It is a new year, a new decade, and as the legend Patti LaBelle would say, “A new attitude.” I truly hope everyone will blast her 1985 hit from the “Beverly Hills Cop” soundtrack as we enter this new era. My favorite lines from her hit “New Attitude” are: “I’m feeling good from my hat to my shoe. Know where I am going, and I know what to do. I’ve tidied up my point of view. I’ve got a new attitude. I’m in control. My worries are few…” I hope these words will set the foundation for 2020 and the years beyond.
For many, a new year and new era can seem daunting. What I suspect may help alleviate some of the stress and anxiety of this seemingly blank slate is to reflect on all of the ways you are prepared for this new beginning. Looking back, what are you proud of from 2019? What do you wish you had done differently in 2019? Having a plan, no matter how loose or tentative, may help get this year started off right. There is so much going on locally, state-wide, nationally, and internationally, that sometimes it feels like the entire world is on fire. However, upon reflection, it is easy to see the ways in which individuals are making our communities, cities, states, this country, and the world a better and more just place. My goal is to be the change I want to see in my life and various communities.
If you could describe one moment from the past year that characterizes your entire year, what would it be? For some, it may be a positive reflection of abundance or charity or clarity. However, for others, it may be more of a reflection on hardships, sacrifice, and survival. No matter what your 2019 was, 2020 is a new opportunity to make it what you want it to be. Some of us may need to learn how to ask for help, while others may need to learn how to take a step back and let others lead the way.
Since I am a professor, I love giving homework. So, your assignment, dear readers, is to write a narrative that describes your ideal vision for life in the year 2020. What action steps will help turn your vision into reality? We have 52 weeks to create the year we would like to have. Indeed, roadblocks will appear, but it is up to us to set intentions and refer to them during the troubling times throughout the year.
As you flip through the pages of this newspaper, you will see the triumphs and struggles of your fellow human beings. How would you like to contribute to the larger story of progress this year? Hopefully the Amsterdam News will be your guide as you set your various goals in 2020.
Christina Greer, Ph.D., is an associate professor at Fordham University, the author of “Black Ethnics: Race, Immigration, and the Pursuit of the American Dream,” the co-host of the podcast FAQ-NYC.