A roundup of 2017’s most shocking, emotional and controversial headlines.
1. Trump’s Inauguration
All eyes were fixated on the ceremony which took place on January 20. From the well-publicized list of attendees (including celebs that we read for filth), to the Trump’s awkward interactions with the Obamas, to Michelle’s glorious side smirks, the day set the tone on what became an infamous and sometimes unpredictable, year.
2. The Women’s March
Hundreds of thousands of protesters descended onto the National Mall the day after Trump’s inauguration to denounce the current administration’s divisive policies. Spearheaded by a group of over 20 women activists including Tamika Mallory, Carmen Perez and Linda Sarsour, the march served as a visual reminder that women’s voices deserve a seat at the table of equality.
3. Maxine. Maxine. Maxine.
Maxine Waters continued to be the voice of reason in a sea of uncertainty. The long tenured California congresswoman made us take notice of our civil liberties and reinforced that we all have a voice in democracy. Her goal for 2018: impeaching Trump.
4. Russia Probe
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Since the FBI’s confirmation that Russian hackers meddled in the 2016 presidential election, several high-profile member’s of Trump’s inauguration have been indicted by special counsel Robert Mueller. Mueller continues to investigate whether or not the Trump administration colluded with Russia to turn the tide of American history.
5. Charlottesville
After hundreds of White supremacist’s marched through UVA’s campus to protest the removal of a confederate statue on August 11, hundreds of counter demonstrators gathered the following day in opposition. On the afternoon of August 12, a car suddenly sped into a sea of protesters claiming the life of Heather Hayer, a 32-year-old legal assistant. Several others were injured, bloodied and beaten in the aftermath. Charlottesville was a stark reminder that the seeds of racism have continued to eat at the foundation of America’s history.
6. Las Vegas Shooting
58 people were killed and over 540 were injured after a gunman opened fire during the Route 91 Harvest country music festival. The gunman, identified as Stephen Paddock, was killed during a standoff with police. The incident left the topic of gun control in the hands of congress, who has yet to take action as a result of the carnage.
7. What happened to Kenneka Jenkins?
Social media helped bring national attention to the sudden death of Kenneka Jenkins, an 18-year-old Chicago teen whose body was found in a hotel freezer on September 10. Tereasa Martin, Kenneka’s mother continues her fight to uncover what led to her daughter’s untimely death.
8. The Mysterious Death of Sgt. La David Johnson
Florida. Sgt. Johnson and three other American soldiers were killed in an ambush in Niger on Oct. 4, but the details surrounding his death remained a mystery. It was not until his wife Myeshia Johnson’s open display of grief after a troublesome phone call with Trump forced the Pentagon to investigate the timeline of what led to the bloodied ambush.
9. The #MeToo Movement
After an expose on Hollywood mega producer Harvey Weinstein uncovered years of sexual harassment allegations, several actresses came forward to share their chilling experiences. The hashtag #MeToo created by Tarana Burke was co-opted by Alyssa Milano and used as a safe haven for victims to reveal their trauma. Since Weinstein’s outing, a list of high-profile celebrities and politicians have been outed by their alleged victims including: Matt Lauer, Russell Simmons, Kevin Spacey, Dustin Hoffman, Charlie Rose, Tavis Smiley and Louis C.K.
10. Prince Harry And Meghan Markle’s Engagement
Prince Harry and his fiancé Meghan Markle announced their engagement on November 27 to the delight of many. Social media users were enthralled at the thought that a woman of color will now hold a title in the Windsor family. Their wedding set for May 19, 2018, will rival the televised royal weddings of the past, including Harry’s parents–Prince Charles and Princess Diana.
11. Losing Erica
Erica Garner, daughter of Eric Garner who died after being put in a chokehold by NYPD officers, passed away after being placed in a coma due to suffering a major heart attack. The 27-year-old activist was a pivotal voice in the liberation movement for Black lives and her death earmarked another tragedy for the Garner family.
