2018 is coming to a close, and there’s a lot to look back on. Believe it or not, Twitter rants and indictments aren’t the only thing that happened this year. Some of the bigger stories stuck with me, and many struck a chord across the country and the globe. Here are fifteen in no particular order.
Burning of National Museum of Brazil
The fire at the National Museum of Brazil resulted in the loss of entire languages. It devastated archaeologists and anthropologists across the globe, and put a spotlight on why funding for the arts is imperative. The loss of such funding did not allow for necessary fire code updates, which contributed to the destruction of the Museum and its priceless contents. Miraculously, the oldest skeletal remains in the Americas, nicknamed Luzia, survived mostly intact.
Historical US Midterm Elections
Women and LGBT candidates made history in the United States midterm elections. My home state, Massachusetts, elected its first black candidate to the House of Representatives, Ayanna Pressley. Sharice Davids became the first indigenous woman in Congress.
Former President George HW Bush Died
Whether you agreed with his politics or not, the death of a US President is a momentous occasion. President George Herbert Walker Bush lay in state at the capitol, to be then flown to Texas to be buried with Mrs. Bush, who passed away earlier in the year.
A Royal Wedding
Prince Harry married American Meghan Markle in a royal affair that swept the news-waves for days. Despite the controversy (Markle’s relationship with her father became a point of contention between Markle and her half-sister), the wedding went off without a hitch, to the delight of royal-watchers everywhere.
Time’s Up
Following the explosion of the #MeToo Movement, the Time’s Up Movement brought attention to the inequality of men and women and declared a no-tolerance policy for sexual harassment.
The Parkland Shooting & Activism
Following the shooting of 17 students at the Marjorie Douglas Stoneman School in Parkland, FL, survivors formed an activist group designed to work toward gun control. They rallied around the country, signing up voters at rallies and inviting other gun victims to speak and problem-solve solutions.
The Black Panther Makes Movie History
When The Black Panther hit the theatres in February of 2018, no one could have predicted just how well it would be received. Chadwick Boseman’s T’Challa brought fans in droves to the premiere, and made it one of the most successful comic book movies to date. Utilizing almost exclusively black and African actors, it showcased equality in every way. It was not only a call for movies with more actors from marginalized groups, but it was also an ode to equality between men and women.
Death of Stan Lee
For many a comic book fan, Stan Lee was the face of Marvel Comics. Co-creator of some of Marvel’s greatest heroes, Lee brought social conscience to the comic book world. While Stan Lee had long since given up editorial control of Marvel, his voice alone held nostalgic value for millions of fans, and his death was met with resounding sadness.
Senator Tammy Duckworth Gives Birth
Senator Tammy Duckworth became the first sitting Senator to give birth while in office. Setting an example for workplaces around the country, Congress first voted to allow children on the floor, so that Senator Duckworth could bring her nursing baby with her to vote.
Orca Mom’s Grief Enthralls the Nation
When orca mom Tahlequah’s baby died, she seemed to be sending a message to the world. She carried her calf’s carcass for a full 17 days, aided at times by her pod. The killer whale pod hadn’t seen a successful birth in three years, and the international attention received by Tahlequah brought into stark relief the plight of these and other endangered species, as climate change and other manmade obstacles drive their food sources away.
NASA Lands Probe on Mars
NASA landed its InSight probe on Mars to dig deep beneath the surface of the planet. It will be able to measure the heat and wobble of the planet.
Thai Soccer Team Rescue
An all boys soccer team and their coach were trapped in a cave for a grueling 18 days. Incoming monsoon weather made the rescue time sensitive and incredibly dangerous, claiming the life of an experienced volunteer diver. All of the boys and their coach were eventually rescued by Thai Navy SEALS after a harrowing swim through narrow, water-filled caves.
Ireland Voted Yes On Abortion Rights
While the world watched, Ireland passed abortion rights by a margin of 66-34 percent, giving women control over their own healthcare decisions once and for all.
California Wildfires
California’s wildfire season became the most destructive season on record, with a total of 8,527 fires.
India Legalized Gay Sex
In a landmark decision, India’s Supreme Court overturned article 377, making gay sex legal. The decision is said to be a huge step forward for LGBT rights in India.
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