The United States of America is experiencing a HERhistory moment! Writer and civil rights activist Maya Angelou became the first black woman to appear on a US currency. Angelou’s image now circulates in 25-cent coins, commonly known as quarters.
The coin depicts the late poet and activist with arms raised, standing in front of a bird with outstretched wings and a rising sun in the background. As reported by The Guardianthe US Mint said the image was “inspired by his poetry and symbolic of his way of life”.
“Each time we redesign our currency, we have the chance to say something about our country – what we value and how we have progressed as a society. I am very proud that these coins celebrate the contributions of some of America’s most remarkable women, including Maya Angelou,” said Janet YellenUS Treasury Secretary.
Maya Angelou’s neighborhood inaugurated the US Mint’s American Women’s Quarters program. The project will also issue currency with the faces of the physicist and the first female astronaut Dr. Sally Ride and the first female Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation, Wilma Mankiller. Americans are invited to submit names of iconic women.
“I will forever cherish the private moments I had the privilege of sharing with Maya, from talking in her living room as sisters to her invaluable guidance throughout the challenges I faced as an elective black woman. “said the Democratic congresswoman. Barbara Lee.
“I am proud to have led this effort to honor these phenomenal women, who are most often forgotten in the narrative of our country’s history. If you find yourself holding a Maya Angelou neighborhood, remember her words, “rest assured that you will not die without having done something wonderful for humanity,” Leed added.
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