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Anti-Slavery Activist Harriet Tubman Set to Replace Andrew Jackson on $20 Bill
A new face will be on the $20 bill in the coming years.
According to reports, Harriet Tubman will replace former President Andrew Jackson on the $20 bill. Tubman will be the first woman on U.S. paper currency in 100 years.
Treasury Secretary Jack Lew announced on Wednesday that the changes will happen by the year 2030. In addition to Tubman replacing Jackson on the bill, leaders of the women’s suffrage movement will be on the back of the $10 bill. Alexander Hamilton will remain on the front of the aforementioned bill.
Civil rights leaders will also be included on the $5 bill. It is unlikely that they will replace former President Abraham Lincoln on the front.
According to the Wall Street Journal, Lew sent a memo to President Obama in 2015 with the intention to remove Hamilton and replace him with Susan B. Anthony. Many critics suggested replacing Jackson, who played a role in the removal of Native Americans from their land.
The memo also stated that Lew wants to suspend the production of the penny.
Reactions to Tubman replacing Jackson on the bill have been mostly positive. Democratic presidential frontrunner Hillary Clinton praised Lew’s decision.
A woman, a leader, and a freedom fighter. I can't think of a better choice for the $20 bill than Harriet Tubman: https://t.co/YcsZC4ZrKg -H
— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) April 20, 2016
Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders also praised the decision.
I cannot think of an American hero more deserving of this honor than Harriet Tubman. https://t.co/GL64NPrOL1
— Bernie Sanders (@BernieSanders) April 20, 2016
“All of Me” singer John Legend tweeted out his opinion on the news.
— John Legend (@johnlegend) April 20, 2016
Kick-Ass actress Chloe Grace Moretz also tweeted.
What an amazing day to hear that Harriet Tubman is the face of 20 dollar bills now. It's about time
— Chloë Grace Moretz (@ChloeGMoretz) April 20, 2016
Edward Snowden tweeted.
Outlaw. Fugitive. Hero. #HarrietTubman https://t.co/AJsVLmSC65
— Edward Snowden (@Snowden) April 20, 2016
However, some people strongly disagreed with the move.
@FoxNews who in the world is that? Never heard of her & don't want her on the money period. I will refuse any $20 bill with that on it #tcot
— thetruthishere (@marctyler30) April 20, 2016
“@FoxNews: The new $20 bill will reportedly feature Harriet Tubman, replacing President Andrew Jackson.” this better be a joke……
— ♡ (@everyatomofme) April 20, 2016
https://twitter.com/HollyAnswers/status/722829613286580225
s/o to Harriet finally getting on the $20. pic.twitter.com/HAxkmRfYz1
— maurice (@tallmaurice) April 20, 2016
Harriet Tubman is well known for risking her life as a “conductor” in the Underground Railroad, which led escaped slaves to freedom in the North. She was an active participant in the women’s suffrage movement.