By Sharon McPike and Robyn Showanes
February 5, 2024
The U.S. Mint celebrated the Reverend Dr. Pauli Murray Quarter during an event in Baltimore, Maryland on February 3, 2024. The event was held in partnership with the Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum. The quarter honoring Rev. Dr. Pauli Murray is the first release in 2024 and the 11th coin overall in the American Women Quarters™ (AWQ) Program.
The event took place at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History and Culture as part of the museum’s opening of their showcase exhibit, Black Woman Genius. Special guests included Pauli Murray’s niece, Pastor Myra Harris, and Rev. Karen Mercer, vicar of the Episcopal Church of the Holy Nativity in Baltimore where Murray served as priest-in-charge from 1981 to 1985.
“Imprinting a face on a coin is a way of creating art,” acknowledged Reginald F. Lewis Museum Director Terry Lee Freeman during her remarks. “For us to be having this event on this day to commemorate a woman who truly was a Black Woman Genius.”
Betty Birdsong, Special Advisor to the Director of the U.S. Mint, explained the importance of the Rev. Dr. Pauli Murray Quarter. “I have no doubt that the American Women Quarter featuring the Reverend Dr. Pauli Murray will inspire future generations of young women. Her groundbreaking contributions paved the way for countless others to follow.”
Pastor Myra Harris shared her thoughts about her aunt’s honor. “This quarter serves as a tangible reminder that my aunt Pauli’s legacy shall not be confined to history books, but now she leaves her legacy in everyone’s hands.”
Rev. Dr. Pauli Murray was a poet, writer, activist, lawyer, and Episcopal priest. She is regarded as one of the most important social justice advocates of the 20th century. She fought tirelessly for civil rights, women’s rights, and gender equality.
The reverse of the Pauli Murray Quarter was designed by United States Mint Artistic Infusion Program Designer Emily Damstra, and sculpted by United States Mint Chief Engraver Joseph Menna. The coin released into circulation on January 2, 2024.
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