Watch CBS News

Girl who wanted women put on money gets birthday wish

CAMBRIDGE, Mass.-- A Massachusetts girl who wrote a letter to President Barack Obama urging him toput a woman on U.S. paper currency has gotten her wish.

Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew announced Wednesday that African-American abolitionist Harriet Tubman will be featured on the front of the $20 bill.

Sofia turned 11 years old Wednesday. The Cambridge girl says it was the "greatest birthday present ever."

When Sofia wrote the president last year, it was to her great surprise when the president wrote back, calling Sofia's proposal "a good idea" and describing Sofia as "pretty impressive."

"I thought, like, oh my gosh this is super awesome," she told CBS Boston in 2015. "I was super excited,"

WHDH-TV reports Lew called Sofia to wish her a happy birthday and congratulate her on the news. Sofia's last name wasn't provided.

Senior Adviser to the president, Valerie Jarrett, posted to Twitter the note Sofia had sent.

Jarrett then tweeted she also called Sofia to congratulate her.

Tubman was born a slave. She'll become the first African-American to adorn U.S. paper money and the first woman depicted on U.S. currency in 100 years. She'll replace President Andrew Jackson, who'll move to the back of the bill.

Numerous people and groups had clamored for the change.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.