2020: The Year in Review

2020 was a moniker used to explain perfect vision. The year 2020 was supposed to be the year filled with tremendous foresight and making every goal attainable. For some, this was still so, but to most, this was one of the most unprecedented years of all time. There were a lot of ups with way more downs and a lot of everything else in between.

The new decade started with the government trying to keep COVID-19, which would become a global pandemic, under wraps. Countless people around the country were becoming sick or dying before we, as a nation, even knew what we were up against. Then, there was the sudden and tragic death of Kobe Bryant, his daughter (GiGi) and six others. They died while in route to a youth basketball game; but this was only the beginning of what would be a year filled with stunning losses and groundbreaking moments.

With the country at a stand still for the first time, ALL Americans, regardless of ethnicity or background had to pay attention to racial and social injustice that takes place in the United States.

Sadly, George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and countless others had to pay the ultimate price of their lives, but they will forever be synonymous with the movement that sparked a nationwide protest. People of all colors protested peacefully, hand-in-hand for a common cause.

Eventually, it forced states to remove confederate flags, monuments and possible legislation change. For the first time, it seems like Blacks, Latinos, and any other disenfranchised people were finally receiving credence for their cause that seemed unheard for years.

It went from, “Stop complaining! You don't have it that bad.” To...

Although things cannot and will not change overnight, at least there is acknowledgement that there is a need for change.

I would like to applaud the National Basketball Association (NBA) because they took initiative, first, and it seemed truly genuine. They allowed players to put slogans on their jerseys and even displayed messages on the court-- a good way to invest in underfunded communities-- all during a pandemic.

Then, there were stimulus packages, or lack thereof, as the country basically shut down. Big companies lined their pockets with stimulus money, and smaller businesses were forced to close their doors.

Then, it was an election year. There were two candidates that no one was ecstatic about, but nevertheless, someone had to win. Voters turned out in record numbers to elect the person they felt was less divisive than the current president. Thank goodness for that!

So, as the year ends, we are still in enduring times; but, things will get better. We are about to embark on a new year with a fresh start. Even though COVID-19 is still menacing throughout the world, there are two vaccines out and many more on the horizon, I'm sure. We will have a new leader of the free world and a country that continues to demand change and equality for ALL citizens.

Let us not forget the trials and tribulations of this year. Give a moment of silence in remembrance of those we lost. Let's commend the strides and achievements as well.

Here's goodbye to a difficult year, and hello to a vibrant and opportunistic new year!

Always remember, tough people last. Tough times don't.