By Bill Britt
Alabama Political Reporter
MONTGOMERY—A group of Alabamians, including the State Senate, want to see an Alabama native on the redesigned $10 bill.
Recently, Sen. Jim McClendon (R-Springville) sponsored a resolution to recommended Helen Keller as the face on the new $10 bill:
“Helen Keller was a great inspiration to all Americans, handicapped, and otherwise, and a tremendous source of pride to all Alabamians,” said McClendon. “It would be only fitting that we see her picture and are reminded daily of the great achievements that this woman accomplished and the handicaps that she overcame.”
Keller was born on June 27, 1880, in Tuscumbia, Alabama. Her life has served as an inspiration, not only those with disabilities, but to countless millions, who have drawn strength, and courage from her life as a author, political activist, and lecturer.
Laura C. Beckwith, Executive Director of the Helen Keller Foundation said:
“The United States Treasury Department has announced that an American woman’s image will be placed on the new $10 bill, scheduled to be introduced by 2020. The Treasury has invited public input into which woman that should be. The Helen Keller Foundation requests your support for the choice of Helen Keller for, ‘TheNew10.'”
The Treasury Department is asking the public to tweet their choice at #TheNew10, or go to the Treasury website The New10.
The new $10 will feature a tactile element that will assist the blind and visually impaired in denominating currency, which makes Keller a fitting choice many believe.
The Treasury wants to hear from the American people, and engage in a public dialogue about how the new $10 bill best represents the “values of our inclusive democracy.”
Keller wrote, “Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved.” She not only spoke those words, she was a living example of their truth.
