Writer Maya Angelou has become the first African-American woman to appear on the U.S. quarter dollar coin.
Maya Angelou was one of the most prominent African-American writers of her generation. Her memoir, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, was published in 1969 and, through exploring Black identity, womanhood, literacy, and sexual assault, has left an enduring legacy on both the American and global reading audience.
Angelou was also the first African-American woman to write and perform a poem at a Presidential inauguration, a title she claimed at the inauguration of Bill Clinton, where she performed On The Pulse of Morning. Beyond poetry, the writer holds a remarkable bibliography that spans dozens of works, across half a century.
In addition to this, Angelou was a fierce civil rights activist and worked with both Martin Luther King Jr and Malcolm X during the 1960s. The quarter coin depicts Angelou with outstretched arms, in front of a bird in flight and a rising sun, images inspired by her written work.
Excited to announce that today, Maya Angelou becomes the first Black woman to appear on a US quarter!
The phenomenal women who shaped American history have gone unrecognized for too long—especially women of color. Proud to have led this bill to honor their legacies. pic.twitter.com/TYZeEJ8LhX
— Rep. Barbara Lee (@RepBarbaraLee) January 10, 2022
In regard to the honour, U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said: “Each time we redesign our currency, we have the chance to say something about our country … I’m very proud that these coins celebrate the contributions of some of America’s most remarkable women, including Maya Angelou.”
Today, @usmint releases the Maya Angelou quarter.
Dr. Angelou inspired millions as a civil rights leader, poet laureate, professor, writer, and performer. I’m proud I led the bill with @SenatorFischer and @RepBarbaraLee to honor remarkable women who shaped America’s history. pic.twitter.com/Iew7zSW03i
— Senator Cortez Masto (@SenCortezMasto) January 10, 2022
“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,” the mint’s deputy director, Ventris Gibson, said.
