'I'm not done. I have more ideas.' - Artist stamps Harriet Tubman on $20 bills

In 2016, the U.S. Department of Treasury announced Harriet Tubman $20 bills would begin to print by 2020. But when the White House put a hold on those plans until 2026, a local artist was inspired to take matters into her own hands.

News 12 Staff

Jan 7, 2020, 12:44 AM

Updated 1,662 days ago

Share:

In 2016, the U.S. Department of Treasury announced Harriet Tubman $20 bills would begin to print by 2020. But when the White House put a hold on those plans until 2026, a local artist was inspired to take matters into her own hands.
Dena Cooper 3-D-printed her drawing into a stamp that overlays Tubman's face over Andrew Jackson's. "I think it's almost an artist's responsibility to think about these topics and if it's something that does impact you on a personal level to really push and show other people how important it is," said Cooper.
She says she took a particular interest in the change in currency, saying Tubman's life is worthy of the honor.
Cooper is also passionate about woman's rights. She recently designed a tote bag to sell and donate all of the proceeds to Planned Parenthood.
"I'm not done. I have more ideas and I think I'll be doing more projects in the next few years to try to gain awareness for women's issues in general," said Cooper.
She says she feels it's important to use her art to impact change. Cooper says so far there are nearly 400 $20 bills in circulation that have been stamped.
Cooper hopes to stamp many more until the currency is actually redesigned.


More from News 12
0:32
Police arrest man in connection to shooting murders in Clinton Hill

Police arrest man in connection to shooting murders in Clinton Hill

1:40
Nearly 300 probationary firefighters join the ranks of FDNY

Nearly 300 probationary firefighters join the ranks of FDNY

1:46
Sunny and warm weather with lower humidity for the weekend in Brooklyn

Sunny and warm weather with lower humidity for the weekend in Brooklyn

1:08
East Flatbush residents 'Occupy the Corner' for a safe summer

East Flatbush residents 'Occupy the Corner' for a safe summer

1:24
G train shutdown impacting Bed-Stuy commuters negatively

G train shutdown impacting Bed-Stuy commuters negatively

1:44
Gun detectors could arrive in NYC subway stations today as NYPD prepares pilot program

Gun detectors could arrive in NYC subway stations today as NYPD prepares pilot program

1:43
Welder Underground unveils ‘Rappin' Max Robot’ through apprenticeship program

Welder Underground unveils ‘Rappin' Max Robot’ through apprenticeship program

0:47
Attorney General James releases body camera footage of fatal officer-involved shooting in East Flatbush

Attorney General James releases body camera footage of fatal officer-involved shooting in East Flatbush

0:24
Police: Suspect wanted for punching 72-year-old man at 25th Street subway station

Police: Suspect wanted for punching 72-year-old man at 25th Street subway station

2:10
Boar’s Head deli meat recalled for potential listeria contamination

Boar’s Head deli meat recalled for potential listeria contamination

1:44
The Real Deal: How to save on expenses amid rising costs in New York

The Real Deal: How to save on expenses amid rising costs in New York

1:36
Students set to receive OMNY cards with more rides and less restrictions

Students set to receive OMNY cards with more rides and less restrictions

1:31
Tenants in Flatbush building say they are living with broken floors, mold, leaks and holes

Tenants in Flatbush building say they are living with broken floors, mold, leaks and holes

1:41
Neighbors describe MTA bus crashing into Burger King in Kensington

Neighbors describe MTA bus crashing into Burger King in Kensington

1:46
YMCA promotes swim safety services on World Drowning Prevention Day

YMCA promotes swim safety services on World Drowning Prevention Day

0:37
Brooklyn DA: Former teacher accused of enticing teenagers to send him explicit images

Brooklyn DA: Former teacher accused of enticing teenagers to send him explicit images

1:14
New lawsuits filed against Gov. Hochul's congestion pricing plan pause

New lawsuits filed against Gov. Hochul's congestion pricing plan pause

1:35
Rally outside Brooklyn Public Library calls for end to alleged 'power grab' from Mayor Adams

Rally outside Brooklyn Public Library calls for end to alleged 'power grab' from Mayor Adams

1:55
Residents say rats are taking over Sheepshead Bay street

Residents say rats are taking over Sheepshead Bay street

0:29
Southwest breaks 50-year tradition and will assign seats; profit falls at Southwest, American

Southwest breaks 50-year tradition and will assign seats; profit falls at Southwest, American