UNT expert available to discuss significance of Harriet Tubman's selection for new $20 bill

Wednesday, April 20, 2016 - 21:15

DENTON (UNT), Texas -- The United States Treasury Department will today announce that Harriet Tubman, an African-American woman and Civil War era abolitionist who transported hundreds of slaves to freedom, will replace Andrew Jackson – a slaveholder and seventh president of the United States – on the new $20 bill.

Constance Hilliard, University of North Texas history professor and expert on the Civil Rights movement, is available to discuss the importance of this decision. Hilliard can be reached by email at connie@unt.edu, or by phone at 940-799-1933.

"This is such an exciting moment in the history of our nation. Harriet Tubman, a true American hero, will finally be honored in a way that will touch the soul as well as the pocketbooks of all Americans," Hilliard said. "This is how it should be. This remarkable woman became the most renowned abolitionist in the annals of American history. Born into slavery, Miss Tubman was injured by a slave overseer so severely, that she suffered from epileptic seizures throughout her life – and yet, this did not stop her from rising to become the most courageous and successful conductor on the Underground Railroad. Americans deserve to know this piece of our history every time we open our wallets."

The Obama administration originally announced plans to place a woman on the front of the $10 bill, which features Alexander Hamilton and is currently in line for a redesign. However, renewed interest in Hamilton – due to the hit Broadway musical that bears his name – led to a decision to instead replace Jackson on the $20 note.

It could take up to a decade for the new $20 bill to be designed and enter circulation. This is the first time a woman's portrait will appear on U.S. paper currency since Martha Washington was featured on a dollar silver certificate in 1891. Pocahontas was featured on U.S. paper money from 1865 to 1869 and both Susan B. Anthony and Sacagawea have graced dollar coins.

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