There’s been a call over the past couple of months to swap out Andrew Jackson for a more modern icon of American history on the $20 bill – and many have suggested a woman be at the top of that list. The website womenon20s.org started the buzz and posted a poll to suggest which American woman should be featured. Currently, Underground Railroad pioneer and abolitionist Harriet Tubman is in the lead. But that suggestion has not been met without dispute. Actress Raven-Symone said she’d rather see civil rights icon Rosa Parks on the $20. And Feminista Jones writes in the Washington Post this week that replacing Andrew Jackson would only cover up “our nation’s reality of historic and lingering disenfranchisement.”
Other countries have long since honored women on their currency – from artist Frida Kahlo on Mexican cash to Eva Peron on the Argentinian 100-peso bill to the nearly ubiquitous images of Queen Elizabeth II across Commonwealth currency, the U.S. is pretty behind on this. We asked Larry King who he thinks should grace the $20. His thoughts include one woman, Eleanor Roosevelt, and several other great Americans who have been overlooked as far as currency goes:
- Franklin Roosevelt
- Martin Luther King Jr.
- John F. Kennedy
- Eleanor Roosevelt
- Jackie Robinson
Jesse Ventura also recently opened up the discussion on his Facebook page and received numerous responses from readers, including votes to upgrade Sacagawea and Susan B. Anthony to bills, and even Oprah.
Who do you think should be on the $20? Share your thoughts below!
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