Poet and activist Maya Angelou is the first Black woman to appear on the US quarter, as per AFP. This happened in a new version of the coin unveiled by the US Mint. Angelou is the author of “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” and will also be the first figure commemorated through the American Women Quarters Program.
The US Mint “has begun shipping the first coins” with Angelou’s likeness on the American quarter. The quarter is a 25-cent piece.
“It is my honor to present our nation’s first circulating coins dedicated to celebrating American women and their contributions to American history,” said Mint Deputy Director Ventris Gibson.
“Each 2022 quarter is designed to reflect the breadth and depth of accomplishments being celebrated throughout this historic coin program. Maya Angelou, featured on the reverse of this first coin in the series, used words to inspire and uplift,” he added
“I am proud that these coins celebrate the contributions of some of America’s most remarkable women,” said Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen.
“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,” she added.
