With all the twists and turns of 2024, it might have felt like a whirlwind decade in many ways, and while I still can’t believe I’m already typing this, it’s that time again: Happy New Year!
As the end of the year winds down, some people are likely ready to be out with the old and in with the new, with statistics from the American Psychological Association (APA) revealing increased stress in U.S. adults in 2024 (43%) in comparison to 2023 (37%) and 2022 (32%).
According to the APA, the primary sources that can be attributed to increased anxiety and stress include: the economy (77%), the U.S. election (73%) current events (70%) and gun violence (69%).
However, leaning into the ideal of Sankofa, coming from the Twi word of the Akan tribe of Ghana, literally meaning “to go back and get it,” considering the past is important. Sankofa values looking back and learning from history in order to move forward.
Despite literal storms ravaging the U.S., the political storm that continued thunderously until the general election on Nov. 5, and the potential government shutdown, it’s certainly been a tough year, but there’s also been a lot of achievements, moments to celebrate and valuable lessons to take away.
In a historic turn of events, President Joe Biden (D) had every intention of running for reelection, but put country and party over personal desires and stepped aside from the race, making way for Vice President Kamala Harris’ (D) barrier-breaking campaign as the first Black and Southeast Asian woman to serve as the Democratic presidential nominee.
Then there was the Black Excellence Brunch on the White House Lawn in September. With Black media, arts, justice and political leaders gathering for the prestigious occasion, this was the first event hosted by the White House to celebrate African American heritage and culture outside of commemorations for the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Juneteenth.
This was also a milestone year for The Washington Informer, which turned 60 in October. While much of The Informer’s 60th celebration looks back at the past six decades of fearless and dedicated reporting, we’re spending the next year hosting programming that uplifts the years of work and emphasizes plans and goals for the future.
For African Americans, there’s a lot to pay attention to with the impending Trump administration and ideas proposed in Project 2025, which could threaten Black communities in the District and nationwide. The more than 900-page document proposes plans to relocate and eradicate government agencies and programming that have been critical in working toward equity, such as a promise to dismantle the Department of Education, with the goal of removing federal oversight over public education.
“This extreme proposal is designed to roll back progress, unravel justice, equality and fairness, and erode the most foundational ideals of our democracy,” said NAACP Legal Defense Fund President Janai Nelson in a statement. “These disturbing and egregious measures include aims to severely diminish Black political power, threaten and subjugate Black communities within the criminal legal system and undermine every person’s right to quality education and reproductive health care.”
However, there’s hope.
We know the plans and are on high alert. The Informer will keep a pulse on everything the community needs to know, hold leaders accountable by demanding answers, and tell the stories of both the people affected by policies – in hopes to improve circumstances and influence change – as well as the activists, politicians and residents fighting for justice for all.
No, 2024 has not been easy, but it has offered tools to prepare for 2025 and beyond. In many ways, this year was a wake-up call that there’s still much work to be done toward true equity, justice and freedom. However, knowledge and understanding of the past allows for planning for the future, and looking back on 2024 is a perfect way to prepare for the road ahead.
This year-end edition looks back at difficult, exciting and celebratory moments in the District and nationwide as a reminder of the strength and resilience it has taken to get through and a powerful push to move forward in 2025 with confidence and courage.
We’re fearless storytellers ready to report on the important news that will not only inform, but empower.
So, again, Happy New Year! We look forward to giving you the answers you need, engaging you at events and through community programming, and empowering you with tools that will help you in 2025 and beyond.
