Bring That Year Back: 2009
Take a look back at the hottest news that topped healines last year.
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Death of a Passenger - The early hours of New Year’s Day brought Black America’s first tragic death of 2009: Oscar Grant was shot in the back by a Bay Area Rapid Transit officer in Oakland. The recorded incident led to protests and an ongoing criminal case against the White cop, Johannes Mehserle. Grant was on the ground at a train station, appearing to pose no threat. Mehserle’s lawyer claims the cop meant to pull his Taser.
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New Leadership - The world, including supporters in his father’s native Kenya, watched as Barack Obama was sworn-in as the first Black American president. Aretha Franklin performed at the ceremony that brought legions of eager witnesses to history into Washington, D.C. In his inaugural speech, Obama pledged a new image for America and a new relationship with the Muslim world.
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Superstar Soap Opera - Chris Brown’s and Rihanna’s names become synonymous with domestic abuse for the duration of the year after a violent clash between the two on the night of the Grammys in February. Varying accounts and plenty of gossip emerge from the incident, but what’s certain is that Rihanna suffers bruises and injuries. Brown later pleads to a lesser charge to avoid possible prison time. Both singers eventually pledge to be examples for their fans – just in time for their new releases.
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Business Baller - Britain names its first Black chief executive of a FTSE (Financial Times Stock Exchange) 100 company. Tidjane Thiam, who heads the Prudential insurance company, boasts Ivory Coast origins. At 46, he is already considered one of the UK’s most powerful Blacks.
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Obama Takes The Wheel - An aggressive “bailout” strategy is among the new president’s first tasks to help save the nation’s auto companies. After considerable deliberation and discussion, plus occasional scolding for expenses like the private jets used to fly CEOs to D.C., Obama offers federal loans. He’s later praised for his quick, decisive action.
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6 / 28
Vick's Return - An ex-superstar-turned-dog-fighter comes home from a 2007 prison sentence after one of the NFL’s most bizarre career twists. Michael Vick eventually found a home with the Philly Eagles after being let back into the league. Today, he speaks out against animal cruelty and is set to star in a BET reality series.
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Tragedy in Blue - New York cop Omar Edwards dies at the hands of a fellow officer. Mistaking him for a criminal, Andrew Dunton fires on Edwards, who’s out of uniform after his shift and chasing a man who’d broken into his car. Some call race a factor, since Dunton, who’s White, saw a Black man with a gun and shot. No charges follow.
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A Healthy Battle - Tackling an issue that’s been personal to him since the death of his mom to cancer, the president begins a nearly year-long effort to provide healthcare to all Americans. He’s persistent and devoted, despite numerous rallies and heated criticism of the proposed plan. An embarrassing moment for the Republican Party occurs when Rep. Joe Wilson shouts, “You lie!” from his seat at an Obama healthcare speech.
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Leaving His Post - The man who was called the White House’s green jobs czar stepped down from the Obama administration after a controversial petition and negative comments that he made about Republicans surfaced. Van Jones, praised for his environmental work, left without being asked. Many considered it a major loss.
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R.I.P. M.J. - The world was stunned by the sudden death of a man who many call the greatest entertainer that ever lived. In the wake of Michael Jackson’s passing, his albums sales soared to the tops of the charts and tributes by both celebrities and fans were performed around the globe. Sadly, fallout also included debate over his will and finances. A mixed legacy, however, did nothing to dethrone the king of pop.
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11 / 28
Literary Loss - Best-selling author E. Lynn Harris’ death from heart disease at age 54 left fans saddened and surprised. The gay writer, who helped bring stories about the lives of Black gay men to the forefront of American culture, paved the way for scribes to follow. His latest novel Mama Dearest was released in September, two months after he died.
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Presidential Travels - Obama goes about his goal of re-introducing America to the world, in hopes of forging a new international image. He takes well-publicized trips to Canada, the Middle East, Europe, Africa and Asia, promoting new vision after eight years of Bush policies.
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Murder-Suicide - The man whose 13 years in the NFL had only concluded in 2008 suffered a shocking death when he was discovered shot by his mistress. Steve McNair’s body was found in a Nashville condo. Sahel Kazemi, his lover, had apparently killed McNair while he was sleeping, and then shot herself to death. Fans mourned the retired quarterback’s passing.
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First Lady Leads - Not to be forgotten, despite her boo running the Oval Office, Michelle Obama’s presence is felt in the halls of government. The lawyer and devoted mom got right down to business by supporting military families and donating time in soup kitchens. She even dressed as Cat Woman to pass out Halloween treats and announced an exclusive mentoring program for girls.
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Blacks Assume<br>Powerful Gov't Posts - Not only did the Obamas make history as the first Black family in the White House, but others rose to power: Eric Holder became the first Black U.S. Attorney General, while Michael Steele was named head of the Republican National Committee. Regina Benjamin was unanimously confirmed the 18th U.S. Surgeon General. Several Blacks also took top jobs in the Obama administration and Rep. James Clyburn (pictured) became the U.S. Congress' House Majority whip.
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Murder in Chi-Town - A teenager’s brutal beating at the hands of peers outside a Chicago school brought new attention to street violence. Derrion Albert’s videotaped slaying led to a call for action by everyone from hip hop veteran Nas to the White House.
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Kanye Causes Stir - Mr. West became public enemy number one, even prompting the president to call him “a jackass” after he interrupted singer Taylor Swift’s acceptance speech at the Video Music Awards. He later delivered multiple apologies, but suffered criticism from countless celebrities and much of the general public.
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No to Limbaugh - A bid by America’s most outspoken conservative broadcaster to buy the St. Louis Rams is squashed. Black NFL players are vocal in their opposition to Rush Limbaugh, known for his racist comments, as a possible team owner. Limbaugh whines on the radio after his bid is rejected.
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Political Perishing - Birmingham Mayor Larry Langford was found guilty on a whopping 60 counts of criminal activity. The ex-top official of Alabama’s largest city was convicted of accepting bribes in exchange for political favors.
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Obama's Nobel - The president earns a high honor in the world community after being named winner of the Nobel Peace Prize. He joins Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Toni Morrison and other luminaries in the elite group of recipients. Some criticize the decision, saying that Obama has not done enough yet to earn the award.
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Serena's Meltdown - One of the world’s top tennis stars flew into a fit after a questionable call during the U.S. Open championship. Serena Williams was anything but serene as she cursed and threatened a line judge in her match with Kim Clijsters. As a result, Williams was disqualified and later fined thousands. She apologized to fans and officials.
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Oprah Announces The End - After a decades-long run as one of the most successful TV hosts in history, the day-time diva tearfully gave the word: Oprah Winfrey’s show will go off the air in 2011. But gone is not forgotten. Winfrey will take her media talents to cable where she’ll run her own network featuring lifestyle programming.
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Defining Moment - After a prolonged period of deliberation, President Obama makes the decision to send 30,000 American troops to Afghanistan. He said the move is necessary to eliminate terrors similar to that of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks. Obama's decision puts his stamp on the War President Bush started and pins his legacy on its success or failure.
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Ebony Royalty - Actress Anika Noni Rose helped make history as the voice of Tiana, Disney’s first Black princess in the animated The Princess and the Frog. After a year of more of debate about cultural representations in story, the film opened to box-office success. Singer Ne-Yo and actor Terrence Howard were also featured.
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Tiger's Troubles - A minor Thanksgiving Day accident outside his home leads to the revelation that golf’s top star argued with his wife. News reports soon fly furiously that Tiger Woods’ extra-marital activity is the cause. But it doesn’t end there, as a string of mistresses emerge, some all too eager to share details of Woods’ adultery. After losing sponsor support and suffering humiliation, he announces a leave of absence from golf.
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