ACLU's Fight for Birthright Citizenship, California's Clean Truck Leadership, and Colorado's New Black History Standards

In this episode of Good News for Lefties, host Beowulf Rochlen shines a light on transformative actions and victories that uphold civil rights, promote sustainability, and foster community. We kick off with the ACLU's bold class action lawsuit against Trump's executive order aimed at limiting birthright citizenship. This coalition of advocacy groups and families is determined to defend the 14th Amendment, ensuring that the voices of those impacted are heard in federal court. Supporters emphasize that birthright citizenship is a cornerstone of American democracy, reflecting the nation's commitment to equality and justice for all.

Next, we celebrate California's ambitious strides towards electric trucks, despite federal pushback. With over 15% of medium and heavy-duty trucks sold in 2023 being zero-emission, California continues to lead the charge in clean transportation, prioritizing public health and environmental justice. Innovative state policies and community support are paving the way for a cleaner future, showcasing how bold climate action can flourish even amid federal resistance.

In an inspiring move towards educational equity, Colorado has enacted a groundbreaking law mandating black history education standards in public K-12 schools. This initiative aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of Black American history and culture, fostering cross-cultural respect and engagement. As the state prepares to roll out these standards, advocates are hopeful for a more inclusive curriculum that celebrates the contributions of Black Americans throughout history.

We also highlight a significant conservation victory in Alabama's Mobile Tensaw Delta, where nearly 8,000 acres of biodiverse wetlands have been permanently protected from industrial development. This achievement reflects the power of grassroots advocacy and honors the legacy of biologist Edward O. Wilson, ensuring that this ecologically rich land remains a sanctuary for rare species and a vital habitat for future generations.

Listeners will be inspired by the preservation of the Elizabeth Street Garden in New York City, where community advocates successfully halted plans for housing to protect this cherished green space. The new agreement not only preserves the garden but also facilitates the construction of over 620 affordable apartments in nearby locations, showcasing the power of grassroots activism in urban planning.

Finally, we celebrate the opening of The Pride, New England's first LGBTQ+ welcoming affordable senior housing community in Boston. This innovative project provides a vibrant and inclusive living space for LGBTQ elders, fostering connection and dignity while addressing the urgent need for affordable housing. With overwhelming demand and fully occupied units, The Pride stands as a beacon of hope and community-driven progress.

Join us for this empowering episode filled with stories of resilience, advocacy, and hope!

If you have thoughts, ideas, or more good news to share, we’d love to hear from you! Call or message us at 202-656-6271 or drop us a line at beowulf@twosquaredmediaproductions.com.

You can find more about this week's stories here:

https://archive.is/1ZzYy


https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2025/06/california-electric-trucks-central-valley-donald-trump-evs/


https://www.denver7.com/lifestyle/education/new-colorado-law-establishes-black-history-education-standards-in-public-schools


https://insideclimatenews.org/news/15062025/alabama-conservation-saves-land-from-becoming-wood-pellet-mill/


https://gothamist.com/news/elizabeth-street-garden-to-remain-as-adams-administration-drops-housing-fight


https://www.nbcboston.com/news/local/how-a-vacant-boston-school-was-transformed-into-thriving-housing-for-lgbtq-seniors/3742796/


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Thanks to Rosabelle Heine and Aaron Watson for production assistance.

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