Last June, a little girl wrote to US President Obama asking why there were no women in any of our currencies. She then provided a list of possible candidates. Treasury Secretary, Jack Lew, said it was happening, and in fact, the $ 10 bill is set for revision. The decision as to whose face would be in it just came earlier after the letter from the little girl although the new currency will be unveiled in 2020.
MTV reports that according to a McClatchy - Marist poll, 29% of the respondents chose Eleanor Roosevelt as the woman they want featured in the $ 10 bill. The requirement was that the person should have influenced Americans in the past, present or in the future. Mrs. Roosevelt is the longest-serving First Lady, very outspoken, who was also an advocate for women, African-Americans, Asian-Americans and refugees. Her husband, President Franklin D. Roosevelt served for four terms. President Harry S. Truman later referred to Mrs. Roosevelt as the 'First Lady of the World' in recognition of her achievements in the field of human rights.
Even after her husband died, Mrs. Roosevelt remained active and in the limelight. She influenced the US to join the United Nations, and became one of the first delegates. She also served in the UN Commission of Human Rights, and helped in the preparation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
In a list of 10 candidates, Harriet Tubman, famous abolitionist, came in second place with 20% of the votes. Third place is a three-way tie, with 11% each, among Sacagawea, Amelia Earhart and Susan B. Anthony.
The last woman to be in a US currency was Martha Washington between 1891 - 1996. The current $ 10 features the first US Treasury Secretary, Alexander Hamilton. He has been on that bill since 1929.
