For as long as this country has existed, women have contributed to its growth and prosperity. Although not always recognized for their dedication and courage, past and present women have worked for the advancement of American society.

In this long run with representation on American currency , influential American women will get to share the spotlight with men.

Harriet Tubman, an African-American woman who escaped slavery to become a leading abolitionist will replace Andrew Jackson on the front of the $20 bill. Tubman was also an armed Civil War spy and humanitarian, a true American hero. Jackson will be put on the back alongside the White House.

The reasons for Jackson’s replacement lies with his history involving the trail of tears, the forceful movement of Native Americans off their land in the late 1830s. Ironically, as a president Jackson was never a fan of national banks, and he frequently attacked the United States bank in the media and through legislation. I’m sure he would not be happy with his role on the $20.

“I have strong negative feelings about a lot of what Andrew Jackson did as president and his lack of enforcement of the Supreme Court opinion involving Cherokee Indians.” Social studies teacher Elizabeth Seabreeze said. “I love the inclusion of women to these bills, I think women should be represented and appreciated on our bills.”

On the back of the $10 bill, the image of the US Treasury will be replaced with one of a 1913 march advocating for women’s voting rights at the Treasury building. The portraits of five suffrage leaders, Sojourner Truth, Lucretia Mott, Susan B. Anthony, Alice Paul and Elizabeth Cady Stanton, will also be featured on the back on the bill.

Although argued, Alexander Hamilton will still be featured on the front of the $10 bill. “I am glad the $10 bill was not replaced because I believe Alexander Hamilton deserves that honor for creating and implementing our nation’s banking system. Our economy would not be what it is today without Hamilton’s encouragement of trading and business, instead of just an agrarian economy.” Seabreeze said.

As for the $5 bill, the image of the Lincoln Memorial on the back will remain, although only as the

background for Marian Anderson’s 1939 performance. Joining her on the back of the $5 will be Eleanor Roosevelt who arranged Anderson’s performance, and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who delivered his famous “I have a dream” speech from the Lincoln steps.

“I love all the women chosen and I think they’re all great. I especially love Eleanor Roosevelt, because she totally changed the role of the First Lady and her perception to the public,” sophomore Aryana Dadpay said.

These changes will be unveiled in 2020, but will not circulate until later in the decade.

Through these bills, women are depicted as powerful and influential Americans, and they are appreciated along with other American Heroes.

“I think this change is important because it’s about time we have women represented on our currency, since so many other countries made that progressive stride years ago,” Dadpay said.

This is an important change for women all over America. It’s about time the women who have worked endlessly for American prosperity get more recognition for their sacrifices. Women have overcome obstacle after obstacle, and are still jumping through hoops to be successful in today’s age.