While the past eight years have been far from perfect, the era of President Obama has been a gift, a time for celebration and progress. It is true that Obama was not as radical as many of us had hoped, but the impact of his two terms cannot be undermined. Barack Obama is the most positively influential president that this nation has seen in decades. His presidency was a period of significant change, politically, socially, and economically.

From the very start of his first term, Obama made it clear that he was going to make a difference. After just nine days in office, he passed his first, and arguably one of his most significant, piece of legislation, the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, which gives women the right to sue their employer for discrimination if it is found that they are being paid less than a man for the same work.

Perhaps his most famous legislation is the Affordable Care Act, AKA “Obamacare.” The Act — which ensures benefits for women and coverage of people up to age 26, strengthens Medicare, and holds insurance companies accountable — has received endless criticism, especially from those whose health and wellness are reliant on the Act. These critics are rather infamous for their determination to disagree with any action made by a Democrat, regardless of what it is. In their eyes, Obama is an evil communist madman, whose presidency was the final step in the downfall of the United States into liberal damnation.

Regardless of one’s political standing, it is unreasonable to try to deny the magnitude of our 44th President. Whether you agree with his actions or not, the importance of both his election and presidency are irrefutable. The significance of having a Black president, of a Black man being chosen to lead the Free World, cannot be minimized.

People of disadvantaged groups, especially racial minorities, were given the chance to vote for a man like them, a man who represented their needs and identities. Youth of color have been able to see a dark-skinned man with an unapologetically non-White name in one of the highest offices in the world. Josh Frost, age 13, put it well: “It shows we can change, because it shows that not only white people can be in the government. More people of different races would like to be president now, because Barack Obama became president.” To most, the election marked a major shift towards a more equal, more inclusive United States.

January 20, 2008, was a day to put in the history books. The election and subsequent two presidential terms of Illinois senator Barack Hussein Obama II should be recognized for what it was: a momentous step towards an equal America. This triumph of a Black man was a triumph of the American people.

If nothing else, the Obama family has brought an incredible spark to this nation. Their realness is refreshing and has revitalized the face of America.

There’s no doubt that many will be missing the glory days of the Obama presidency, especially given what is in store for the next four years.