On the commemorative coin is a picture of Angelo spreading his arms and flying a bird and the sun rising behind her. The statue was “inspired by her poetry and a symbol of the way she lived,” the United States Mint, the government agency responsible for currency production, wrote in a statement Monday.
Maya Angelo is an all-rounder: writer, poet, activist, professor, singer, dancer and many more. After all, he was known for his autobiography, ‘I Know Why Caged Birds Sing’. In this bestseller, Angelo describes the traumatic experiences of his childhood victim of racism in the southern United States. That book, the first book of its kind, gave a literary voice to black women and became a regular part of the book list in American schools. Famous Angelo passed away in 2014 at the age of 86.
“Every time we design our currencies, we have the opportunity to say something about our country – what we value and how we progress as a community,” said Janet Yellen, secretary of state for the new currency. “I’m very proud that these coins value the contributions of some notable American women, including Maya Angelo.”
The United States Mint sent the first shipment of coins bearing the image of Angelo on Monday. The apartments will soon pass through the hands of many American citizens. The new coin is not the object of the collector, but is printed in large quantities for daily use.
Tribute to American Women
Traditionally, the 25-cent coin has a portrait of the first US president, George Washington, and an eagle on the other side. The rear design is sometimes changed. The US Mint will issue a series of coins in the coming years to honor American women and their contribution to American history.
U.S. citizens may submit proposals from women to be honored in the program. Coins include Sally Ride, the first female astronaut this year, and Wilma Mankiller, the first female leader of the Cherokee Nation tribe.
The lack of diversity in the American currency has been criticized for decades. Most banknotes and coins contain white men, including many slave owners. President Biden’s administration announced earlier this year that it would replace the $ 20 bill. Harriet Dupman, a former slave girl who helped at least 300 escaped slaves flee to the United States, will replace former president and slave owner Andrew Jackson. Since then, it has been quiet around the pre-Obama days plan.
“Passionate analyst. Thinker. Devoted twitter evangelist. Wannabe music specialist.”
More Stories
Blinken: China's dissent must be handled responsibly
Research on opportunities for the horticultural business community in the United States
Anti-Israel protests at American universities are becoming increasingly violent