As I reflect on the year 2008, I have a plethora of feelings that range from elation to disappointment, uncertainty and even fear.
Of course Barack Obama’s presidential win was the highlight of my year, but I was elated long before November’s election as the charismatic Illinois senator and his wife continuously intrigued me throughout the entire year.
I couldn’t help but feel disappointment as month after month I learned that murders among African-American youth were on the rise. A study released late December stated that murders among Black teens ages 14 to 17 was up 39 percent since 2000 — 2001. Sadly, the violence among our youth skyrocketed even though the national murder rate decreased.
As I watched the slumping economy continue to plummet in a downward spiral, I couldn’t help but feel uncertainty and fear. Never during the course of my life can I remember a more financially draining and mentally exhausting time as the one that Americans are now facing. It’s scary to not know when the economic downturn will do an about face.
Below are some things we can take away from 2008:
What we should learn from 2008
With the turbulent economic situation that ransacked 2008 it’s important to reserve resources. Don’t be irresponsible by spending excessive amounts of money in 2009. Everyone should now be living on a bare-boned budget, even if you’re fortunate enough to have a surplus of money.
Last year also taught us that voting actually does matter. During the historic election of 2008, millions exercised their right to vote; as a result the best, most qualified candidate won.
What 2008 represented
Two words can summarize what 2008 represented for me: hope and struggle. Hope because we learned through Obama’s win that anything is possible. However, I also felt hope in Sen. Hillary Clinton’s presidential candidacy…she did an awesome job and her efforts shouldn’t be slighted. The fact that the two Democratic frontrunners were an African-American and a woman shows how far America has come.
Last year also represented struggle — on all levels. Because of the economic crisis I know people at both ends of the pay scale who have experienced tremendous losses. Whether they lost their jobs completely, took pay cuts, didn’t have enough money for medications, or were evicted from their homes — millions of people throughout the country struggled last year.
2008 issues that carry over to 2009
Though it’s a new year, there are still some issues from last year that will continue in the foreseeable future.
The economy has yet to improve, millions of people continue to live without access to quality healthcare and violence in our Black community remains a hot topic. None of these problems ended at the close of 2008, nor will they end at the beginning of 2009.
What can we do to make 2009 a better year
I’m a firm believer that you have to look at the glass as half-full. So, while we did experience some tremendous hardships in 2008, there are things that we can do individually and as a community in general to make 2009 better.
• Practice more love — I know it sounds cliche, but if we had more love, the world would definitely be a much better place to live. If some of last year’s murderers really knew what love is, they might not have taken it upon themselves to end another human being’s life.
• Save, save, save — Cut corners and save as much money as possible.
• Eliminate debt — If you can live without it, live without it. Don’t acquire new debt, instead work on eliminating any current debt that you have and strive to stay debt-free.
• Vow to love yourself first — Before you let someone in your life, be sure that you’re giving yourself all the love you need. Be sure to really know a person before you marry them, become intimate with them, or even become close friends. Doing so will eliminate unnecessary drama and emotional distress in your life.
• Get involved — Whether it’s at your church or a local recreational center, get involved with what’s going on in your community.
I pray that 2009 be a financially stable, healthy and fulfilled time for all. Have a happy and blessed New Year!
