The last year of the 2010’s was indeed a roller coaster.

As the decade reaches its dusk, we must reflect back on the events that happened this year that will stick with us into the future. Here is a short list of events that I personally felt compelling and noteworthy:

1. Most Diverse Congress

The most racially and ethnically diverse group of lawmakers, 22 percent being racial or ethnic minorities, were sworn into the 116th United States Congress in January. Members include Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez who became the youngest congresswoman in history, Rep. Ilhan Omar whose election resulted in the change of rules to allow head coverings on the House floor, and Rep. Lauren Underwood who became the first black woman elected into Congress.

2. Hong Kong Protests

Protest erupted mid-March in Hong Kong. The protests were first ignited by a controversial extradition bill that would have allowed criminals to be extradited to mainland China. Since then, these protests have become pro-democracy demonstrations against the Chinese government, who wishes to extend further control on the region. These protesters are often pictured with umbrellas in hand to protect themselves from police cameras and tear gas, a practice that gave the name to the 2014 Hong Kong protests: Umbrella Movement. Hong Kong riots are still continuing through the end of the year, and the protests have become increasingly violent.

3. First Picture of the Black Hole

Scientists accomplished the impossible in April by capturing an image of the black hole. This was done by a decade of work and improvement of scientific technology. Scientists developed and used a network of telescopes known as the Event Horizon Telescope to accomplish this feat that was named as the Scientific Breakthrough of the Year. This discovery will give astrophysicists an insight into theories including Einstein’s theory of general relativity.

4. Same-sex Marriage Legalized in Taiwan

In a historical ruling in May, lawmakers in Taiwan passed a bill that legalized same-sex marriage in the country. Taiwan set a precedent for other Asian nations as it became the first in Asia to do so.

5. Global Climate Strike

 Thousands of young people around the world, from New York to Sydney and Montreal to Mumbai, gathered September to demand action in response to climate change. Greta Thunberg emerged as a key activist in the movement, speaking at the United Nations General Assembly, “You have stolen my dreams and my childhood with your empty words.” Her call for action has inspired thousands, and she became the youngest person to be named Time Person of the Year.

6. Lebanon Protests

In response to new tax measures introduced in October, people in Lebanon took up the streets to protest. The demonstrations came as a result of years of anger towards the government and led to the resignation of Prime Minister Hariri.

7. Protests in Latin America

Collectively called as “Primavera Latinoamericana” (or, the Latin American Spring, in reference to the Arab Spring that occurred in 2010), citizens of multiple Latin American countries protested against the corruption that is prevalent in the region. In Ecuador, people protested against the proposal to cut fuel subsidies. In Colombia, people protested against inequality. In Bolivia, people protested against alleged election fraud committed by former President Morales. In Chile, people protested against increase in metro fares. In Venezuela, people protested against the corruption of Maduro’s presidency that has wrecked the country since his inauguration in 2013. All in all, 2019 was year of violent protests in Latin America, as angered citizens fought against corruption and inequality practiced by the political elites.

8. Impeachment

This one is still fresh in memory. President Donald Trump was impeached in December. He is the third president in US history to ever be impeached, the first and second being Andrew Johnson and Bill Clinton respectively. This decision comes after he was accused of abusing his power and obstructing congressional investigation into his alleged acts.

2019 was a year of change. It was a year where young people, old people and people of different races, backgrounds and nationalities came together to protest for what they believe in. It was a year of growth, a year of both good and bad. Let us not forget these events as we enter a new decade.