2002 Tranniversary: Sean,Mitch, Jack
In 2002, New York City expanded the definition of “gender” to include protections for transgender and gender non-conforming people in employment, housing, and public accommodations in the NYC Human Rights Law. Sweden legalized adoption for same-sex couples, Switzerland voted to give same-sex couples the same legal rights as opposite-sex married couples and homosexuality was decrimialized in China.
The movie, “A Beautiful Mind”, won the best picture Oscar in 2002. “The Lord of the Rings: Fellowship on the Rings” and “Moulin Rouge” were nominees. Halle Berry who starred in “Monster’s Ball” won the best actress Academy Award. Denzel Washington won the best actor Oscar for his role in the movie “Training Day”. Julia Roberts, Sandra Bullock and Jennifer Lopez, Mel Gibson, Ben Affleck and Ian McKellan were the top grossing domestic actors. Michael Jackson, the King of Pop, won the Artist of the Century Award at the American Music Awards. Janet Jackson and Lenny Kravitz won American Music Awards in ‘02 as well. Nickelback topped the Billboard charts with “How You Remind Me” with Ashanti, Nelly, Kelly Rowland and The Calling right behind.
During President George W. Bush’s first State of the Union Speech, he described "regimes that sponsor terror" as an Axis of Evil, in which he included Iraq, Iran and North Korea. He urged for a greater focus on “Homeland Security” and established the Department of Homeland Security. Bush also signed the “No Child Left Behind” law. Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in October of 2002. Carter was given the prize for dedicating his life promoting peace and democracy. The Euro became the official currency of twelve of the European Union's Members.
Sports: NY Patriots won Super Bowl over the St. Louis Rams. The Winter Olympics were held in Salt Lake City, Utah. It marked the first time that a black athlete won a gold medal at the winter games with Vonetta Flowers (USA) in women’s bobsleigh and the first black male athlete won a winter gold with Jarome Iginla (Canada) in men’s ice hockey. Brazil won the FIFA World Cup.