Goodbye 2020, Hello 2021
This year marks the beginning of a new decade, some would even say a turning point. As many of us sang Auld Lang Syne and toast to a new beginnings
, we were oblivious to what this year would entail.
In January 2020, the world mourned the tragic death of NBA legend, Kobe Bryant, along with Gianna (Gigi) Bryant and several others.
In March 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 as a global pandemic. Eventually, such news led to a statewide quarantine where many of us were in need of medical assistance, hair stylist, food, nail technicians, church, jobs, and overall financial assistance.
In May 2020, the world watched for eight minutes as a police officer murdered an unarmed Black man named George Floyd in Minneapolis, MN. The community declared a racial pandemic that led to a world-wide uprise. Considering the innumerous attacks on Black bodies, the Defund The Police movement was established. Simultaneously, I witnessed Black Seattleites reunite by partaking in conversations regarding the state Central District, ending gang violence, encouraging father-filled households, supporting the youth, embracing our heritage, and community support. From May to September, various cities in the United States were on fire! Socialites and activists encouraged that we all Buy Black and Support Black-Owned Businesses during this pandemic.
In September, youth and college students were sent back to online school.
In November, the presidential election occurred. Voting ballots were cast, counted, re-counted for almost an entire month! With that said, Joe Biden and Kamala Harris were on the winning side. Notable, Americans elected the first Black, female vice-president. History was made!
From November to December, our holiday season was one like none-other. Many learned to embrace digital meeting platforms like Zoom, Skype, Google Meetings, and Facetime to celebrate the holidays with their loved ones from a distance.
In December, a vaccine for the Coronavirus was released. Medicine practitioners, as well as president-elect Joe Biden, were the first to receive this vaccination. Although many of us are skeptical of the vaccine and its effectiveness, I am grateful that progress has been made.
To conclude, 2020 has been an obstacle course filled with twists and turns. On the contrary, our commonalities -- stay at home orders, racial reckonings, online schooling, work-from-home, general financial need-- has increased! Although we can not physically reach out and touch each other, our shared experiences allow for us to connect emotionally. Congratulations, you’ve survived 100% of your worst days. May 2021 bring you endless favor, grace, and prosperity! I urge you to take the lessons you have learned in 2020 into 2021. God bless you.
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