Maya Angelou has become the first black woman to be added to the United States of America’s quarter coin. This is a recent development and a first in the new series of coins designed in honour and celebration of the wonderful achievements of American women.
The Late Maya Angelou ( Marguerite Annie Johnson) was born on the 4th of April 1928 in St. Louis, Missouri, She was a famous American poet and civil rights activist who fought against racism during her lifetime. She was a very successful author as well and wrote about 36 books in total, and an actress, and screenwriter. She also made history by becoming the first female inaugural poet in U.S. presidential history, when she performed her poem “On the Pulse of Morning,” for former president Bill Clinton’s inauguration.
The Secretary to the US treasury, Janet L. Yellen expresses the significance of redesigning the coins, saying “Each time we redesign our currency, we have the chance to say something about our country — what we value, and how we’ve progressed as a society. I’m very proud that these coins celebrate the contributions of some of America’s most remarkable women, including Maya Angelou.”
The coin captures the late activist with her hands lifted in the sky and a dove behind her. Over her head, was a beam glistening. The symbolism of the image captures Maya Angelou’s life as an activist and her poetry. It also symbolizes how much inspiring her art was, and its impact on Americans.
A few years before her death, former President Barack Obama gave Maya the 2010 Presidential medal of freedom to honour and recognize her work in activism. She died on the 28th of May, 2014.
A few notable women are believed to also feature on quarter coins as well like Late Sally Ride who was the first American woman in space, and Late Anna May Wong who was the first Chinese American Hollywood star.
Several years after her death, Maya Angelou continues to inspire many Black American women and girls, and featuring on this quarter was the perfect way to immortalize her legacy.
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