Edward Kennedy Ellington made a little news a few weeks ago and I just realized it last night. National news outlets have reported that, for the first time, an African-American was featured on a piece of U.S. coinage meant for widespread circulation. And it's thanks to D.C.'s submission to the State Quarters program.The "Duke" was born here and called the District home for 20+ years before reaching worldwide acclaim through music. He was among a handful of performers whose legacies still mark large swaths of the city and established a musical heritage here in the District. When the DC was awarded a special State Quarter (actually, we're part of the D.C. and U.S. Territories Quarter Program), I was happy that we went with an actual person and a relatively contemporary figure at that. Some states chose animals, others geographical features, and a couple did choose historically significant Americans. Several states chose, well, themselves. But Duke Ellington embodies much of what DC was about and is about and the choice was a perfect one. Now to get my hands on one of the quarters. And more music like this:
