2016 was a year of pain, heartache, and agony for just about everybody. From witnessing the worst mass shooting in our nation's history, to losing beloved icons such as Muhammad Ali, Prince, and David Bowie, this clearly has been a year to forget. Hell, to top it off, George Michael and Carrie Fisher both passed away in 2016's final week. We also endured a PAINSTAKING presidential race, and saw countless acts of injustice committed in the process. Through the deaths of more pop culture icons that we can count, all of the memes that have come and gone, (I'm looking at you, Harambe.) and living through a period in our nation's history where no one has any idea what the hell is going on, this has been a bizarre year to say the least. By this point, everybody is ready to put the past behind them, and move on to what will hopefully be a much brighter 2017. Before this happens, however, it is only appropriate to look back on some events from 2016 that were positive. Although these moments are few and far between, it is still worth remembering some of the good moments that took place in what was truly a year to forget.
1. The Chicago Cubs Won The World Series
After 108 years of pain and misery, the Cubs FINALLY were able to get over the hump and win the World Series! Not only did they win, they did it in dramatic fashion. They had a dream regular season, followed by a playoff run for the ages. The way this team brought an entire city together is something that will never be forgotten.
2. The World Tiger Population Has Actually Increased
Most of what we hear these days about wildlife preservation efforts are extremely negative. Species such as Passenger Pigeons and Caribbean Monk Seals have one extinct, and more well known species such as Polar Bears and Giraffes are damn near close. However, according to recent findings by the World Wildlife Fund, there is currently an estimated 3,890 Tigers in the wild, which is up from about 3,200 from 2010. Although the current number is still shockingly low, it's still something truly positive, especially in a year filled with despair.
3. The Unemployment Rate In The United States Has Hit Its Lowest Point Since Before The Recession.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate went all the way down to 4.6%, the lowest mark since before the Great Recession. This mark is way down from the beginning of the Recession, when unemployment was as high as 10%. Our country has also seen a 70 consecutive month streak in job growth. Thanks Obama!
4. The City Of Cleveland Won Its First Sports Title Since 1964
Although I am an avid Chicago sports fan, this still a feel good story. The entire city of Cleveland endured 50+ years of hell, as they have seen their teams get so close, only to fall short time and time again. The Cavs, much like the Chicago Cubs, broke their curse in dramatic fashion, winning the NBA Finals after being down 3-1 to the heavily favored Golden State Warriors. To top it off, it was the hometown hero, Lebron James, who did what he said he would do; Return to Cleveland to give his city a championship. There is only so much that a sports franchise (or an entire city) can suffer before you want to see them win.
5. The National High School Graduation Rate Has Hit A Record High
The Department Of Education reported an 83% graduation rate in 2016. This is a huge increase from the 71% increase that was reported in 1999!
6. Chance The Rapper Released A New Album
I may be just a bit biased here because I grew up a huge Chance The Rapper fan, but I really see this as a huge positive. Chance has a knack for making really upbeat, positive music, and his latest album, "Coloring Book," radiates far more positive vibes than 2016 did as a whole. The positive messages heard in Chance's music are something that are much needed this day in age.
7. The Paris Climate Agreement Went Into Action
This is an agreement between nearly 200 countries with a very clear objective to stop climate change. Although there is an ENORMOUS amount of work that still needs to be done, it is at least somewhat encouraging to see that this global threat is finally beginning to be taken seriously.
8. Work On The Dakota Access Pipeline Was Halted
In a MAJOR victory for our countries' indigenous peoples, as well as everybody else protesting the Dakota Access Pipeline, work on the pipeline was halted by President Obama after a hard fought protest, in which protestors were met with COUNTLESS acts of unconstitutional injustice by Law Enforcement. The pipeline was being built on sacred land, and is one of many examples of Natives being treated horribly over hundreds of years.
Although all of these moments have true significance, it barely manages to make a dent in the pain that 2016 has managed to cause. Hopefully, 2017 will be just a bit more kind to all of us. Goodbye 2016, you will not be missed.
