In a whirlwind year marked by unprecedented global challenges, 2020 brought us moments that tested our resilience, sparked widespread activism, and showcased remarkable scientific achievements.
Let’s take a look back at the key events that happened, reflecting on the lessons learned and the path forward.
Please note: these events end just as crazy as they begin!
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle quit the royal family
On January 8th, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, announced their unprecedented decision to step down as “senior” members of the British royal family. Their bold move, aimed at seeking a more independent life and financial autonomy, sent shockwaves through the UK and beyond, challenging traditional royal protocols and sparking widespread media coverage and public discussion about the future role of the monarchy and the pressures of royal duties.
Have Prince Harry and Meghan Markle shown their true colors since they departed from the royal family?
Tell us in the comments.
COVID-19 pandemic
On January 9th, the World Health Organization declared the outbreak of a deadly coronavirus in Wuhan, China. This virus rapidly evolved into a global pandemic, reaching over 20 million people worldwide within months and causing at least 751,000 fatalities. The COVID-19 pandemic has had profound impacts on health systems, economies, and daily life around the globe, prompting unprecedented international efforts to contain its spread and find effective treatments and vaccines.
What lessons can be drawn from the global response to the COVID-19 pandemic regarding the importance of early detection, international cooperation, and preparedness for future health crises?
Tell us in the comments.
Kobe Bryant’s death
On January 26th, the world was stunned by the tragic loss of legendary Los Angeles Lakers player Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna, and seven others in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California. This devastating event not only highlighted the fragility of life but also left a profound impact on the sports community, fans worldwide, and emphasized the importance of cherishing every moment with loved ones. Kobe Bryant’s legacy continues to inspire and influence both on and off the basketball court.
How did the tragic death of Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna, and seven others in a helicopter crash challenge us to reflect on the way we prioritize time with our loved ones and the legacy we aspire to leave behind?
Tell us in the comments.
Impeachment of President Donald Trump
In January, President Donald Trump underwent an impeachment trial, accused of soliciting Ukraine to probe former Vice President Joe Biden and his son Hunter, amid allegations of leveraging military aid for personal political gain. The historic proceedings culminated on February 5th with Trump’s acquittal by the Senate, marking a pivotal chapter in U.S. political history and sparking debates over the boundaries of presidential power, the role of checks and balances, and the implications for future conduct in office.
What did President Donald Trump’s impeachment trial and subsequent acquittal reveal about the effectiveness of the U.S. political system’s checks and balances, and what lessons can be learned regarding the accountability of elected officials in upholding the integrity of their office?
Tell us in the comments.
Harvey Weinstein verdict
On February 24th, Harvey Weinstein, once a towering figure in Hollywood, was found guilty of raping an aspiring actress and sexually assaulting a TV and film production assistant. His conviction was hailed by numerous accusers and advocates as a monumental victory for the #MeToo movement, symbolizing a significant shift towards accountability and justice in the entertainment industry and beyond. This moment underscored the growing refusal to tolerate sexual misconduct, marking a turning point in societal attitudes towards power abuse and gender equality.
How did Harvey Weinstein’s conviction reflect the impact of the #MeToo movement on changing societal norms around power, accountability, and the way we address sexual misconduct? Are there any further actions necessary?
Tell us in the comments.
Stock Market Crash 2020
In 2020, the coronavirus pandemic caused a global recession and led to the Dow Jones experiencing its biggest one-day point drop ever on March 9. This sharp decline in the stock market, driven by worldwide lockdowns, underscored the economic vulnerability to health crises and the deep interconnection of global markets.
What lessons can we learn about the resilience of global financial systems in the face of health crises, and how can we better prepare for future economic shocks triggered by unforeseen events?
Tell us in the comments.
George Floyd Death
The death of George Floyd, a Black man, occurred on May 25, 2020, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, after a police officer knelt on his neck for over nine minutes during an arrest, despite Floyd’s repeated pleas of “I can’t breathe.” Caught on video, Floyd’s death sparked a global outcry, leading to widespread protests against police brutality, systemic racism, and injustice within the criminal justice system. His death became a catalyst for the Black Lives Matter movement, prompting calls for profound and lasting reforms in policing and greater awareness of racial inequalities.
How did the death of George Floyd illuminate systemic issues within law enforcement and society, and what concrete actions are necessary to address these deep-seated inequalities and prevent future incidents of racial injustice?
Tell us in the comments.
Black Lives Matter protests
The police-involved deaths of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and the shooting of Jacob Blake, which left him paralyzed, ignited global protests against police brutality and racial injustice. These events, spanning from peaceful demonstrations to violent clashes, underscored a deep-seated demand for systemic change. At the forefront of these protests, the Black Lives Matter movement amplified calls for an end to racial disparities. It highlighted the urgent need for reform in law enforcement practices and broader societal attitudes towards race.
How did the global Black Lives Matter protests challenge us to reevaluate the effectiveness of current policing systems in addressing racial injustice? Were the protests effective?
Tell us in the comments.
Kyle Rittenhouse Charged With Reckless Homicide
In 2020, Kyle Rittenhouse became a focal point of national controversy following a shooting incident of 3 men during protests in Kenosha, Wisconsin, which resulted in two deaths and one injury. The events unfolded against a backdrop of intense civil unrest sparked by issues of police brutality and racial injustice.
Were these charges justified or politically motivated?
Tell us in the comments.
Kim Jong Un death rumors
Speculation about North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s health spiked when he missed his grandfather’s commemoration on April 15, leading to rumors of serious illness or death. He reappeared 20 days later in state media photos at an event, briefly silencing the rumors. However, skepticism returned in August, with claims from a South Korean official that Kim’s appearances were staged and he was actually in a vegetative state, showcasing the secretive nature of North Korea and global fascination with its leadership.
How did the rumors about Kim Jong Un’s health reveal the difficulties in separating fact from propaganda in secretive states, and what impact does this have on international perceptions of North Korea’s stability?
Tell us in the comments.
Biden becomes Democratic presidential nominee
In June, former Vice President Joe Biden secured the Democratic Party’s nomination for President, emerging as the frontrunner in a crowded primary field. Notable contenders included Senator Bernie Sanders, Senator Elizabeth Warren, and former New York City Mayor Mike Bloomberg, among over two dozen candidates. Biden’s victory marked a significant moment in the 2020 election cycle, positioning him as the Democratic challenger in a highly anticipated race against the incumbent President.
What did Joe Biden’s emergence as the Democratic nominee from a diverse field of candidates reveal about the party’s values and strategy for the 2020 election?
Tell us in the comments.
Ghislaine Maxwell arrest
Ghislaine Maxwell, linked to Jeffrey Epstein’s sex trafficking, was arrested on July 2nd in New Hampshire, charged with sex trafficking. Her capture in a luxury estate underscores the ongoing efforts to address Epstein’s network and the fight against sexual exploitation.
What did Ghislaine Maxwell’s arrest reveal about the challenges in combating high-profile sex trafficking networks and ensuring justice for victims?
Tell us in the comments.
Murder hornets” arrive in US
The first U.S. sighting of “murder hornets,” or Asian giant hornets, in Washington state alarmed experts due to their ability to destroy bee colonies in hours. These two-inch-long invasive insects seriously threaten bees, underscoring the need for strategies to control invasive species and protect essential pollinators.
How did the arrival of murder hornets in the US highlight the impact of invasive species on local ecosystems and the importance of biodiversity protection?
Tell us in the comments.
Kamala Harris chosen as Democratic VP candidate
On August 11, Joe Biden announced his selection of Senator Kamala Harris of California as his vice presidential running mate. This historic decision made her the first Black woman and the first Asian woman to be nominated for vice president by a major party. Harris’s nomination represented a significant milestone in American political history, reflecting the growing diversity and changing dynamics within the political landscape.
How did Kamala Harris’s nomination as the first Black and Asian woman VP candidate reflect changes in political representation, and what does it signify for future diversity in political leadership?
Tell us in the comments.
Chadwick Boseman’s death
Chadwick Boseman, renowned for his role as the Black Panther, passed away at 43 after a private four-year fight with colon cancer. His death on August 28th surprised fans worldwide, especially since he had worked on several major films during his illness without making his condition public. Boseman’s dedication to his craft, even in the face of his health challenges, left a lasting legacy and highlighted the personal struggles individuals can face while achieving professional success.
What did Chadwick Boseman’s battle with colon cancer underscore about the importance of early diagnosis and prevention in potentially improving outcomes for younger individuals?
Tell us in the comments.
West Coast wildfires
From mid-August, deadly wildfires ravaged the West Coast, from California to Washington state, burning millions of acres and displacing hundreds of thousands of people. These unprecedented fires highlighted the severe impact of climate change, underscoring the urgency for environmental management and disaster preparedness to mitigate future wildfire outbreaks and protect vulnerable communities.
How did the West Coast wildfires underscore the need for enhanced climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies to prevent future environmental and humanitarian crises?
Tell us in the comments.
Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s death
Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, a relentless advocate for gender equality, passed away on September 18th at the age of 87. As the second woman ever appointed to the high court, her death marked the end of a monumental career dedicated to dismantling gender discrimination and fighting for justice. Ginsburg’s legacy as a trailblazer in the legal field and a cultural icon continues to inspire and influence the pursuit of equality and rights within the American legal system and beyond.
How did Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s legacy challenge us to continue advancing gender equality and justice in the legal system and society at large? Should she have retired sooner?
Tell us in the comments.
Trump tests positive for COVID-19
President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump tested positive for COVID-19 on October 2, leading to the President’s three-day hospital stay at Walter Reed. He was then discharged to recover at the White House, highlighting the pandemic’s widespread impact and the critical importance of adhering to public health guidelines.
How did President Trump’s COVID-19 diagnosis and approach to mask-wearing before and after his illness influence public perceptions and behaviors regarding mask usage during the pandemic?
Tell us in the comments.
Eddie Van Halen’s death
Rock icon Eddie Van Halen passed away at 65 on October 6th after a long fight with cancer. Renowned for his revolutionary guitar techniques and hits like “Jump” and “Hot for Teacher,” he had initially been diagnosed with mouth cancer in 2000. His death marked the loss of one of the most influential guitarists in rock music history, leaving a lasting impact on the genre and musicians worldwide.
How did Eddie Van Halen’s legacy challenge us to consider the lasting influence of musicians and their role in creativity in shaping cultural history?
Tell us in the comments.
Joe Biden becomes president-elect
On November 7th, Joe Biden was declared the 46th president of the United States, winning against President Trump with crucial support from Pennsylvania, his birth state. This victory, pivotal in concluding a highly contentious election, marked a significant turning point in American politics and signaled a change in leadership amid a period of national and global challenges. Biden’s win underscored the importance of each state’s role in the electoral process and the deep political divisions within the country.
Was the election of Joe Biden the correct choice for bringing America back together?
Tell us in the comments.
Kamala Harris was elected as the first black and Indian woman VP
Kamala Harris made history by being elected as the first woman Vice President of the United States, also breaking barriers as the first Black and South Asian woman to hold this office. Her election represents a significant milestone in American politics, reflecting the country’s evolving demographics and increasing demand for diverse representation in its highest levels of government. Harris’s achievement is seen as a beacon of progress for gender and racial equality, inspiring future generations to aspire to leadership roles regardless of their background.
How did Kamala Harris’s election as the first female vice president challenge and change the political leadership and representation for women and minorities in the United States?
Tell us in the comments.
COVID-19 vaccine rollout
The U.S. began its COVID-19 vaccination campaign on December 14th, just days after the FDA approved Pfizer’s vaccine on December 11th and Moderna’s a week later on December 18th. This swift development and rollout of vaccines, accomplished in less than a year, represented a major scientific breakthrough, offering hope in the battle against the pandemic that had transformed lives globally.
Was the rapid development and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines effective and managed correctly?
Tell us in the comments.
COVID-19 relief finally comes
After prolonged negotiations, Congress passed a $2.3 trillion COVID-19 relief and government funding bill, which included $600 stimulus checks, at the end of the year. However, this consensus was quickly disrupted when President Trump called for increasing the stimulus payments to $2,000, aligning unexpectedly with progressive leaders Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Sen. Bernie Sanders. This demand led to a standoff, with discussions extending into a rare New Year’s Eve Senate session, reflecting the intense political divisions and the complexities of responding to an unprecedented economic crisis.
Did the size of COVID-19 stimulus checks help our economy get through this challenging time?
Tell us in the comments.
