Women have long been catalysts for change in American society, yet their contributions, especially those of women of color, often go unrecognized in historical narratives. To rectify this oversight, the US government initiated the American Women Quarters Program.
This initiative aims to honor
and celebrate the achievements of women in the United States by issuing five
new quarter designs annually for four consecutive years, each featuring a
distinguished woman who has made significant contributions to American society.
Remarkably, these designs will still bear the likeness of George Washington.
Angelou's groundbreaking recitation of "On the Pulse of Morning" at President Clinton's 1992 inauguration marked a historic moment, making her the first Black woman to compose and deliver a poem at a presidential inauguration.
Damstra's meticulous attention to detail extended to the choice of the purple
martin, a songbird native to Angelou's childhood home of Arkansas, symbolizing
her roots.
Despite Angelou's passing in 2014, her enduring influence and legacy are immortalized through this commemorative coin design, ensuring her rightful place in American history.
