Harriet Tubman Might Get A Major (& Long Overdue) Honor

The organization hoping to put a woman on the $20 bill announced its candidate for the honor this week. Women On 20s went through a rigorous voting process, considering 30 historical women for the honor. And, the name that won was no surprise: Harriet Tubman.  Among other strong contenders were Eleanor Roosevelt, Rosa Parks, and Sojourner Truth, but Tubman's life and contributions to the country made her the top choice to replace Andrew Jackson on the $20. The Women On 20s campaign has already made a visible impact since it first made headlines back in March. Last month, Sen. Jeanne Shaheen introduced a bill that would convene a panel in order to consider putting a woman on the bill.  "Our paper currency is an important part of our everyday lives and reflects our values, traditions, and history as Americans," Shaheen said in a statement. "It’s long overdue for that reflection to include the contributions of women. The incredible grassroots support for this idea shows that there’s strong support for a woman to be the new face of the 20-dollar bill." Of course, if the bill passes, there's no guarantee that Tubman would be the government's choice as well. But, if she were, it would serve as both a reminder of her incredible work and the lack of recognition and compensation she received. Though she put her own life at risk ushering people through the Underground Railroad (and offered unmatched heroism and invaluable service to the Union Army throughout the Civil War), she had to fight for Congress to award her a pension. In the end, she was awarded only $20 per month until her death. [The Washington Post]