Treasury Secretary Jacob J. Lew announced on Wednesday, April 20 that abolitionist and Union spy, Harriet Tubman, will replace former U.S. president, Andrew Jackson, as the face of the 20 dollar bill, effective in 2020. Tubman was one of the country’s most influential abolitionists during the 19^th century, widely known for her involvement in the Underground Railroad where she helped hundreds of slaves seek freedom in the North and Canada.

It is fitting that this change is being made to the 20 dollar bill as it reflects a diverse, 21^st century America. It is difficult to ignore the obvious irony of the replacement, considering that Jackson was a white slave owner and Tubman was a black slave.

While Jackson is remembered by some for military successes and for laying the groundwork for the Democratic Party at the time, he was also an avid slave supporter. In addition, he persecuted thousands of Native Americans in the Trail of Tears.

Many conservative Americans believe that the replacement of Jackson is disrespectful and does not take into account the mainstream opinions and ways of white men during the 19^th century.  Although there is something to be said for that viewpoint, those same white men who laid the groundwork for this nation also placed people of color in a submissive position for hundreds of years—recognition for those who fought against such injustice deserve to be venerated.

Some other citizens are overly worked up about the visual change, but they must remember that there will be no actual change in the value or distribution of U.S. currency—a 20 dollar bill will still worth 20 dollars.

According to The New York Times, Tubman’s replacement is not the only change that will be seen on U.S. currency. Jackson will be moved to the back of the 20 dollar bill, and Lucretia Mott, Sojourner Truth, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Alice Paul and Susan B. Anthony will be added to the back of the 10 dollar bill.

The back of the five dollar bill will remain an image of the Lincoln Memorial but it will feature Marian Anderson, Martin Luther King Jr., and Eleanor Roosevelt.

The values will stay the same, but the symbols on the face of currency will change drastically. The change is not sitting right with some Americans because it is seen as disregarding one figure’s historical impact over another.

In an article by USA Today titled “Change in the $20 bill feels like a slight to some in Andrew Jackson’s home state,” the people of Tennessee (the state where Jackson established his legacy) viewed the change as an attempt to diminish Jackson’s legacy and solely celebrate Tubman’s. However, the change is not meant to weigh one legacy over the other; it is meant to showcase other figures that helped establish American social values that we value so deeply today.

As a modern and primarily open-minded society, it is essential that we exhibit the forward-thinking and accepting theme of present day America by remembering those that brought us to this place.

Not to say that Jackson’s contributions are not a significant part of history, but it is only right that as a melting pot of a nation, we shine light on the women and people of color who contributed to the American dream as well.

Despite the controversy, a new face for U.S. currency will display what it means to be American and what people had to sacrifice to not simply gain recognition, but to change the lives of all people for the better.