2020 A Year Of Reflection

2020 was a year that everyone anticipated and was excited for but had no idea what we were in store for. 2020 began a new year, a new decade, and a whole bunch of chaos that once only would be thought of for a movie or tv mini-series. If anyone told us that in 2020 New York City, the city that never sleeps would look like a ghost town, the world would be in a pandemic, or a global wake up call to end racial injustices would happen we would say please go to the nearest nuthouse, don't pass go, and don't collect 200 dollars. Unfortunately, way too many unforeseen events took place that will forever be grained into the history books and in our memories no matter how soon we want the year to end or to forget about it all. Let's take a quick look.

1) A Wake Up Call For Ending Racial Injustices

Across the globe organizations, and individuals from all races and walks of life joined in unity to express their belief and bring awareness to the concept that Black Lives Matter. Whether if you supported the concept or the organization or not, it was hard to escape the uproar, protests, and conversation during a global health crisis and lockdown that discrimination, police brutality, and racism is more vicious now in modern times as it was in the height of the civil rights movement. Looting, fires, fights, protests, civil rights leaders and organizations took headlines. However, the names of those who were killed by the police took headlines too which caused the nation and the world to fully be fed up.

With a long way to go in the struggle to end injustice and racism which has no cure, many have risked their lives during a pandemic for the generations to follow in the pursuit of equality. This was one of the greatest movements we have ever witnessed. Laws are being changed, corporations and industries are being changed for the sake of equal rights. If you don't understand the importance of this year please understand that Black people were heard loud and clear. It was long overdue. Rest in Peace to the victims of police brutality and black on black crime. All Black Lives do indeed matter!

2) Election From Hell

We all have the divine right to vote. Especially in a Presidental race. The 2020 Presidental election was one of the most important and excited about elections of our times. No matter who you voted for you couldn't wait for it to be over with. The debates and TV Ads were intense, families and strangers were at full-blown social media wars defending their candidates or their beliefs. After election day, the whole country was on pins and needles waiting to hear who would become the 46th President of The United States. Recounts due to election fraud accusations happened and emotions remained highly intense as over 80 million people felt hurt by many trying to undermine a fair election while over 70 million people felt their voice was not heard. Whatever political party you are with I hope you understand the importance of this election showed how an election process should never be again. Full of anger, lies, drama, and pettiness. This election is literally and certainly one for the record books.

3) The Pandemic

We are all in the same boat in regards to having to wear masks, social distance, and the fact that none of us are immune to having covid-19. We all are trying to learn about this deadly virus at the same time and be safe too. We were forced to not be around loved ones. We are asked to not be in large crowds or travel. Many people didn't listen to any of it. There was a divide of all sorts of beliefs where the pandemic is concerned. If you wore a mask or not, if you traveled or not, if you were in a large crowd or not someone didn't agree with your choice. Some choose not to live in fear and some refused to put themselves or their families in danger even if that meant sacrificing fun adventures.

Over 300,000 people in the United States died in 2020 alone from the pandemic. This doesn't include the number of so many who died from other circumstances. Poverty, suicide, domestic violence has risen and a microscope was wide on the health issues of the African American community during 2020. Covid was like a bad apple at the bottom of the bowl we had no idea was there, until we got to it. Once we see that bad apple we just want to throw it away, but we can't just throw Covid away as if it was never there.

As cases rise, as talks of a new strain emerge and the hesitance in regards to the vaccine lingers we must continue to wear masks and social distance. Think about what gathering or trip is worth putting you or your family at risk. Stay safe in 2021. We can stop the spread! We must do this, we can only do this together.

4) Humanity

During 2020 the human race got to take a look at themselves and our loved ones and really see everything for what it really is. We have a chance to get right with a higher power, start new careers, or plan for the future. Many of us connected and bonded more with friends and family even if it was done virtually in a safe setting. Some of us realized the importance of mindfulness and empathy as countless people lost loved ones, jobs, financial and mental stability.

A while ago there was a national conversation as to if the government should help its citizens. Many argued their opinion that no one should get financial assistance from the government. Low and behold here comes the pandemic. I wonder if all those people still think that way. As the government debates relief for Americans that are so needed because this many people never been without a job before. This is a time where anything and anyone can be taken away with no notice.

Humanity will prevail as we work together in all of our communities to help one another. Materialistic things no longer matter. Our well being as the human race has always been at state with climate change and even more so now in a pandemic. Help one another, and be patient. 2020 showed us that we can have the worst year and it can bring out the best in people.

We have no idea what the new year will bring upon us. This year took a lot of energy out of us. We should count every blessing we got out of it and take all the lessons into 2021 with a humble heart. You may feel so ready, so changed and so determined. With all that fire and passion continue to be giving, kind, patient, and keep your head up! Happy New Year!