In this episode, Led Black and Octavio Blanco engage with Veronica Liu, co-founder of Word Up Books, more than a community bookstore in Washington Heights. They discuss the origins of Word Up, its evolution over the past 15 years, and the transformative impact it has had on the local community. Veronica shares her personal journey with books and writing, the challenges of running a volunteer-run organization, and the importance of creating a space for community engagement. The conversation also touches on the changing dynamics of the neighborhood, the role of recirculation, and upcoming events that aim to foster literary culture in the area.

Takeaways
Word Up Books has been a vital community resource for nearly 15 years.
Veronica Liu's love for books began in childhood and has shaped her career.
Creating a community space was essential for fostering local culture.
The evolution of Word Up reflects the needs of the neighborhood.
Running a volunteer-run organization presents unique challenges.
Funding and sustainability are critical for the bookstore's future.
Recirculation serves as an extension of Word Up's mission.
The neighborhood has seen an increase in chain stores, impacting local businesses.
There is room for more bookstores in Washington Heights.
Upcoming events aim to engage the community and promote literacy.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Word Up Books and Its Impact
02:05 The Genesis of Word Up Books
09:28 Veronica's Journey with Books and Writing
17:06 The Evolution of Word Up's Volunteer Structure
28:31 Funding and Sustainability of Word Up Books
36:22 The Magic of Unexpected Connections
38:42 Creating a Space for Surprises
42:01 Democratic Decision-Making in a Collective
51:19 The Birth of Recirculation
01:01:06 Neighborhood Changes and Bookstore Collaborations
01:06:00 Upcoming Events and Community Engagement
01:11:43 uptown_voices_animated_logo.mp4

In this engaging conversation, Led Black and Octavio Blanco discuss the importance of community involvement in politics with guests Joanna Garcia and Edwin Mazzara from the Uptown Community Democrats Club. They explore the club's genesis, its focus on grassroots activism, and the need for political education and engagement in local issues. The discussion highlights the diversity within the club, the significance of local political forums, and the role of art and culture in activism. The guests emphasize the importance of accountability in politics and encourage listeners to get involved in their communities to effect change.

Takeaways
The Uptown Community Democrats Club was founded to provide a political home for community voices.
Community political clubs focus on local issues like housing and food insecurity.
Engaging voters means addressing community needs beyond just election seasons.
Diversity within the club enriches the political discourse and activism.
Local political forums are essential for community engagement and representation.
Understanding the political process is crucial for effective advocacy.
Judicial elections impact community members significantly and require attention.
Civic engagement is not limited to elections; it involves ongoing community involvement.
Art and culture play a vital role in maintaining hope and joy in activism.
Apathy in politics can lead to detrimental consequences for communities.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction
03:01 The Genesis of the Uptown Community Democrats Club
05:40 Community Engagement and Political Education
08:49 Diversity and Inclusion in Political Activism
11:41 The Importance of Local Political Engagement
14:50 Addressing Community Issues and Political Representation
17:36 Judicial Elections and Community Impact
20:40 The Role of Community in Politics
23:52 How to Get Involved with the Uptown Community Democrats
26:34 Final Thoughts and Call to Action
39:52 Awakening and Solidarity in America
44:34 Political Accountability and the Role of Democrats
49:24 The Influence of Money in Politics
54:32 Community Engagement and Local Activism
59:24 The Importance of Art and Joy in Activism
01:04:34 The Unique Challenges of Our Time

In this episode, Octavio Blanco and Led Black engage in a compelling conversation with Amanda Septimo, an assembly member representing the South Bronx. The discussion begins with a critique of current Congressman Richie Torres, highlighting the disconnect between elected officials and their constituents. Septimo shares her deep-rooted connection to the Bronx, emphasizing her commitment to fight for the community's needs and representation. She articulates the importance of federal support for local issues, particularly in a time when many communities feel neglected by their representatives.

As the conversation progresses, Septimo discusses her role as an assembly member, detailing the complexities of state-level governance and the impact of policy decisions on local communities. She passionately advocates for equitable housing, immigration rights, and the need for community-centric approaches to issues like substance abuse. The episode culminates in a call to action for listeners to engage with their communities and support candidates who genuinely represent their interests, showcasing Septimo's vision for a brighter future for the Bronx.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Amanda Septimo and Her Campaign

03:31 The Bronx: A Community Worth Fighting For

06:06 Understanding the Role of State Assembly

08:46 The Journey into Public Service

11:31 Challenges Facing Vulnerable Communities

14:16 Fighting for Immigrant Rights

17:15 The Need for Unity Against Division

21:09 Engaging with the Latino Community

23:57 Navigating the MAGA Latino Phenomenon

28:47 The Impact of Substance Abuse on Communities

34:39 Equity in Housing and Community Development

38:08 The Role of Local Government in Addressing Community Needs

43:11 Leadership and Political Responsibility

46:37 A Vision for the Future of the Bronx

50:37 Outtro.mp4