The art that got us through 2020

When he wasn't manning the Magic Wall for the 2020 presidential race or the Covid-19 pandemic, King let his son, Jonah, choose what they'd do during his fleeting free time. "He decided early fall we would revisit 'MCU' -- Marvel Cinematic Universe -- (yes, the 9-year-old uses the acronym) in order." Among their favorites? The "Thor" series. "I'm off to Asgard as soon as they lift the COVID travel restrictions."

In between writing her book and leading Black Lives Matter demonstrations, Garza was glued to HBO's "Lovecraft Country." "For me, 'Lovecraft Country' kept me grounded in the events of the day, while also pushing me into history to understand how we got here, and teasing me with the future to help me imagine where we might go, who we might be."

While she and her colleagues were treating Covid-19 patients, the climax of the blockbuster "Avengers: Endgame" served as inspiration. Like the fictional heroes, she said, "we all had a role, and none of us could have done it alone or without everyone working together. And along the way, some of the heroes made the ultimate sacrifice to save the many. Corny, I know, but it really helped me."

When the going got tough, Davis found power in the lyrics to "From Now On" from "The Greatest Showman." "The part as sung by Hugh Jackman reminded me of the significance of family and coming home after this daily fight. It reminded me to hold family tighter and relish the moments, and not wait 'til tomorrow for those moments."

In between demonstrating and directing short films, Tometi was moved by the anti-racist art of the Wide Awakes, a group of young activists who lead public performances. "From stilt walkers at 'Get Out The Vote' events to coordinated sail boats with banners, the infusion of play in what can be labeled as daunting was profound. It aligns with what I’ve always believed was true, but to see the Wide Awakes manifest this alternative civic engagement on a massive scale was truly awe-inspiring!"

When she wasn't grilling celebrities on race on her topical digital series, Fumudoh relaxed with "The Real Housewives of Potomac." "Karen, Gizelle, Ashley, Robyn, Monique and Wendy continue to be some of the greatest comedians of the unscripted genre. Their hard work does not go unnoticed, as their shade got me through the most difficult months of quarantine."

Music has buoyed Aronoff when he isn't treating patients. Practicing the drums helps him decompress after long days, and the music of jazz performers like Ego Ella May and Alfa Mist have been his constant companions. "I am in the thick of Covid-19 response seven days a week. Beautiful music helps a lot. Pair that with the love from my family and I can lean into the headwinds of this pandemic 24/7."

Reading with her young children gave Wen a moment to breathe during the pandemic. "I've loved reading to my 3-year-old son, and now his 8-month-old baby sister joins in, too. Our current favorites: 'A Polar Bear in the Snow,' 'Apple Pie Fourth of July' and 'Cars and Trucks and Things That Go.'"

In a dynamic year for the Black Lives Matter movement, Willis, the former executive editor of "Out" magazine, was moved by the work of indefatigable Black trans creators. "I am continuously impressed and inspired by the work of Black trans artists such as [filmmaker] Tourmaline and [photographer] Texas Isaiah, who reached new heights in 2020."

After leading weekly protests, Abdullah and her colleagues gathered to watch "Lovecraft Country" together. The series was instructive and restorative, she said. "'Lovecraft' was about the opening of that portal, the possibilities for justice, freedom, life, imagination and future, when we labor for it together."

Burger's nurses union helped produce the playwright V's virtual play "That Kindness" this fall. Based on interviews with real nurses on the frontlines of the pandemic, "the play resonates with nurses because it is nurses' stories. They were able to relax and share their innermost feelings," Burger said. The results, brought to life by Billy Porter, Connie Britton, Marisa Tomei and more, were moving and empowering.

The onset of the pandemic was confusing, disconcerting and frighteningly unknown. Reading "Hitting a Straight Lick with a Crooked Stick," a collection of newly released works by Zora Neale Hurston, helped Kendi make sense of it. "The time was unsettling and uncertain. But this book of short stories -- their humor, their insight, their familiarity -- settled me for the whirlwind ahead."