill is one of the most commonly used denominations in American currency, recognized worldwide. Historically, it has featured the portrait of Andrew Jackson, the seventh president of the United States. However, in recent years, the Treasury Department announced plans to redesign the $20 bill to feature Harriet Tubman, a renowned abolitionist, political activist, and key figure in American history. This decision reflects a broader effort to celebrate diversity and honor the contributions of influential Americans who fought for freedom and equality.
Who Is Harriet Tubman?
Harriet Tubman was born into slavery around 1822 in Maryland. Despite the hardships of slavery, she escaped to freedom in the North in 1849. Tubman is best known for her courageous work as a conductor on the Underground Railroad, a secret network that helped enslaved African Americans escape to free states and Canada. Over approximately a decade, Tubman made 13 missions back to the South and guided around 70 enslaved people to freedom.
Early Life and Escape
Born Araminta Ross, Tubman later adopted her mother’s name, Harriet. Life under slavery was brutal, and Tubman experienced physical violence and deprivation. Her escape to Philadelphia marked a turning point, not only in her life but in the larger fight against slavery. She became a symbol of resilience, bravery, and dedication to justice.
Harriet Tubman’s Role in the Underground Railroad
Tubman’s work on the Underground Railroad made her one of the most famous and effective conductors of this clandestine network. Using a combination of intelligence, courage, and strategy, she helped enslaved people navigate dangerous routes and evade capture. Tubman’s knowledge of geography and the support of abolitionist allies were critical to her success.
Her nickname, Moses, reflects her leadership in leading people from bondage to freedom, echoing the biblical story of deliverance. Tubman risked her life repeatedly, facing the threat of capture and severe punishment. Her efforts not only freed individuals but also challenged the institution of slavery itself.
Impact on the Abolitionist Movement
- Helped undermine slavery by facilitating escapes.
- Inspired others to join the abolitionist cause.
- Collaborated with prominent abolitionists like Frederick Douglass.
- Became a powerful symbol of resistance and freedom.
Harriet Tubman Beyond the Underground Railroad
In addition to her Underground Railroad work, Tubman played a significant role during the American Civil War. She served as a nurse, cook, and even a spy for the Union Army. Tubman helped organize a raid that freed more than 700 enslaved people in South Carolina, showcasing her leadership in military operations.
After the war, she continued advocating for civil rights and women’s suffrage. Tubman’s lifelong dedication to justice extended into her later years, where she worked tirelessly for social equality and support for freed African Americans.
Key Contributions During the Civil War and After
- Scout and spy for the Union Army.
- Helped lead military operations that freed slaves.
- Advocated for women’s voting rights.
- Supported elderly and disabled African Americans.
The Redesign of the $20 Bill Featuring Harriet Tubman
The announcement to feature Harriet Tubman on the $20 bill was a landmark decision by the U.S. Treasury Department, reflecting a commitment to honor the legacy of diverse American heroes. The redesign was intended to replace Andrew Jackson’s portrait, a figure whose legacy includes policies detrimental to Native Americans and controversial stances on slavery.
Harriet Tubman’s image on the $20 bill symbolizes a shift toward recognizing the contributions of women and African Americans in the country’s history. The redesign also includes enhanced security features and new imagery that celebrates American ideals of freedom and equality.
Timeline and Features of the Redesigned Bill
- Announcement made in 2016 by Treasury Secretary Jack Lew.
- Initial plans aimed for release around 2020, but delays have pushed the timeline.
- Features include Tubman’s portrait on the front and imagery related to the Underground Railroad on the back.
- Incorporates modern security enhancements.
Significance of Harriet Tubman on U.S. Currency
Featuring Harriet Tubman on the $20 bill is a significant cultural and historical milestone. It acknowledges the vital role she played in the fight against slavery and her broader contributions to American society. This representation serves to educate the public, inspire future generations, and promote a more inclusive narrative of American history.
The change also highlights ongoing discussions about whose stories are told and celebrated in public symbols like currency. By choosing Tubman, the United States embraces a legacy of courage, freedom, and equality that resonates deeply with its founding principles.
Public and Cultural Impact
- Raises awareness of Harriet Tubman’s life and achievements.
- Promotes diversity in representations of American history.
- Encourages dialogue on racial justice and historical recognition.
- Serves as a source of pride for many Americans.
Harriet Tubman’s inclusion on the $20 bill marks a powerful recognition of her extraordinary life and legacy. From escaping slavery to leading dozens to freedom, and from serving as a Union spy to advocating for civil rights, Tubman embodies the spirit of resilience and justice. The redesigned bill is more than just currency; it is a tribute to a woman whose courage changed the course of American history and whose story continues to inspire millions around the world.