If 2020 taught us anything, it was the power of resilience. When the COVID-19 pandemic swept across the globe, it didn’t just threaten health; it disrupted our entire way of life. Lockdowns, job losses, school closures, and the eerie quiet of once-bustling cities became the new normal.

Yet, amidst the fear and uncertainty, humanity adapted. Teachers turned kitchens into classrooms. Families rediscovered board games and home-cooked meals. Neighbors checked on one another. And perhaps most profoundly, creativity flourished. Online writing workshops, like those led by Kevin Powell and the Nuyorican Poets Cafe, offered people a safe space to process emotions and share their voices.

We learned to connect virtually, proving that community isn’t bound by physical space. Zoom screens became lifelines, bridging isolation with storytelling, laughter, and even poetry.

2020 showed us that resilience isn’t about ignoring pain—it’s about facing it with courage. The stories we wrote, the art we created, and the acts of kindness we shared became testaments to human spirit.

Though scars remain, the resilience born in 2020 continues to guide us. It reminds us that even when the world feels broken, we can still find ways to heal together.