Many of the battles for social justice were taken up by ordinary people like us. They knew they would pay a price for their courage. They knew they would suffer and probably never live to see the fruits of their labor. They knew that they would never receive gratitude or be recognized for their sacrifices. They knew that a life is not worth living unless it has meaning. Despite the risks, despite the obstacles, they persevered and set an example for others. Among these great leaders were women who struggled for the rights of all people.
Over a century has passed and a handful of these heroines are being honored by our nation. Their images will grace the currency of the United States of America. They are models that we should remember because their deeds and their lives are just as relevant today as they were when they struggled against injustice.
Harriet Taubman will replace President Andrew Jackson on the $20 dollar bill. She was a slave who escaped. She worked to liberate others with the Underground Railroad, setting up safe houses to protect the men, women and children who freed themselves from bondage. During the Civil War, Harriet risked her life as a Union spy.
On the back of the $10 dollar bill will be several amazing women who fought for equality and the right of women to vote. They did not have to take up these causes but they knew that if they did not, no one would else would. They include Susan B. Anthony, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Lucretia Mott, Alice Paul, and Soujourner Truth.
On the back of the $5 dollar bill, two interesting women and a man will be honored. Marian Anderson was the granddaughter of a slave. She fought to help women achieve a place in the arts. She had a lovely voice. She was world famous. In 1939, the Daughters of the American Revolution refused to allow her to sing because she was black. First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt resigned in protest from the Daughters of the American Revolution and encouraged the Department of Interior to find a place for Marian to hold a concert. 75,000 people came to the Lincoln Memorial to hear one of the most beautiful voices of all time sing “America the Beautiful.” Both Marian Anderson and Eleanor Roosevelt will be on the $5 dollar bill along with Abraham Lincoln.
A man will join them who, like Lincoln, gave his life for freedom. His name was Martin Luther King.
The world will, finally, remember them for the meaningful lives they led. Will it remember us?