A Civil War surgeon, a barrier breaking congresswoman and a Latina music legend are among the historic figures that will be honored by the U.S. Mint in 2024 as part of its American Women Quarters program.
The program pays tribute to inspirational American women whose accomplishments resulted in significant changes to the nation”™s political, social, economic and cultural environments. Each woman will be featured on the reverse side of a special edition 25-cent coin.
The 2024 honorees are, in alphabetical order:
”¢ Celia Cruz, the Cuban-American singer known as “The Queen of Salsa,” whose numerous honors and awards include five Grammy awards, a National Medal of Arts and a posthumous Lifetime Achievement Grammy.
Ӣ Patsy Takemoto Mink, the Hawaiian congresswoman and the first woman of color to serve in Congress.
Ӣ Pauli Murray, a poet, writer, activist, lawyer, and Episcopal priest who co-founded the National Organization for Women with Betty Friedan and other activists in 1966.
Ӣ Dr. Mary Edwards Walker, a Civil War surgeon and womenӪs rights advocate who is the only woman to be awarded the Medal of Honor.
”¢ Zitkala-Å a, also known as Gertrude Simmons Bonnin, a writer, composer, educator and political activist for Native Americans”™ right to U.S. citizenship and other civil rights.
“All of the women being honored have lived remarkable and multi-faceted lives, and have made a significant impact on our nation in their own unique way,” said Mint Director Ventris C. Gibson. “The women pioneered change during their lifetimes, not yielding to the status quo imparted during their lives. By honoring these pioneering women, the Mint continues to connect America through coins which are like small works of art in your pocket.”
Photo: Dr. Mary Edwards Walker
