The U.S. Mint has made a groundbreaking announcement. Celia Cruz, the Queen of Salsa, will be the first Afro-Latina to grace U.S. currency. This historic decision is part of the American Women Quarters Program for 2024.
Cruz joins a select group of trailblazing women chosen for this honor. The program aims to celebrate the achievements and contributions of American women across various fields.
Celia Cruz: Breaking Barriers on U.S. Currency
Celia Cruz’s selection marks a significant milestone in U.S. numismatic history. As an iconic Cuban-American singer, Cruz’s image on the quarter celebrates both her musical legacy and her cultural impact.
This recognition goes beyond mere representation. It acknowledges the contributions of Afro-Latina women to American culture and society. Cruz’s inclusion helps to diversify the faces on U.S. currency.
The American Women Quarters Program: Celebrating Diverse Achievements
The American Women Quarters Program is a multi-year initiative by the U.S. Mint. It aims to honor women who have made significant contributions to American history. The program selects five women each year to be featured on quarter coins.
For 2024, Cruz is joined by four other remarkable women. Each honoree represents a different facet of American achievement and progress. Together, they showcase the diverse ways women have shaped the nation.
From Congress to Civil Rights: The Other 2024 Honorees
Alongside Cruz, the 2024 coinage will feature Patsy Takemoto Mink. Mink made history as the first woman of color to serve in Congress. Her inclusion recognizes her groundbreaking role in American politics.
Dr. Mary Edwards Walker, a Civil War-era surgeon, will also be honored. Walker was not only a medical pioneer but also a women’s rights advocate and abolitionist. Her quarter celebrates her multifaceted contributions to American society.
Honoring Advocates and Educators: More Women Making History
Pauli Murray, a true Renaissance figure, is another 2024 honoree. Murray was a poet, writer, activist, lawyer, and Episcopal priest. Her quarter recognizes her tireless advocacy for civil rights.
The final honoree is Zitkala-Ša, also known as Gertrude Simmons Bonnin. As a writer, songwriter, educator, and political activist, she fought for the rights of Native Americans. Her inclusion highlights the often-overlooked contributions of Indigenous women to American history.
The Impact of Representation on U.S. Currency
The inclusion of these diverse women on U.S. currency is more than symbolic. It provides daily reminders of the varied contributions women have made to American society. This representation can inspire future generations and promote a more inclusive understanding of American history.
For the Afro-Latino community, seeing Celia Cruz on a quarter is particularly meaningful. It acknowledges their place in the American story and celebrates their cultural contributions.
This recognition is long overdue and sets a precedent for future currency designs.
