NEW YORK (April 20, 2016) – National Urban League President Marc H. Morial today called the U.S. Treasury’s move to replace Andrew Jackson with Harriet Tubman on the front of the $20 bill a milestone for 21st Century America.
“For generations, America has struggled to confront its greatest sin and acknowledge the dark cloud it cast over much of our history,” Morial said. “The replacement on the front of the $20 of a slaveholder who denounced abolitionists with one of abolition’s greatest heroes is a major development in coming to terms with our history.”
Morial said placing an African-American hero and a woman on U.S. currency could have a tremendous impact on the way children of color, particularly girls, see themselves.
“Too many of our children have to actively seek out historical heroes who look like they do,” Morial said. “This is an act of respect that will go a long way toward placing African American history at the center of our nation’s discourse.”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Teresa Candori
212-558-5362 | tcandori@nul.org
