Reimagining the $20 Bill

For February’s Black History Month, Lower School students were asked to design their own $20 bills featuring an important historical or contemporary African-American figure. Students explored various Black Americans that made an impact on America through their work and courage, both from past and the immediate present.

Aria S. ’33 chose Vice President Kamala Harris for their $20 bill design saying, “This is Kamala, and I chose her because she’s half Indian and half Jamaican, just like me. But she’s older and not a kid.” 

Abby C. ’28 also chose Vice President Harris because, “she’s a very inspirational woman, and since she’s the first female vice president, I thought I should choose her. But also, I look up to her because she’s such a powerful and strong woman.”

And although Vice President Harris is very much within our immediate reality right now, other students reached back into the past to acknowledge the steps that Black Americans made to further equity in the civil rights movement. 

Simone J. ’27 reflected, “I think Ruby Bridges should be on the $20 bill. She has done a lot for integrating schools. She shows people that no matter how old or young you are you can still do something that will impact the world.”

And Damien L. ’31 said, “I chose Jackie Robinson because he broke the barrier between whites and Blacks playing on the same team in baseball.”

Redesigning American currency is not often done outside of classroom activities like this, but recently the White House has confirmed that they will be restarting the process to bring Harriet Tubman to the $20 bill. Jen Psaki, White House press secretary shared, “It’s important that our… money reflects the history and diversity of our country and Harriet Tubman’s image gracing the new $20 note would certainly reflect that.” 

This activity is a great example of inspiring the imagination of students to make their ideas a reality, to reflect a more inclusive and diverse world they are learning to grow into and ultimately take an active role in the future.