Maya Angelou Becomes 1st Black Woman On The US Quarter
Maya Angelou has become the first Black woman to appear on the US quarter. According to the US Mint, the coin featuring the activist and poet is already in circulation. The new coin will still feature George Washington on the “heads” side. Angelou and will be featured on the “tails” side.
This coin is the first in the American Women’s Quarter Program with other quarters coming out later this year until 2025. The other honorees include:
• Dr. Sally Ride — the first American woman to soar into space, and an inspirational leader in science education.
• Wilma Mankiller — the first female Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation and an activist for Native American and women’s rights.
• Nina Otero-Warren — a leader in New Mexico’s suffrage movement, and the first female superintendent of Santa Fe public schools.
• Anna May Wong — the first Chinese American film star in Hollywood whose work in film, theatre and television inspired and paved the way for generations of performers
