(Mybrotha.COM) - Given the large number of challenges facing African-American men, 2009 featured several events that highlighted the best we have to offer. Sadly, the year was also plagued by a few occurrences we could have done without.

The Good
In January, the world witnessed the most significant political event in our nation’s history: the inauguration of America’s first black president—Barack Obama. An inspirational figure for black men and the Black community, Barack Obama asked Americans to believe in change. He ran a highly motivational presidential campaign based on the core challenges facing Americans and their families—energy, health care, and education.

Black men watched contently in July as Barack Obama faced the first racially-charged event of his presidency. Obama expressed what many Americans felt regarding the arrest of Harvard professor Henry Louis Gates—that the Cambridge, Massachusetts, police responded "stupidly." Those comments, and the initial arrest by Cambridge police officer Sgt. James Crowley, sparked a nationwide racial profiling debate that resulted in a roundtable discussion at the White House between Gates, Crowley and President Obama.

Men who grew up in the 1970s, 80s and 90s saw the emergence of the world’s greatest entertainer—Michael Jackson. The King of Pop, who died suddenly in June 2009, mesmerized generations of fans with his stellar voice, electric dance moves, and chart-topping albums. Jackson’s unmatched persona changed the world’s view of music entertainment, influenced the U.S. social and economic climate, and inspired several fashion crazes that still exist today. The Jackson legacy compelled many young black men to pursue careers in music and entertainment.

As the world of information technology grew, so did its audience. More African-American men used computers in 2009, and millions of them flocked to the Internet. According to statistical abstracts from the U.S. Census Bureau, the number of black men using the Internet for email, research, and e-commerce has grown significantly since 2004.

"This is indeed a positive sign," said Mybrotha.COM founder Clark Solomon, whose background includes degrees in computer science and mathematics. "The Internet is the most important technological innovation we have ever seen, and it has become the preferred medium for news, communication, commerce, and socializing. It is paramount that black men experience it and grow with it."

Hip-hop icon and actor Chris "Ludacris" Bridges continued his philanthropic work through The Ludacris Foundation—an organization designed to inspire youth through education and memorable experiences by helping them live their dreams. Also contributing through the NFL, MLB and NBA Charities, hundreds of professional athletes donated millions and provided community service to youth-serving organizations throughout the U.S.

The Bad
Unfortunately, we also saw African-American men behaving badly in 2009. During the MTV Video Music Awards in September, an unprovoked Kanye West crashed the stage during pop-country music sensation Taylor Swift's acceptance speech for Best Female Video. The criticism was harsh, and the incident stirred racial discourse from blacks and whites who believed West’s reaction was, in part, because Swift is white.

More bad behavior was exhibited by former Louisiana congressman William Jefferson, who was sentenced in November to 13 years in prison for soliciting bribes, money laundering, depriving citizens of services, and using his office as a racketeering operation. Jefferson reportedly stashed $90,000 in marked FBI bills in his freezer that prosecutors said would be used for a bribe. Jefferson will appeal the conviction.

He had retained one of the cleanest profiles for celebrity athletes, golfer Tiger Woods’ image took a big hit in early December. The controversy began after a single-car accident outside of the Florida mansion where Woods lives with wife and their two children. Speculation about what led up to the accident intensified after Woods declined to speak with police investigators. Immediately following the accident, Woods released a public statement admitting "trangressions"—which many now think refer to extramarital affairs. The superstar golfer said he let his family down and apologized to fans.

The Ugly
Across the U.S., unfortunate occurrences affected many Americans, but black men were hit especially hard during the economic crisis. As the growing unemployment rate from 2008 spilled over into 2009, scores of men watched their jobs, homes and livelihoods disappear.

The auto industry collapse generated thousands in lost jobs and wages, and forever changed the profile of U.S. car makers. A Bureau of Labor Statistics employment report says other ravaged sectors included home construction, manufacturing and retail trade with over 200,000 job losses.

With home foreclosures on the rise, and credit card companies raising interest rates, the financial meltdown reached deep into black communities. Men who once held stable jobs started depending on unemployment benefits for basic necessities. And, sadly, all of this was a direct result of someone else's greed and irresponsibility.

Americans, and millions across the world, began searching for the panic button as the H1N1 (swine) flu epidemic spread globally. Although the virus, first detected in April, contains a combination of genes from swine, birds, and human influenza viruses, it is not spread by pork consumption.

Viruses don't discriminate, and even though this flu didn't affect only the Black community, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reported that black children younger than 18 years of age accounted for 16.6% of 210 reported influenza-associated deaths in 2009. Disparities in underlying medical conditions, such as asthma and diabetes, may contribute to the impact of H1N1 on Black communities. As a result, many were concerned about poorer communities where access to the vaccines may have been limited.

The Reality
With each passing year, men will face countless social, political and economic challenges. But intertwined with those challenges, are opportunities for growth and prosperity. Black men in America have always been resilient, and we have proven once again that we can take a punch. We will—as we have done many times before—pick up the pieces, rebuild and march on.

As we venture into 2010, the hopes and dreams of many men ride on the success of our first African-American president. However, we also look to each other for support, mentorship and edification. The year won’t be perfect; someone will mess up, and someone else will amaze us. Still, we long for something entirely different, and better, than what we had the year before.

Now, more than ever, our stability and mere existence must be driven by hope, education, determination and spiritual guidance—a process that demands we start with the man in the mirror.

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