The year of 2020 has been a hard one, to say the least. 2020 has been a rollercoaster for many all over the world. We have lost too many too soon, but we have also brought a change to the world by speaking out for what’s right. We are fending off a virus as we speak by coming together to do what’s best for us and our loved ones, whether that is to join the frontlines or stay at home. We had to fight the devastating effects of Australian wildfires by having people all over the world contribute. As you can see, while this year seems to be full of devastating moments, these moments have inspired people to join hands and work together.
The Lives We Have Lost
This year has seen many unforgettable moments that make our eyes water. On January 26, 2020, we lost Kobe Bryant, a brilliant American basketball player and more importantly, a wonderful husband, father, son, and friend, his daughter Gianna Bryant, a bundle of talent and determination, and seven other people including two of Gigi’s teammates to a helicopter accident. They were remembered and honored during the 62nd Grammy’s at the Staples Center, a place where the Mamba spent most of his NBA career. On April 29 and April 30 respectively, Irfan Khan and Rishi Kapoor, two legendary Bollywood actors, passed away due to natural causes breaking many of their fans’ hearts. We have also lost young talent Sushant Singh Rajput on June 14 to suicide induced by depression. Please keep in mind that suicide is not the correct answer, and it will have irreversible effects on your loved ones. Many other talents have died as well, during these difficult times. We have lost 427,630 people to the coronavirus, however, the world has not given up on fighting this virus. We have also lost many innocent souls including George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery to racism. Our hearts go out to them and hope that they are resting in peace.
Fighting the Coronavirus
As I have said before, the world has not given up on fighting the coronavirus at all. Governments all over the world are trying to contain the virus as much as they can and have enforced rules to make sure that nobody is unnecessarily exposed to it. Even though businesses have been reopening, everybody has been trying their best to spread awareness about the importance of social distancing and practicing hygiene when outside. Frontliners are continuing to work hard and risk their lives for others. Celebrities have been using the platforms they have to host concerts in order to collect donations for COVID-19 relief funds and more. Even though we have stayed in quarantine for months and it may seem frustrating, it is important to remember that staying at home saves our lives and our loved ones’.
The Black Lives Matter Movement
While we are limited by the coronavirus, it has not stopped us from using our voices to speak up against racism. In honor of Trayvon Marton, the Black Lives Matter movement was originally founded by Alicia Garza, Patrisse Cullors, and Opal Tometi in July of 2013. Around seven years later, this movement has been used as a way to achieve justice for George Floyd. US citizens have shown their disgust and outrage for racism and police brutality through #blacklivesmatter and spread awareness about the numerous lives lost because of their skin color. Many including celebrities have taken the time to use their voices for speaking out against discrimination and have spread the word about how to donate to causes regarding the black lives matter movement, how to donate to the families of victims, how to sign petitions regarding ending racism and police brutality, and how to help the cause in other ways. On June 2nd, in honor of George Floyd and many other innocent souls took too soon, social media users have captioned fully black posts #blackouttuesday and took a moment of silence for them. As of now, the main goal is to continue spreading awareness and help this movement be a trailblazer for liberating racism in the United States. By the way, please delete any fully black posts regarding Blackout Tuesday, as people are trying to unclog the feeds regarding the movement to make the feeds more helpful and informative.
Coming Together to Help Those in Need
2020 has brought many people together to work towards causes. Earlier in the year, we have seen many people work towards helping Australia recover from the Australian wildfires by donating and volunteering. American firefighters have also traveled to the continent to help with the situation. People all over the world have been practicing social distancing and proper hygiene to help themselves and their loved ones stay safe from the coronavirus, as well. Innovators have been thinking outside of the box and have been presenting new ideas that would have not been thought of if not for quarantine and its limits. Frontliners have risen to the occasion and have made it their duty to take care of patients during these hard times. Lastly, people have taken to social media to spread the message that black lives matter and used peaceful protests to make their voices heard.
2020 has been a year full of ups and downs. It is hard to believe that we are still only halfway through the year. While we have seen many deaths and unfortunate events, remember that you’re not alone and to stay strong. Please continue to wear masks and try not to physically touch others and your face more than necessary when you are outside or around others. Even though we have and are still having to experience many difficult circumstances, I’m still grateful for this year as it has introduced me to the Black Lives Matter movement and many more extraordinary things. I hope you continue fighting for what you believe in and are taking the time to understand your privilege and the unjustness of racism.