Monumental Moments of 2020

monumental moments of

When Americans across the country welcomed in a new decade on January 1, 2020, no one expected the year to unfold the way it did. From the deaths of treasured celebrities and a worldwide pandemic to nationwide protests and a momentous presidential election, the constant thought in everyone’s minds has been: “What else is coming?”

The year 2020 has been the definition of “unpredictable.” Here, we will discuss the pinnacle moments that shaped these last 12 months and served as stomping grounds for significant movements towards change.

COVID-19 Pandemic

The international Coronavirus pandemic has catalyzed a new way of living, seen in the ways people co-exist in our socially-distanced society today. Since the first case in January, the CDC has consistently reported an influx of disease throughout our nation. As of October 18th, the United States has exceeded 8 million positive COVID-19 diagnoses and 200,000 deaths. The virus’s impact has caused the nation’s leaders and citizens to be hyper-sensitive to disease prevention and health and safety standards. With the uncertainty of how the virus spread, the U.S. and countless other countries around the world were forced into societal shutdowns at the beginning of March. Schools, universities and nonessential businesses were closed. Events like the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Coachella, and Broadway were forced to postpone or cancel, while others transitioned into virtual formats. People were forced into months-long quarantines, restricting them from leaving their homes to seek solace from friends and family. No one was exempt from pressing pause on the once “normal” life we all desperately ached to return to. People across the U.S. did not expect the shutdown and aftermath of the virus to last into the later months of this year. What was once a two-week spring break vacation turned into months of isolation. While case numbers are still climbing, people are slowly transitioning into the new “normal” of wearing masks and social distancing.

Black Lives Matter Movement

Though the Black Lives Matter movement’s prominence began in 2013, George Floyd’s death in May sparked nationwide protests for social change and equality for people of color. Even in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, people joined rallies and marches in support of BIPOC across the country. The news flashed graphic images of burning buildings, raided businesses, and destruction that had ensued within major U.S. cities. Regardless of whether or not these protests were passive or aggressive, the tension between police and protesters rose, leading to instances of civilian uproar and police brutality. The deaths of Floyd and other individuals, like Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbery, brought awareness of systemic racism within the United States. The BLM movement slogan, “Defund the police” gained traction

in headlines and social media, encouraging political leaders to implement changes in the police system within America. The movement brought awareness to statues and monuments that commemorated individuals who participated in slavery and harmed POC throughout the course of U.S. history. On Texas A&M University’s campus, protests about the statue of Lawrence Sullivan “Sully” Ross, former Confederate Army general, Texas governor and A&M president, created a divide between individuals with conflicting interests on campus. The pro-Sully versus anti-Sully movements have resulted in hours-long peaceful protests in front of the statue in Texas A&M’s Academic Plaza.

The 2020 Presidential Election

In the wake of social and political movements and a global pandemic, the U.S. is looking to elect a presidential candidate in the 59th quadrennial presidential election. At the Republican National Convention in August, delegates nominated President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence as the party’s nominees for the 2020 presidential election. At the virtual Democratic National Convention, delegates formally chose former Vice President Joe Biden and Senator Kamala Harris of California for the Democratic ticket. Harris brought national attention to the party as the first African American, first Asian American, and third female vice president nominee. At the first presidential debate on September 29th, Biden and Trump took the stage to discuss the nation’s issues. Criticism from journalists and commentators flooded media platforms, dubbing the event the hot mess of the century; that’s saying a lot for 2020. Even with all the hardships, American citizens have exemplified persistence and strength in the face of adversity. Though it is important to pay attention to what has happened in the past, it is equally necessary to move forward. In the same way, take the lessons learned from your personal experiences and use them to reflect, learn, and grow.

It is vital to remember that every day is a new day. The struggles—internal or external—are only temporary. The human experience is about perseverance and grasping onto hope, so remember that the darkness will soon turn into light.

LANI PIEPER

The year 2020 has been the definition of “unpredictable.”