"He Sold Out Harlem": Julien Segura's Blistering Critique of Al Taylor in the NY State Assembly Race

About This Episode:In this high-stakes episode of Uptown Voices, hosts Octavio Blanco and Led Black sit down with Julien Segura, a Democratic Socialist candidate running for the 71st District of the NY State Assembly. Representing the vibrant neighborhoods of Washington Heights, Inwood, and Manhattanville, Segura doesn't hold back in his critique of the long-standing political establishment.    From the housing crisis and rising rents to the controversial OnPoint safe injection sites, we dive deep into the issues that are defining the future of Upper Manhattan. Segura specifically addresses his challenge to incumbent Al Taylor, raising serious questions about residency, representation, and who really "owns" the soul of Harlem and the Heights.    Key Topics & Chapters    00:00 — Welcome to Uptown Voices: Black & Blanco Live    00:35 — Technical Meltdowns and Equipment Upgrades    01:50 — Introducing Guest Julien Segura: Candidate for NY Assembly District 71    03:33 — Julien’s Personal Connection to Uptown & Growing up in Sugar Hill    06:40 — Critique of the "Political Machine" and Opponent Al Taylor    08:00 — The 18-40 Voting Block: Why a Generational Shift is Coming    10:02 — Why Run for Public Office? From Protests to Campaigns    12:15 — The Housing Crisis: Practical Plans for Resident Retention    14:30 — AMI, Tax Incentives, and Rethinking Affordable Housing Models    16:45 — Safe Injection Sites & Harm Reduction: Taking a Village Mentality    20:55 — Accountability in Community Contracts: The OnPoint Debate    23:45 — Addressing Quality of Life: Policing, Protests, and the Middle Finger    25:40 — Respecting First Responders While Challenging Unjust Authority    29:41 — What Does "Socialism" Mean in Uptown? Universal Healthcare & Education    31:50 — Campaign Finance: Rejecting PAC Money for Local Support    33:37 — Post-Interview Debrief: Spitting Fire Against the Machine    34:06 — Support Local Cinema: "Mad Bills to Pay" Opening Weekend    36:47 — Authentic Representation: Why Independent Latino Film Matters    42:16 — Community Shoutouts: Uptown Art Stroll & NOMA Deadlines    46:25 — Cultural Spotlight: Gustavo Dudamel at United Palace Theater    49:42 — Good News for Washington Heights: Dolphin Park Reopening    52:50 — Sports Update: Knicks Victory and Uptown Energy    54:30 — Final Reminders & Closing: Spread Love the Uptown Way    Connect with Uptown VoicesUptown Voices is a collaboration with Uptown Collective, dedicated to sharing the stories of Upper Manhattan and the South Bronx. Support hyperlocal news and stay informed on the issues that matter to your neighborhood.        * Subscribe to Uptown Voices: https://www.youtube.com/@UptownVoices    * Read more at Uptown Collective: https://www.uptowncollective.com/    Support Our WorkUptown Voices is a fiscally sponsored project of the Maysles Documentary Center. Make a tax-deductible contribution to our program here: https://bit.ly/4eddiWT    #UptownVoices #WashingtonHeights #Inwood #JulienSegura #AlTaylor #NYAssembly #UpperManhattan #LocalPolitics #HousingCrisis