What a year 2020 has been! We watched as the coronavirus became a global pandemic. According to the CDC the pandemic has claimed more than 266,000 lives at the time of the submission of this article and continues to disrupt lives in unprecedented ways. While a vaccine is likely to be approved soon, we are not there yet. So, let’s continue to do the 3 W’s: Wear a mask, Wash your hands and Watch your distance.
On January 26, 2020, the world said goodbye to a basketball legend, Kobe Bryant, his daughter GiGi and 7 others who were tragically killed in a helicopter crash in California. On February 26, 2020 a horrific workplace mass shooting at Molson Coors Brewing in Milwaukee claimed the lives of 6 which included the shooter.
On May 25, 2020, tragic news from Minneapolis, Minnesota that George Floyd, Jr. died when a white police officer knelt on Floyd’s neck for what is reported to be 8 minutes and 46 seconds, sparked protests that reverberated all over the world forcing America to face a racial reckoning.
Finally, in 2020 we witnessed a contentious and polarizing election cycle and presidential race. The question now becomes what steps are you willing to take to help begin the healing process for America?
As the year draws to a close, another year of articles have also been filed in my electronic file cabinet. This month, I will take a brief look back at three of the memorable articles this year and then I will give you a preview into 2021 and the topics you will see in this column.
At reader request, I began this year by reminding every person over the age of 18 to obtain a REAL ID or another acceptable form of ID if they plan to fly within the United States, visit a military base or other secure federal facility. In the State of Wisconsin, the Wisconsin Division of Motor Vehicles issues REAL ID compliant products marked with a * in the upper portion of the card to signify compliance. If you don’t see a * on your REAL ID, please bring it to the attention of your DMV service agent.
A series that garnered a lot of positive feedback was the July series “Declaration of Independence.” As the nation was celebrating 244 years of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, a handful of persons were asked: “What Do You Want to Declare Independence From?” The respondents were honest and sincere. Due to the popularity of this series, I hope to run it again in July 2021.
Finally, in October, I ran a series entitled: “Put On A Smiley Face ☺” in celebration of World Smile Day! You were encouraged to not only smile on World Smile Day, but officially adopt “smiling” and showing kindness and goodwill to others always!
Looking ahead to 2021, in February, I will look at several African American men and women who have been trailblazers in the City of Milwaukee in recognition of Black History Month. Due to space and the number of notable trailblazers in Milwaukee, this will be by no means an exhaustive list but it will give you an idea of the many African American men and women who have made a difference in Milwaukee.
In 2021, I will call attention to a few awareness days such as Alcohol Awareness Month in April and Energy Awareness Month in October.
Beloved, as 2021 looms on the horizon, let us all be thankful to God for family and friends and for those things money cannot buy: love, joy, peace, mercy, and grace. Even though a vaccine for COVID-19 is forthcoming, let’s continue to pray for those infected, affected and impacted by the coronavirus. As in years past, this column will take a break for the rest of December. I am wishing all of you and yours a blessed holiday season and a very safe, healthy, prosperous and peaceful New Year! I’ll see you in January 2021!
God’s blessings to all,
Rev. Judith T. Lester
General Disclaimer: The writer has used her best efforts in preparation of this information. No representations or warranties for its contents, either expressed or implied, are offered. Neither the publisher nor the writer shall be liable in any way for readers’ efforts to apply, rely or utilize the information or recommendations presented herein as they may not be suitable for you or necessarily appropriate for every situation to which they may refer. In some instances, this article contains the opinions, conclusions and/or recommendations of the writer. If you would like to contact Rev. Lester, write to her c/o P.O. Box 121, Brookfield, WI. 53008.
