In this engaging podcast episode, Senator Robert Jackson discusses his journey into public service, emphasizing the importance of education, community safety, and affordable housing. He shares insights on the challenges faced by his constituents, particularly in immigrant communities, and highlights the need for legislative efforts to address these issues. The conversation also touches on the significance of Black History Month and the ongoing drug crisis in the community, advocating for a balanced approach to harm reduction and rehabilitation. Senator Jackson encourages listeners to get involved in their communities and make their voices heard.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Senator Robert Jackson

03:10 Senator Jackson's Journey into Public Service

10:00 The Importance of Education in Community Upliftment

16:31 Addressing Housing Issues in the Community

20:48 Preparing for Immigration Challenges

23:07 Healthcare and Community Safety

28:29 The Role of Local Government in Community Issues

31:35 The Significance of Black History Month

36:34 Addressing Drug Addiction in the Community

43:59 Support for Local Leadership and Initiatives

In this episode of Uptown Voices, hosts Octavio Blanco and Led Black engage in a deep conversation with Oscar Romero, a candidate for Congress from New York City. They discuss the challenges facing the 13th Congressional District, the importance of community engagement, and the need for a new direction in politics. Oscar shares his experiences in civic engagement and highlights the systemic issues affecting marginalized communities. Oscar emphasizes the need for grassroots movements and community-driven solutions to create meaningful change.

The conversation also touches on the significance of Latino leadership and unity in the face of shared struggles and introduces author Maria Perez-Brown an Emmy Award winning writer, producer and executive, currently serving as Head of Kids & Family for TIME Studios. She was born in Dorado, Puerto Rico and currently lives in New York. Previously, Maria was Head of Programming for NuvoTV and is the founder of Brown Kids Media. She has developed content for leading television brands, including Nickelodeon, Nick Jr., Disney, Sesame Workshop and Nelvana.

Maria is co-editor of the newly released Latino Leaders Speak: Personal Stories of Struggle and Triumph, Volume II — a powerful new book documenting 25 personal stories from Latino leaders who have shaped American society across government, education, business, culture, and the arts.​

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Uptown Voices and Guest Introduction
03:16 Oscar Romero's Political Vision and Challenges
05:54 Community Engagement and Civic Responsibility
08:46 Addressing Systemic Issues in the 13th Congressional District
11:22 Youth Movement and Political Change
13:54 The Role of Corporations in Politics
16:56 Healthcare, Education, and Housing Challenges
19:28 Building a Better Future Together
22:08 Campaign Strategies and Community Involvement
29:27 Reflections on Community Engagement
29:47 Connecting with Local Leadership
30:49 Cultural Connections and Family Traditions
33:47 Introducing Maria Perez-Brown
34:27 The Importance of Latino Leadership
36:11 Personal Stories of Struggle and Triumph
39:39 Lessons in Leadership
41:15 Navigating Latino Identity
47:00 The Need for Latino Unity
48:29 Promoting the Book and Future Aspirations

In this engaging conversation, Carmen De La Rosa, a city council member, discusses her new role and responsibilities, the impact of ICE on immigrant communities, and the importance of community rapid response networks. She emphasizes the need for protecting journalists and the challenges of budget management in New York City. The discussion also highlights community wins, particularly in revitalizing local parks, and outlines future priorities for technology access and nonprofit support. Additionally, the need for warming centers during cold weather is addressed, underscoring the importance of community engagement in local governance.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

01:08 Carmen De La Rosa's New Role and Responsibilities

02:35 Addressing ICE and Community Safety

05:37 Community Rapid Response Networks

07:51 Protecting Journalists and Freedom of the Press

11:10 Budget Challenges and City Management

15:09 Community Wins and Park Developments

19:38 Future Priorities and Community Engagement

22:54 Warming Centers and Community Support

26:41 Closing Remarks and Future Conversations

Takeaways

Carmen De La Rosa discusses her new role as technology chair.

The impact of ICE on immigrant communities is a pressing issue.

Community rapid response networks are essential for safety.

Protecting journalists is crucial for democracy.

Budget challenges in New York City affect community services.

Community advocacy has led to funding for local parks.

Future priorities include technology access and nonprofit support.

Warming centers are needed for vulnerable populations during cold weather.

Community engagement is vital for local governance.

The importance of documenting and reporting on community issues.

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

In this episode, Octavio Blanco and Led Black engage with Jackie Aleman, the president of the Chamber of Commerce of Washington Heights and Inwood. They discuss the vital role the Chamber plays in supporting local businesses, the challenges faced by entrepreneurs in the community, and the importance of networking and collaboration. Jackie shares insights on membership benefits, innovative initiatives, and the Chamber's commitment to diversity and inclusion. The conversation highlights the evolution of the Chamber and its future plans to empower local businesses and foster community growth.

Takeaways

Jackie Aleman emphasizes the importance of serving the community through the Chamber of Commerce.

The Chamber welcomes all members, including residents and businesses, to participate in community improvement.

Networking events are crucial for local businesses to connect and support each other.

Challenges faced by local businesses include funding, marketing, and navigating bureaucratic systems.

The Chamber organizes events to promote member businesses and foster collaboration.

Jackie believes in embracing diversity and inclusion within the Chamber's membership.

The Chamber has evolved significantly, increasing its membership from 38 to over 100 members.

Future plans include partnerships with the LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce and workshops for members.

Time management is key for Jackie to balance her responsibilities as a business owner and Chamber president.

The Chamber aims to empower members to create their own workshops and share their expertise with the community.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Chamber of Commerce

03:09 The Role of the Chamber in the Community

06:01 Membership and Benefits

08:59 Challenges Faced by Local Businesses

11:40 Networking and Community Events

14:58 Innovative Initiatives and Collaborations

17:46 Embracing Diversity and Inclusion

20:50 The Evolution of the Chamber

23:49 Future Plans and Exciting Developments

In this episode, Octavio Blanco and Led Black engage in a deep conversation with independent journalist Nick Valencia about the current state of immigration, the role of ICE, and the challenges faced by independent journalists. They discuss the emotional toll of reporting on tragic events, the importance of community activism, and the need for unity among marginalized groups. Valencia shares his experiences and insights on the impact of political discourse on immigrant communities, emphasizing the necessity of independent journalism in today's climate. The conversation highlights the power of community and the importance of finding joy amidst struggles.

Takeaways
Nick Valencia emphasizes the heavy emotional toll of reporting on immigration issues.
The conversation highlights the importance of independent journalism in amplifying marginalized voices.
Proximity to whiteness does not guarantee safety for marginalized communities.
The current political climate has created a culture of fear in immigrant communities.
Community engagement and activism are crucial in the fight for justice.
Independent journalists face unique challenges and threats in their work.
The need for unity among marginalized groups is more important than ever.
Cognitive dissonance in political discourse affects how communities perceive their reality.
Finding joy and solace is essential for those fighting for social justice.
The power of community can be harnessed to effect change and challenge oppressive systems.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Independent Journalism and Current Events
03:53 The Impact of ICE Actions on Communities
10:35 Proximity to Whiteness and Its Illusions
14:23 The Shift to Independent Journalism
17:35 The Climate of Fear in Immigrant Communities
20:48 Cognitive Dissonance in Political Discourse
25:43 Reaching the Disillusioned and the Role of Independent Media
28:23 The State of Law Enforcement and Journalism
31:29 The Role of Independent Journalism
34:18 The Importance of Community and Activism
37:08 Finding Joy Amidst Struggles
40:57 The Power of Community and Collective Action
44:53 Recognizing Our Power and Responsibility
49:30 The Impact of Community Economics
54:33 The Importance of Unity and Continued Advocacy