5 Stories of Courage to Fight Fascism

In a sea of despair, here are stories to lift you up and inspire you to hold the line against injustice

It is easy to get lost in a sea of despair as we see our Republic collapse, with rights stripped away one at a time. But it is also that much more important to celebrate the wins and our courageous neighbors standing up and fighting back, getting in Good Trouble, and refusing to relent to the fascism this regime is enabling and promoting.

As I continue to keep you informed on the key human rights issues impacting us all, I also want to elevate stories of resilience, courage, and hope, because they are reminders that we can and must resist this extremism. Here are five powerful stories of ordinary people standing up for justice to demonstrate extraordinary courage against hate. Let’s Address This.

1. Veterans Protecting Afghan Allies at Home

In one of the most moving displays of integrity and patriotism, over 200 U.S. military veterans have banded together to protect Afghan asylum seekers — many of whom once served as interpreters or guides during America’s longest war. Calling themselves Battle Buddies, these vets are showing up to immigration hearings to physically stand beside Afghan refugees, shielding them from harassment and unlawful detention by ICE. This is especially personal to me because I was fortunate to work with and legally support dozens of Afghan families during the US withdrawal from Afghanistan. To see Veterans continue to step up is powerful, and much needed.

This isn’t symbolic. This is what keeping your oath looks like. This is defending the Constitution. These veterans understand that “support and defend” doesn’t end when the uniform comes off — it carries on wherever injustice rears its head. We need more of this courage in 2025.

2. A 71-Year-Old Grandma Standing Up to ICE

Barbara Stone, a 71-year-old grandmother and U.S. citizen, was handcuffed by ICE fascists inside a San Diego immigration court. Why? Because she dared to show up and peacefully defend immigrants. ICE accused her of pushing an officer — she denies the claim — but the image of federal agents cuffing a senior citizen for showing compassion should tell you everything you need to know about this regime’s fragile masculinity and abuse of power. Indeed, how weak and pathetic are these ICE fascists that a 71-year-old Grandma makes them feel unsafe and insecure?

Barbara is proof that you’re never too old to get in Good Trouble. Her courage shines a light on how regular people can disrupt cruelty — even when the consequences are unjust.

3. Doctors Suing RFK Jr. to Save Public Health

In an extraordinary and unprecedented move, several leading medical organizations — including the American Academy of Pediatrics — are suing HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for what they call “a public health emergency that demands immediate legal action and correction.”

The lawsuit follows Kennedy’s reckless dismantling of critical vaccine policy, including the removal of COVID shot recommendations for children and pregnant people, and firing the nation’s top vaccine experts. In the words of AAP President Dr. Susan Kressly: “Our immunization system has long been a cornerstone of U.S. public health.” Kennedy’s actions are not only medically unsound — they’re legally indefensible. And now, doctors are doing what this administration refuses to do: protect the lives of children and families. As a parent myself, I am grateful to see our scientists rise up against this anti-intellectualism that has infected the Trump regime. Our children and our country need science based policy to protect them, not anti-vaccine extremists peddling pseudoscience.

4. Mahmoud Khalil Sues Trump for $20 Million

Mahmoud Khalil, the peaceful protester and American resident that Trump falsely imprisoned, has filed a $20 million lawsuit against Donald Trump and his regime. Khalil is demanding accountability for being falsely imprisoned, maliciously prosecuted, and smeared as an antisemite — all without a single criminal charge — simply for exercising his First Amendment rights to peaceful protest.

This is a test of our legal system. And it’s a reminder that when fascists come for one of us, we must respond by standing together. Khalil never committed a crime — but he was treated as one because he dared to speak out. Now he’s fighting back with the power of the law. I hope he gets his justice — and that Trump finally learns what due process means.

5. Massachusetts Proves What Happens When You Tax the Rich

Here’s some real policy inspiration: In 2022, Massachusetts raised taxes on millionaires by 4%. Conservatives cried foul and said the rich would flee. Instead, the state saw a 39% increase in the number of millionaires. And what did the state of Massachusetts do with that money?

They passed universal free breakfast and lunch for all public school children.

Massachusetts is now one of the least poverty-stricken states in America. It’s a reminder that “trickle-down economics” has always been a scam. But when you tax the rich, you uplift everyone — including the rich. We don’t need billionaires hoarding wealth. We need justice, nourishment, and policy rooted in compassion. Every state should follow suit. This is also another reminder to reject the fear mongering over Zohran Mamdani’s plan to raise taxes on millionaires by a mere 2%. We have the living breathing example of Massachusetts as evidence that taxing the wealthy works to uplift society and strengthen economies.

Conclusion: Find Your Front Line & Stand On It

I can share several more examples, but I want to close with this important point. These stories aren’t just feel-good anecdotes — they are blueprints for how we resist. From veterans keeping their oath, to doctors defending science, to grandmas defying ICE thugs, to wrongly prosecuted Americans demanding Constitutional rights, to governments prioritizing working people over the wealthy — the front lines are everywhere. And no act of courage is too small.

We are living through a moment that demands clarity, integrity, and defiance. I will continue to elevate these voices, keep you informed of the attacks on our human rights, and provide you calls to action to meaningfully fight back. I am grateful to those who subscribe and support this advocacy, because it helps fuel my work.

Yes, the forces of fascism are rising — but so are the people. The antidote to despair is action. The antidote to hate is solidarity. So find your front line. Then stand on it. Because history doesn’t remember those who stayed silent. It remembers those who stood up — and refused to back down. Let us never back down, and instead always lead with justice for all people in this country.