From our Bureau of Numismatic News That Are Certain To Irritate Castro, Inc.
The U.S. Mint announced three days ago that Salsa Queen and Cuban icon Celia Cruz is one of the five honorees chosen for the 2024 American Women Quarters Program.
This makes Celia the first Cuban ever to appear on U.S. currency. Her image will accompany that of George Washington, on the reverse side of the coin, as is the case with most commemorative quarters.
Celia already had the honor of being featured on a U.S. postage stamp. And she has also been honored with a Barbie doll. (See above).
This announcement is bound to annoy the hell out of Castronoids everywhere. So, dust off your Celia Cruz records, cassettes, eight-tracks, and compact discs, and play her music as loudly as possible whenever an encounter with news from Cuba depresses you.
The other four honorees with whom Celia shares this tribute to greatness are: Patsy Takemoto Mink, a congresswoman; Mary Edwards Walker, a Civil War era surgeon and abolitionist; Pauli Murray, a poet, writer, activist, lawyer, and Episcopal priest; and Zitkala-Ša a.k.a. Gertrude Simmons Bonnin, a Native American writer, composer, and educator
The design for the coin will be revealed later this year.
Here is some of the announcement from the U.S. Mint
Celia Cruz (Celia Caridad Cruz Alfonso) was a Cuban-American singer, cultural icon, and one of the most popular Latin artists of the 20th century. Known as “The Queen of Salsa,” Cruz’s numerous honors and awards include five Grammy awards, a National Medal of Arts, and a posthumous Lifetime Achievement Grammy.
“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.”
This groundbreaking coin program is an excellent way to remind future generations what can be accomplished with vision, determination, and a desire to improve opportunities for all.
Whole announcement HERE and article in Spanish HERE at Diario de Cuba