Africian American Currency Consideration
Consideration for Africian American picture photos to be made available on United States Currency.
(PRWEB) November 9, 2004 -- When future generations view the true history of
civilization, it will show contributions by African Americans that have no
equal. African Americans, some named and some nameless and faceless, enabled
America to become what she has become. As such, let us cite some examples:
* Crispus Attucks (1723-1770), from whose blood American freedom was
born and, accordingly, the first American to die in the Revolutionary War during
the Boston Massacre. Mr. Attucks gave his life as many of his fellow blacks
still toiled under the whip of slavery, both figuratively and literally.
* Benjamin Banneker (1731-1806), watch maker, astronomer, publisher and
In 1791, participated as a technical assistant in the first survey of the
Federal District, which is now Washington, D.C. In 1980, the US Postal Service
issued a postage stamp in his honor.
* The Buffalo Soldiers (1866-1898),
helped to defeat the Indians of the west, opening up these lands to American
settlers and others while constantly under duress from the very government they
represented.
* Dr. George Washington Carver (1865-1943), an humble
scientist, took a lowly peanut and gave the world over three hundred unheard of
products, oftentimes being ridiculed as insane for attempting such endeavors.
* Mary McCloud Bethune (1875-1955), armed with little more than her
determination, built a college for African American women. Starting with a small
house in 1904, the school would grow and eventually become Bethune-Cookman
College in Daytona Beach, Florida, helping to educate generations of young
blacks.
* Harriet Tubman (1819-1913), a former slave, who coordinated
the exodus of hundreds of slaves to freedom along the underground railroad.
* Dr. Charles Drew, surgeon (1904-1950), developed a system for storing
of blood plasma (blood bank) which revolutionized the medical profession. Dr.
Drew also
established the American Red Cross blood bank and organized a
blood bank in London during World War II.
* Dorie Miller (1919-1943),
was the first American hero of WWII and the first African-American to be awarded
the Navy Cross. A cook aboard battleship Arizona, Miller
manned a machine
gun during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. He had received no prior
gunnery training, yet destroyed several Japanese aircraft.
* Dr. Martin
Luther King (1929-1968), saved America from years of bloody civil strife through
his philosophy of non violence during the Civil Rights revolution, as well as
becoming America's youngest professor of the Ph.D. at the time. He is also
credited as one of the 20th Century's greatest theologians.
We could go
on and on with names, but in the political, economic, religious, intellectual,
social and artistic realm
of America, African Americans have often dominated
without peer.
But the question is, has the African American been
extended appropriate recognition for his stellar contributions
to American
life and society? The answer, undeniably, is “No.”
It is past time for
America to recognize the genius of the numerous African Americans who have given
so much, yet,
accorded so little in return. For, the genius of African
Americans still marches onward. America is still the receptionist of the many
intellectual benefits extended its way by African Americans.
How should
America begin to recognize this historically neglected group?
I would
recommend that the United States government begin by including, at least, one
African American from our many notables on the face of our money. Other
nationalities of men and women, animals and landmarks have already been
included.
So, why are we, yet to present the world with some African
American greats on our paper or metal money?
In doing so, America could
then shout to the world that it officially recognizes and appreciates the many
contributions by African Americans, and not only America, but to the advancement
of civilization as a whole.
Respectfully submitted,
The Honorable
Darrell J. Jones
Former Municipal Judge, City of Crockett, Texas
700
Woolley Circle
Crockett, Texas 75835
(936)545-8921
Copyright ©
2004 The Honorable Darrell J. Jones All Rights Reserved
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Source : http://www.prweb.com/releases/2004/11/prweb165924.htm