The Biggest Lesson We Learned in 2020: Black Voices Reflect

In 2020, it was the worst of times. 

A global health crisis - the “COVID-19 pandemic” - left 1.77 million dead worldwide, 333,000 (and counting) in the United States alone. At the time of writing, COVID is still ravaging the world, with a new strain even more virulent in its transmission rate, just being discovered in Europe and elsewhere. 

To contain the spread of COVID-19, governments worldwide imposed months-long lockdown, mandated mask wearing and “social distancing” (people were to keep 6 ft apart). Economies withered, businesses closed, plans upended, our lives disrupted.

Yet the global pandemic compelled us into new ways of being and doing. With information and communication technologies (ICTs) as team leader and aid, we re-calibrated the way we work, do business, learn, socialize and build community.  In every single part of the world, people pivoted in new and innovative ways to face the challenges and darkness of 2020. 

As we approach 2021with renewed hope and a new sense of personal and collective mission, I am curious of the impact of 2020 on black professionals; what personal takeaways and perspectives from 2020 they had that can help us to mobilize ourselves and  propel our community forward in the future? I asked some members of my tribe to share the biggest lessons they learned in 2020:

“The big lesson is that we live in a single world and must learn to live together and mobilize the flow of resources for the survival of humankind” -Most Hon. PJ. Patterson, former Prime Minister of Jamaica.

“The fragility and interconnectedness of the world was painfully clear. The world order needs a fundamental reset with new and enlightened leadership” - Eamon Courtenay, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Immigration, Belize.

“2020 taught me the value of knowing who you are and the bravery to step into your truest self with confidence, gratitude and courage. It also taught me to be kind to myself and how to start seeing myself as not just ME but as a person as well, as a human being” - Dalton Harris, singer-songwriter and winner of the UK X-Factor 2018

“I have learned in 2020 that anything is possible, that I can do anything. I have been struggling with my weight for 30 years and I just got up and decided to do something about it. So I lost 160 pounds” - Dr. Lloyd Waller, Senior Advisor to Minister of Tourism, Jamaica and Senior Lecturer at the University of the West Indies. 

“To listen before speaking and allow the speaker his or her opportunity, as well as to own my own voice with no apology, as you have to tell your own story. No one else will”- David Prendergast, Diplomat and Trade Policy Specialist.

 “Not everything that feels urgent is necessary. Rest is a requirement. The more we advance in life, the more rest we need for balance, efficiency and peace of mind” - Dawn Adeyemi, Independent Licensed Clinical Social Worker. 

"To always negotiate for oneself as a woman, to ensure that we don't get less than what we deserve in terms of pay equity, to value ourselves more and not tolerate mediocrity in any aspect of our lives. Expect the best and seek the best. We deserve it” - Janelle Benjamin, CEO, All Things Equitable, Canada.

 “The biggest lesson I learnt in 2020 is that adapting to new situations is not easy but achievable. We are stronger than we know” - Karen Madden, sport journalist, Television Jamaica. 

“To let yourself bloom from uncomfortable silence, intentional tuning out of all “noise”, utter silence to hear nothing but your own thoughts, and choosing to grow or bloom from those thoughts’ - Erica Ayisi, Journalist and Entrepreneur

 "2020 was a reminder that family and my children are the most important thing. My children keep me grounded and motivate me to do better.  The lesson is to aim higher and ensure that I leave a good legacy behind - Dionnie Wynter-Pfunde, Attorney-at-Law and Managing Partner, Wynter Law

 "How important it is to have a clear purpose and be deliberate in working towards that goal" - Lyndon Taylor, Corporate Communications Executive.

"One of the biggest lessons I learned in 2020 is that you will never stumble into a better future. The future is not something you enter into but something you create. I discovered that the future is not a miracle or a mystery. It is a harvest of choices we make. You can decide to put in the work, commitment, adapt to changing times, and keep showing up for yourself so that you can harvest a better and brighter future" - Dr. Hume Johnson, personal branding strategy consultant and Associate Professor of Communications. 

I hope these lessons serve and guide you in multiple ways in 2021. Remember it is never too late to reinvent yourself and unleash your personal power. 

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Dr. Hume Johnson is the author of Brand YOU: Reinvent Yourself; Redefine Your Future.