CNN reports that on January 10, 2022 a new U.S. quarter featuring the late Maya Angelou went into circulation.<br />The US Mint's decision to feature Angelou on the coin makes the legendary poet the first Black woman to appear on the quarter.<br />CNN reports that the Maya Angelou quarter is just the first release of the American Women Quarters Program.<br />The program focuses on featuring prominent women throughout America's history.<br />According to a statement by the Mint, other quarters in the series will be released later this year through 2025.<br />"Each time we redesign our currency, we have the chance to say something about our country -- what we value, <br />and how we've progressed as a society." Janet Yellen, Treasury Secretary, via CNN.<br />"I'm very proud that these coins celebrate the contributions of some of America's most remarkable women, including Maya Angelou." Janet Yellen, Treasury Secretary, via CNN.<br />The image on the Maya Angelou quarter reportedly was inspired by one of her most famous works, the autobiographical "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings."<br />CNN reports that the other quarters scheduled for release in 2022 include: astronaut Sally Ride, the first American woman in space, Asian American actress Anna May Wong.<br />Cherokee Nation leader Wilma Mankiller, and Nina Otero-Warren, a politician who fought for women's suffrage.
