Uptown Voices

After years of performing in schools, libraries, and restaurants, the People's Theatre Project finally has a permanent, state-of-the-art home on 206th Street! On this special on-location episode of the Uptown Voices podcast, Led Black and Octavio Blanco sit down with Mino Lora to discuss the massive impact of this new Immigrant Cultural Center.Mino shares the incredible journey of building this space, noting that nearly 60% of the construction was done by local immigrants and Latino-owned businesses! With a restrictive declaration ensuring it remains a cultural center in perpetuity, this fully ADA-accessible space will host everything from theater and dance to civic action training. The inaugural season kicks off with Guac, a powerful, bilingual one-person show from Manuel Oliver honoring his son who was lost in the Parkland shooting.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the People's Theater and its significance02:10 The journey from community spaces to a dedicated home04:04 The theater as a symbol of immigrant resilience and culture07:07 The political and social context of the theater's opening10:27 Features of the new theater space and technical capabilities13:48 Grand opening events and community activities15:43 The inaugural production Guac and its importance18:03 The theater's role in civic action and advocacy21:37 The theater as a space for diverse stories and languages24:25 Community engagement and the future vision for the spaceSupport Hyperlocal Media: Uptown Voices is a fiscally sponsored project of the Maysles Documentary Center. Support our mission here: https://bit.ly/4eddiWT

In this episode, Armani Ortiz, Calixto Chinchilla, Led Black, and Octavio Blanco explore the evolution of Latino culture in film and music, the challenges of independent filmmaking, and the power of storytelling to unite communities. They discuss the making of the innovative one-shot reggaeton musical Otra, the importance of cultural representation, and the future of Latino musicals in Hollywood. Calixto discusses the evolution of the NY Latino Film Festival, its focus on diversity, the importance of networking, and the future of Latino cinema. They share insights on programming, the festival's impact, and upcoming projects, offering a deep dive into the cultural significance and strategic growth of the festival.Chapters:00:00Introduction to the challenge of creating a reggaeton musical00:25Introduction to the NY Latino Film Festival and its mission01:33Meet the hosts and their excitement for the festival03:08The significance of the Nueva York Latino Film Festival04:07The festival's focus on diversity and cultural representation04:36The making of Otra and its cultural importance08:06Programming process and maintaining standards of excellence09:06Music licensing challenges and artist collaborations12:03The importance of networking and community engagement12:18The layered soundscape and production of Otra13:04Celebrating Black and Latino unity in film15:51The role of shorts in discovering new filmmakers19:53The journey of Armani Ortiz from idea to screen20:17Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month through film24:00Upcoming projects and the future of the festival28:01The evolution of Latino cinema and industry insights28:53The technical feat of shooting a one-shot musical32:12Memorable moments and celebrity interactions34:49The cultural impact and future of Latino musicals36:06The festival's social media and audience engagement39:52Closing thoughts and call to action for attendeesTake Action:🔗 Want to volunteer or support our newsroom?Volunteer: https://forms.gle/Bb9FBRkGtyfHfFsB6Contribute: https://bit.ly/4eddiWT#UptownVoicesPodcast #NYLFF #LatinoFilmMusic licensed through Soundstripe.Code: VP7ZCJK15YEI4SSW

Welcome back to Uptown Voices! Riding high on their recent Pix11 broadcast debut, Octavio Blanco and Led Black sit down with a true Uptown powerhouse: Willy Rodriguez. Born and raised in Washington Heights/Inwood, Willy has built a staggering resume that spans the highest levels of both the music and television industries.In this episode, Willy traces his journey from a five-year-old classical piano prodigy playing Carnegie Hall to joining District 6’s legendary public school jazz band, Clave Azul. He shares incredible, never-before-heard stories—including the moment a 13-year-old Willy played a piano solo so good it made Celia Cruz stand up and yell "Azúcar!" and the hard lessons he learned after bombing his first gig as Tito Puente Jr.’s 19-year-old Musical Director.Today, Willy is a Secretary for the New York chapter of the Recording Academy (The Grammys), a television programmer for the WWE and the YES Network, and the co-founder of the highly anticipated International Salsa Museum. Willy breaks down exactly how independent artists can get a seat at the table at the Grammys, why NYC desperately needs a 100,000-square-foot facility to honor salsa legends, and why music education in public schools is the ultimate game-changer for our youth.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Guest Background00:26 Introduction to Willy Rodriguez and his salsa journey03:56 Willy's Roots in Washington Heights10:00 Early Musical Influences and Education19:52 The Impact of District Six and Clave Azul29:58 Performing with Tito Puente and Celia Cruz32:47 Willy's first major gig at the Copacabana33:14 Getting the call from Tito Puente Jr.33:52 Understanding Tito Puente's music and its complexity36:10 First concert with Tito Puente and lessons learned37:22 The second performance and preparation39:01 The importance of studying and mentorship39:51 Cultural Roots of Salsa and Afro-Cuban Music40:19 The role of the Recording Academy and how to join45:11 The International Salsa Museum's mission and vision49:04 Current progress and future plans for the Salsa Museum50:05 Transition from Classical to Latin Music52:27 The staying power of salsa and its global influence55:29 The connection between salsa and dance58:04 Salsa's similarities with hip hop and cultural fusion59:48 Community, Family, and Discipline in Music01:03:08 Community support and programming initiatives01:04:27 The importance of telling our own stories01:08:47 Willy's advice on continuous learning and community impact01:10:00 The Future of Salsa and Community EngagementJoin the Uptown Voices Movement: Uptown Voices is built by the community, for the community. We are telling the stories of the paradigm shifters in Washington Heights, Inwood, Harlem, and the Bronx—but we can’t do it without your backing.Invest in Independent Media: We are incredibly proud to be a fiscally sponsored project of the Maysles Documentary Center. This means any financial contribution you make is 100% tax-deductible! https://bit.ly/4eddiWT.Volunteer Your Skills: Want to get in on the ground floor of a growing media movement? We just welcomed two new volunteers, but we have room for more! If you have talents in graphic design, video editing, marketing, or community outreach, we want you on the team. Fill out the volunteer form: https://forms.gle/r9vGMDXyGRgycwrLA.Subscribe and Share: The easiest way to support us is free. Hit that subscribe button, share this episode with a neighbor, and join the conversation in the comments.Spread love, it’s the Uptown way.

Welcome to a raw, emotional, and fiercely debated episode of Uptown Voices! Octavio Blanco and Led Black are back to close out the summer with an episode that perfectly balances deep community love with hard-hitting cultural critique.Led kicks off the show with a beautiful, heartfelt tribute to his late father, Rafael Helmán Cabreja, for his 90th birthday in heaven, reflecting on the sacrifices of working-class Dominican immigrants and their unapologetic love for loud music. This seamlessly transitions into the core debate of the episode: Led’s thesis that "Noise is the new N-Word." The duo intensely unpacks a recent incident at Quisqueya Plaza where a resident attempted to shut down a community children's event with a blaring speaker. Is it just entitlement, or is it the racist policing of Black and Brown spaces by neighborhood newcomers? Led and Octavio go head-to-head on how to define and confront this gentrification tactic.The conversation then pivots to high-stakes politics. Led expresses his deep disappointment with Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s endorsement of Hakeem Jeffries, calling out the influence of dark money in the Democratic party and challenging media figures like Roland Martin.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Noise as a Social Issue00:33 Introduction: Exploring Noise, Race, and Community02:07 Community Projects and Cultural Initiatives in Uptown02:28 The Quiet Origins of Uptown and Its Transformation03:56 Upcoming Events at the People's Theater and Local Collaborations05:03 Racism, Power, and Privilege in Community Conflicts05:52 Personal Stories of Community and Cultural Impact07:59 The Role of Early Education and Arts in Youth Development08:27 The Role of Race in Perceptions of Noise and Disrespect10:09 The Power of Community Support and Local Leadership12:06 The Intersection of Race, Privilege, and Neighborhood Change12:13 Addressing Racism: Strategies for Community Building14:12 Community Responses to Noise and Cultural Expression15:43 The Impact of Political Figures and Policies15:57 The Influence of Music and Cultural Heritage in Personal Identity18:04 Community Events and the Role of Local Organizations20:07 Reflections on Family, Legacy, and Community Roots20:22 Art, Culture, and Community Identity22:07 Addressing Racism and Disrespect in Community Interactions23:34 The Future of Uptown: Challenges and Opportunities24:08 The Importance of Dialogue and Neighborly Relations25:59 The Politics of Noise and Cultural Expression28:01 Racism, Policing, and Community Autonomy29:55 Personal Experiences with Noise and Community Tensions32:09 Community Events and Cultural Celebrations34:08 The Role of Local Media and Community Narratives35:57 Balancing Cultural Expression and Community Respect38:03 The Impact of Gentrification and Neighborhood Change39:46 Community Solutions and Building Mutual Respect42:02 The Future of Uptown and Community Engagement43:48 Closing Remarks and Call for Community DialogueJoin the Uptown Voices Movement: Uptown Voices is built by the community, for the community. We are telling the stories of the paradigm shifters in Washington Heights, Inwood, Harlem, and the Bronx—but we can’t do it without your backing.Invest in Independent Media: We are incredibly proud to be a fiscally sponsored project of the Maysles Documentary Center. This means any financial contribution you make is 100% tax-deductible! https://bit.ly/4eddiWT. Volunteer Your Skills: Want to get in on the ground floor of a growing media movement? We just welcomed two new volunteers, but we have room for more! If you have talents in graphic design, video editing, marketing, or community outreach, we want you on the team. Fill out the volunteer form: https://forms.gle/r9vGMDXyGRgycwrLA.Subscribe and Share: The easiest way to support us is free. Hit that subscribe button, share this episode with a neighbor, and join the conversation in the comments.Spread love, it’s the Uptown way.

Crisis and Community Response: Councilwoman Carmen De La Rosa on Street Safety, ICE, and the Dyckman TakeoverWelcome back to a hard-hitting, deeply important episode of Uptown Voices. This week, Octavio Blanco and Led Black are joined by NYC Councilwoman Carmen De La Rosa to address the most urgent crises currently facing Upper Manhattan. From the miraculous near-miss traffic accident on Sherman Avenue to the rogue ICE operations hitting the streets of Inwood, the Councilwoman breaks down what the city is doing—and what the community must do—to protect our neighborhoods. She also reveals the behind-the-scenes political maneuvering it took to get the dangerous #DyckmanTakeover hashtag scrubbed directly from TikTok.In the second half of the episode, Led and Octavio continue the journalistic deep dive. They debate the complex realities of traffic enforcement in over-policed neighborhoods, the lingering effects of the NYPD "blue flu," and pitch actionable, community-first solutions for future Dominican Day Parade after-parties so local businesses can thrive without the chaos.Led delivers a powerful, emotional review of the groundbreaking documentary American Doctor, exploring the harrowing realities of the crisis in Gaza and U.S. complicity. Finally, Octavio drops an essential "Know Your Rights" masterclass on how ancient Habeas Corpus laws can be used to combat illegal ICE detentions.(Plus: The guys talk the best Chino Latino food in Brooklyn, shout out Classic Material, and dig into some Uptown business gossip. Is Floridita moving?)Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Uptown Community Challenges01:11 Introduction to Uptown Community Challenges12:45 Dominican Day Parade: Youth Safety & Planning19:07 Immigration Support & Community Response26:05 Hosts’ Debrief: Enforcement & Street Safety38:49 Post-Parade Safety & Community Planning48:00 American Doctor: Gaza, Media & Accountability59:54 Know Your Rights: Habeas Corpus & ICE01:08:12 Chino Latino Food & Neighborhood Finds01:11:31 Uptown Business & Neighborhood UpdatesGet Involved!Join the Uptown Voices MovementUptown Voices is independent journalism powered by the people, for the people. We are dedicated to holding power accountable and highlighting the voices that make Washington Heights, Inwood, and the Bronx so incredible—but we need your help to grow.Support Local Media: We are proud to be a fiscally sponsored project of the Maysles Documentary Center. This means your financial support is fully tax-deductible! Whether it’s $5 or $500, your contribution helps us buy equipment, cover costs, and keep local journalism alive. Support our mission here: https://bit.ly/4eddiWTAdvertise With Us: Are you an Uptown business looking to reach an engaged, hyper-local audience? We’re rolling out our advertising program. Connect with us here to sponsor an episode! https://livinamericana.com/Volunteer Your Talents: We are officially putting out a call for volunteers! Want to get in on the ground floor of a growing media movement? If you have skills in graphic design, video editing, social media marketing, or fundraising, we have a spot for you. Your sweat equity matters. Fill out this form: ⁠https://forms.gle/aq1VKctWpcuadVtDA⁠Hit subscribe, share this episode with your neighbors, and remember: Spread love, it’s the Uptown way.

It's a massive day for the culture and for Uptown Voices! Broadcasting live from a North Carolina lakefront (and surviving on decaf Earl Grey), Octavio Blanco reunites with Led Black for a special Dominican Republic edition. The hosts celebrate Dominican Restoration Day (El Día de la Restauración) and a huge milestone for the podcast: making their official broadcast debut on Pix11 during the Dominican Day Parade! Led also shares his experience celebrating at Gracie Mansion alongside Mayor Mamdani and Uptown’s brightest powerhouses.But it’s not all celebrations. Led and Octavio get into a passionate, historical, and hard-hitting discussion about the relationship between the DR and Haiti. They unpack the lingering, punitive legacy of the West following the Haitian Revolution, the dangers of right-wing rhetoric from media personalities, and why cross-island solidarity is the only way forward.The duo also addresses the elephant in the room: the chaotic post-parade "takeovers" on Dyckman Street. They debate the mob mentality, the impact on local businesses and residents' cars, and the urgent need for sanctioned, large-scale community activations. Finally, Led shares a profound review of Khalik Allah's documentary Field N****s, recently screened at our fiscal sponsor, the Maysles Documentary Center.Chapters00:00 Introduction and community spirit04:00 The power of community and political networking07:59 US foreign policy and its impact on Latin America12:01 Historical figures and their relevance today15:56 The resilience of Cuba and Latin American nations20:01 The role of technology in oppression and resistance23:56 The extractive policies and economic imperialism27:56 The importance of community organizing and activism30:02 The ongoing struggle for independence and sovereignty30:59 The role of historical memory in activism31:59 The importance of education and awareness33:06 The dangers of misinformation and manipulation34:03 The importance of media literacy and community voices35:00 The future of Latin American and Caribbean nations36:01 The importance of cultural identity and history37:08 Celebrating resilience and collective power37:55 Closing remarks and call to action40:09 Community voices and youth empowerment in Uptown41:19 Understanding the chaos and mob mentality during events42:24 Historical context of Dykeman and event evolution43:20 The impact of large crowds and social media rumors45:28 Organizing safe post-parade activations and community spaces47:23 Potential locations for post-parade celebrations50:28 The importance of controlled, strategic event planning52:33 Community activation ideas across the city55:38 Dykeman City mentality and community pride01:00:01 Personal stories and local event experiences01:05:48 Lessons learned and future planning for community safetySupport the Show:Donate: Uptown Voices is a fiscally sponsored project of the Maysles Documentary Center. Scan the QR code in our video feed to make a tax-deductible contribution today and help us build out a physical media space Uptown!Volunteer: We are actively looking for graphic designers, video editors, and marketers. Check out the QR code on the Uptown Collective or Uptown Voices Instagram pages to fill out the form.Subscribe: Hit subscribe on YouTube and share the channel. Spread love, it’s the Uptown way!

Welcome to another episode of Uptown Voices! Before Octavio heads out for a brief summer hiatus, he and Led sit down with Niall Henry, the powerhouse founder of 12 North Hospitality. If you’ve grabbed a pint or a bite in Washington Heights or Inwood recently, chances are you’ve been to one of Niall’s legendary spots: Tryon Public House, Tubby Hook Tavern, Fort Washington Public House, or Broadway Slice.In this episode, Niall breaks down the gritty reality of the NYC restaurant business. He reveals how he transitioned from a commercial banker to an uptown restaurateur and shares the secret sauce to his longevity: treating employees like family and embedding the business into the local community. Niall also opens up about the terrifying early days of the COVID-19 shutdowns, the massive challenge of rising commercial rents, and how he honors the deep Irish-immigrant roots of Inwood.Plus, stick around for a rapid-fire guide on exactly what you must order at every single one of his restaurants (Spoiler: The Wu-Tang Clam flatbread and the Tubby Hook burger are calling your name).Join the Uptown Voices Movement!Uptown Voices is growing, and we need your help to keep amplifying the people and businesses that make our community great.Volunteer With Us: Want to get in on the ground floor? We are looking for passionate volunteers to join the movement! Whether you excel at video editing, graphic design, marketing, or fundraising—even if you only have one hour a week to spare—we want you on the team. Keep an eye on our social media for the official sign-up form.Support Independent Media: Love the podcast? Consider making a contribution! You can hit the donate button on our channel or simply subscribe, like, and share this episode with your neighbors.Advertise Your Business: Are you a local business looking to reach an engaged, uptown audience? We are officially rolling out our advertising program. Send us a DM to learn how we can partner up.Follow us on YouTube, Instagram, TikTok and Facebook, and always remember: Spread love, it’s the Uptown way.

Solidarity, Safe Injection Sites, and a Pix11 Takeover: A Special Dominican Republic EditionWelcome to a monumental episode of Uptown Voices! Broadcasting live from a scenic (and surprisingly decaf) North Carolina lakefront, Octavio Blanco reunites with Led Black to celebrate Dominican Restoration Day (El Día de la Restauración). But this isn't just a history lesson—it's a massive day for independent media as Uptown Voices officially makes its broadcast debut on Pix11 during the Dominican Day Parade!In this hard-hitting episode, Led and Octavio cut through the political noise to have an honest, unvarnished conversation about Dominican and Haitian relations. They break down the divisive rhetoric of political influencers, the economic realities of the island, and the lingering, punitive legacy of Western intervention following the Haitian Revolution. It’s a powerful call for solidarity, coexistence, and recognizing that working-class people on both sides of the border share the same struggles.Back in New York, Led shares the behind-the-scenes reality of his recent appearance on CBS News regarding "On Point NYC." He argues that the implementation of safe injection sites in Washington Heights lacks necessary oversight and operates as a "Trojan horse" for gentrification, prompting the duo to announce plans for their own investigative Uptown Voices documentary.From hilarious mix-ups involving O'Doul's, Earl Grey tea, and an elderly aunt getting accidentally buzzed off a Guinness she thought was a Malta, to urgent community resources and local job openings—this episode has it all.Join the Uptown Voices Movement!Uptown Voices is built by the community, for the community—and we are just getting started. If you want to help us amplify the stories, politics, and culture of Upper Manhattan, here is how you can step up:Volunteer Your Skills: We are looking for passionate people to get in on the ground floor of this media movement! If you have talents in graphic design, video editing, social media marketing, or fundraising—even if you can only spare one hour a week—we want you. Check the Instagram feeds for Uptown Collective or Uptown Voices, scan the yellow QR code, and fill out our volunteer form.Invest in Independent Media: Achieving sustainability means we need your support. Subscribe to the channel, share the show, and consider making a tax-deductible donation so we can eventually turn these volunteer roles into paid community jobs.Advertise With Us: Are you a local business looking to reach a highly engaged, Uptown-centric audience? We are officially rolling out our advertising program! Send us a DM to secure your ad slot and keep the local economy thriving.Hit subscribe, leave a comment, and remember: Spread love, it’s the Uptown way.

Welcome back to another inspiring episode of Uptown Voices. This week, hosts Octavio Blanco and Led Black sit down with Domingo Cruz—the visionary artist behind CruDo Creates and a dedicated community advocate. Domingo is a true paradigm shifter, seamlessly blending cultural preservation with on-the-ground neighborhood empowerment.In this episode, we take you inside the Family Enrichment Center (FEC WHIN), a hidden gem and revolutionary "third space" located right inside the George Washington Bridge Bus Station. Domingo shares his compelling personal journey as a first-generation college graduate navigating uncharted educational waters, offering critical insights into the unique, AI-driven challenges facing today's youth.We also dive deep into the cultural impact of his art. From constructing intricate, miniature colmados that celebrate Dominican ingenuity, to designing a Casita de Campo that doubles as a local food pantry, Domingo’s work is a masterclass in nostalgic innovation. Plus, we settle the ultimate neighborhood debate: What exactly is the difference between a colmado and a bodega?Tune in for an inspiring conversation on honoring our elders, building your net worth through your network, and proving that true community care is the ultimate form of art.Join the Uptown Voices MovementUptown Voices is independent journalism by the community, for the community—but we cannot do it without you. We are on a mission to amplify the people making Washington Heights, Inwood, Harlem, and the Bronx better places to live, and we need your help to grow this platform.Volunteer Your Talents: We are officially putting out a call for volunteers! Do you want to get in on the ground floor of a growing media movement? If you have skills in graphic design, video editing, social media marketing, or fundraising, we have a spot for you. Even just one hour a week makes a massive difference. Your sweat equity matters. Fill out this form and tell us a bit about yourself: https://forms.gle/6CUV6bYhGzkfWtDP7Support Local Media: Not all money is good money, which is why we rely on the people, not corporate interests. We are proud to be a fiscally sponsored project of the Maysles Documentary Center, meaning your financial support is fully tax-deductible. Whether it is $5 or $100, your contribution keeps local, independent journalism alive. Click the link below to make your tax-deductible donation today: https://forms.gle/6CUV6bYhGzkfWtDP7Advertise With Us: Are you a local Uptown business looking to reach a highly engaged, neighborhood-centric audience? We are rolling out our new advertising program. Reach out to us directly to sponsor an upcoming episode and keep those dollars Uptown! Send us a DM for more info!Subscribe, share this episode with your neighbors, and remember: Spread love, it’s the Uptown way.

Welcome to August and the start of Leo season! Before Octavio and Led take a brief summer hiatus, they are bringing you a packed episode dealing with the most pressing issues and vibrant culture across Upper Manhattan. The hosts dive straight into the urgent, alarming ICE activity recently seen in Inwood, breaking down the community’s fierce pushback (shoutout to the fearless Linda!) and sharing critical "Know Your Rights" resources for all residents.Taking a look back, Led shares his "Extra-Sensory Ghetto Perception" (ESG) that has helped him capture historic Uptown moments—from the 1992 Washington Heights riots to a viral Madonna and Tokischa music video shoot. The duo also discusses the staggering influence of dark money in the Michigan Senate race, shouts out their recent guest spot on the Just Words, Nobody Cares podcast, and drops a sneak peek of next week's interview with artist Domingo Cruz (Crudo Creates). Grab a coffee at Buunni, get involved in the community, and keep your eyes open—Uptown is moving fast!

In this inspiring episode of Uptown Voices, Octavio and Led sit down with Luis Mora, the visionary director of the Bilingual Broadway Collective. Luis breaks down how his 501(c)(3) nonprofit is celebrating bilingualism in the performing arts and shares the monumental victory of licensing and translating a bilingual version of The Addams Family musical. He reveals the profound realization that making the Addams family speak Spanish perfectly mirrored the real-life Latino experience of being ostracized for being "weird."Luis opens up about his personal journey migrating from Colombia, turning the childhood trauma of translating adult news for his parents into an empowering "bilingual superpower" for his students. The trio also discusses the financial realities of Broadway ignoring the massive Latino market and Luis drops a major prediction: Washington Heights is destined to become the future hub of New York theater. Plus, get the scoop on Luis's upcoming events, including a Shakira tribute night and a Broadway dance party at the United Palace!Support Hyperlocal Media: Uptown Voices is a fiscally sponsored project of the Maysles Documentary Center. Support our mission here: https://bit.ly/4eddiWT

In this episode of Uptown Voices: Black & Blanco Edition, Octavio and Led celebrate Dominican Father’s Day and the legendary Washington Heights park reunions before diving into some heavy-hitting community issues. The conversation kicks off with a candid breakdown of Fernando Mateo’s recent social media trolling, calling out the trend of supposed leaders "punching down" on the community for simply enjoying summer traditions.The hosts then pivot to the very real and urgent crises actively threatening the standard of living uptown. Led breaks down the escalating heroin epidemic and questions the motives behind local safe injection sites, describing them as a potential "Trojan horse" for gentrification. Octavio shares his recent on-the-ground experience door-knocking with the Mayor's Office to Protect Tenants, urging the community to fight back against warehoused apartments and landlord tactics by forming tenant unions and acting as a unified class. Plus, stick around for local uptown job opportunities and a sneak peek at the brand-new segment: Taco Tuesday Uptown!Support Hyperlocal Media: Uptown Voices is a fiscally sponsored project of the Maysles Documentary Center. Support our mission here: https://bit.ly/4eddiWT

In 2009, Tomo Mori's father died. She was living in a small, expensive rent-stabilized apartment on 14th Street, working in media, watching her dream of becoming an artist recede into the category of things she'd maybe do when she was old — like Grandma Moses. Then she gave herself eighteen months. If nothing happened, she'd go back to graphic design. If something happened, she'd follow it.Something happened.Now, Tomo Mori is a painter and fiber artist based in Harlem whose eighteen-foot-high rope installation is currently on view at Columbia University's Wallach Art Gallery as part of the Children's Art Carnival exhibition — the piece so tall she had anxiety about whether it would even fit. It fit. She's celebrating.Born in Japan, trained in contemporary art before switching to video and multimedia to support her family, Tomo came to New York via CNN's graphics department — where she ran the team and met Octavio Blanco, who was then an editor at CNN Money. In 2010 she moved to Harlem, started making friends in the uptown arts community, showed her work, and never looked back.In this episode of Uptown Voices, Tomo takes Led Black and Octavio Blanco through her full story: the rope work that began the night Trump was elected in 2016 and she felt suddenly, painfully disconnected; the Japanese ritual of Shimenawa that may have planted the seed; the discovery that her grandmother's family had a rope manufacturing business ("Mom thinks I'm haunted by the ghost of grandma's family"); the carpal tunnel she developed from obsessive rope-making while her one-year-old daughter napped; the donated clothes from neighbors, friends, and strangers she weaves into her fiber art — each one remembered, each one carrying an energy.She also speaks with rare candor about the anti-Asian racism she experienced during COVID in her own Harlem neighborhood. Her response to all of it: show up to every space with a big smile, be present, be human, let time do its work. After twelve years, that neighbor finally said hello.The episode also covers the uptown arts ecosystem that welcomed her, the pickup co-op she built with performing artist moms to give herself four extra hours a week to work, the oldest tree in Manhattan in Saint Nicholas Park, and her advice — three words she returns to again and again — to every dormant artist: keep moving your hands.00:00  Cold Open 01:05  Welcome 02:10  Subscribe, Donate, Tell Your People02:32  Introducing Tomo Mori04:17  Tomo's History with Betty Blayton-Taylor06:24  From Art School to CNN07:59  Why She Came to Harlem in 201011:52  I am a Painter — Even When I'm Making Fiber Art12:43  One Teacher Shouldn't Rule Your Life14:29  Fabric Patterns Are Evidence of Joy15:41  Interconnectivity16:56  Fiber Art Using Donated Clothes18:36  Making Rope Obsessively20:24  Remembering Every Donor While Working21:05  The Beauty of Jumbled Multiculturalism26:18  Favorite Park Uptown27:25  How Harlem Changed Her Life30:12  The Mixed-Background Mom Friend Group31:39  The Uptown Arts Ecosystem32:09  How Collaboration Works in Practice 37:27  Tomo's Advice to Every Dormant Artist  38:38  Anti-Asian Hate in Harlem During COVID  40:50  Her Response: Show Up with a Big Smile  50:02  Where to Find Tomo Mori  51:33  Closing

In this Sunday edition of Black & Blanco LIVE, Octavio and Led catch up on a wild week of events, sports, and culture. Led shares the story behind his unexpected, last-minute trip to Jay-Z's historic, star-studded Yankee Stadium concert, while Octavio recovers from the summer flu. They dive into the World Cup, discussing Spain's run, the controversies surrounding FIFA, and Mayor Mamdani's deeply moving visit to Rikers Island for a watch party and high school graduation.The duo also reflects on their recent media feature with Pix11, the shifting political landscape for Dominican Americans uptown, and their commitment to giving local candidates like Darializa Avila Chevalier, Oscar Romero, and Adriano Espaillat a fair platform. Plus, don't miss the rundown of upcoming uptown events, including the Harlem Zine Lab, NoMAA studio discounts, and an incredible Wallach Art Gallery exhibit featuring early works from Jean-Michel Basquiat and Tomo Mori!

Souleo and artist Dionis Ortiz join Led Black and Octavio Blanco to explore Harlem's Children's Art Carnival. They trace its MoMA roots to its 1969 establishment by Betty Blayton-Taylor and reveal Jean-Michel Basquiat's history as an intern, illustrating how working with disabled children shaped his iconic style.Dionis shares his journey from student to steward at 62 Hamilton Terrace as the group discusses community, generational continuity, and local collaboration in the Harlem art scene.⏱️ TIMECODE CHAPTERS00:00 – Cold Open: Souleo on Basquiat's untold Uptown roots01:09 – Intro: Octavio and Led welcome the audience to Uptown Voices02:54 – Meet Souleo: Over a decade of curating underrepresented Harlem artists04:25 – The Making of Contemporary Artists: Inside the Wallach Art Gallery exhibit07:39 – Souleo's curator origins, art gentrification, and honoring his brother12:33 – Deepening scholarship: Staying out of the "blue-chip" box18:16 – The MoMA origins of the Children's Art Carnival (1942)20:01 – Betty Blayton-Taylor brings the Carnival to Harlem (1969)22:28 – Generational continuity: Dionis Ortiz's full-circle journey26:55 – The Harlem Defender zine and the Harlem Eternal exhibit31:15 – The power of hyperlocal art: Why you don't need to go downtown anymore36:26 – The Basquiat Connection: Interning in Harlem and the origins of the crown40:46 – Dionis on fatherhood, naming his son Lennox, and his unsung creative hero44:48 – Dionis's multimedia process: Cyanotypes, drawing, and found objects46:35 – The future of Uptown art: Grassroots collaboration vs. Corporate interests54:00 – Closing thoughts, URLs, and the beauty of 62 Hamilton Terrace📋 FULL SHOW NOTESAbout the Guests:Souleo (curator/writer) and Dionis Ortiz (multimedia artist/steward).Exhibitions & Events Mentioned:Children's Art Carnival: The Making of Contemporary Artists (Wallach Gallery, thru Sept 13) and Harlem Eternal (62 Hamilton Terrace, opens July 10).People & Organizations Mentioned:Betty Blayton-Taylor, Victor D'Amico, MoMA, Basquiat, Warhol, Harlem Defender, Studio Museum, Schomburg Center, NOMAA, Sugar Hill Museum, Art In Flux, Michael A. Cummings, Armando O'Lane.Connect with the Guests:Souleo: souleouniverse.com | IG: @souleouniverseDionis Ortiz: dionisortiz.com | IG: @dionis_o_studioChildren's Art Carnival: childrensartcarnival.org

The conversation begins with reflections on Father's Day, highlighting the significance of fatherhood and the impact of father figures. It then transitions into a discussion about family and the role of fathers in shaping individuals. Finally, the conversation delves into the ongoing political campaign and the use of smear tactics to influence public opinion. The conversation delves into the outsized influence of international relations in local elections, particularly in the context of the Dominican Republic and Haiti. It also explores the impact of the Knicks parade on the city of New York, highlighting the magic and unity it brought to the community.TakeawaysFather's Day reflectionsFamily and fatherhoodPolitical campaign and smear tactics International influence in local electionsImpact of international relations on local politicsChapters00:00 Father's Day Reflections01:07 Family and Fatherhood08:39 Political Campaign and Smear Tactics32:09 International Influence in Local Elections55:16 The Beauty of New York and the Knicks Parade

The conversation revolves around the upcoming event 'Conexion Dominicana' and the significance of celebrating Dominican culture and creating access to the music industry. Noel and Zeitlin share their personal journeys and the vision for the event, emphasizing the empowerment of the next generation of music industry professionals. The event details and the inclusive nature of the event are also highlighted, showcasing the impact on the community. "You don't have to be Dominican to attend! The conversation delves into the importance of Dominican culture and community, as well as the representation of Latinos and Dominicans in the industry. It also explores the unification of the Latino diaspora and the significance of preserving cultural roots while embracing diversity. After meeting Setlín and Noel, the episode shifts to other topics, including community events, challenges with public pool management, personal experiences with Highbridge, art exhibits, and the World Cup. The hosts also previewed an upcoming episode and discussed the upcoming birthday of one of the host's wife.TakeawaysCelebrating Dominican cultureEmpowering the next generation of music industry professionals Dominican culture and communityRepresentation in the industry Community events and initiativesChallenges with public pool managementChapters00:00 Introduction and Event Announcement02:59 The Importance of Conexion Dominicana06:02 Noel's Journey and Vision for the Event11:59 Zeitlin's Journey and the Event Details18:47 Inclusivity and Community Impact31:08 Dominican Culture and Representation in the Industry32:27 Unifying the Latino Diaspora01:02:40 San Juan Hill Documentary01:04:01 Harlem Summer Nights01:04:46 Challenges with Public Pool Management01:05:20 Highbridge Pool Experience01:08:36 Discussion on New York City Pools01:11:22 Personal Experiences with Highbridge01:20:16 Art Exhibits and Cultural Events01:26:00 Upcoming Episode Preview01:31:41 World Cup DiscussionSupport Hyperlocal Media: Uptown Voices is a fiscally sponsored project of the Maysles Documentary Center. Support our mission here: https://bit.ly/4eddiWT

What up, everyone! It’s Led Black and Octavio Blanco back for another episode of Uptown Voices. This week, we are shining a massive spotlight on community wellness, sitting down with the incredible Rosana Rodriguez, founder of Yogiando NYC.After struggling with debilitating PTSD, severe physical pain, and a complete loss of hope, Rosana discovered the life-saving power of meditative yoga. But she didn't stop at her own recovery. Realizing that these essential wellness spaces were often out of reach for everyday people, she built the first fully bilingual, accessible yoga practice right here in Washington Heights. Rosana holds nothing back as she shares her powerful journey from feeling like "the living dead" to becoming a beacon of healing for our doñas, our elders, and our neighborhood—plus, she drops some major news about her return to the mat!In the second half of the episode, we pivot to a raw, unfiltered Fourth of July reality check. On the 250th anniversary of the American experiment, we unpack the local "pothole politics" of NYC, the ongoing threats to working-class democracy, and why it's time to clean house in the political establishment.Real people talking real shit. Spread love is the Uptown way!🕒 Episode Chapters / Timestamps:00:00 – Intro, surviving the heatwave, & Fourth of July opening thoughts.02:09 – Welcoming Rosana Rodriguez: What is Yogiando NYC?05:13 – Breaking down cultural stigmas: Bringing yoga into the church.15:53 – "I was the living dead": Rosana opens up about her battle with PTSD and finding her purpose.18:46 – Why you don't need to be "flexible" to heal: The power of Yin and meditative yoga.21:22 – Creating a bilingual wellness space for the community.23:21 – Major Announcements: Catch Rosana at Heights Meditation & Yoga and NOMAA!26:01 – A full-circle moment: Giving back to the Washington Heights streets that raised her.35:40 – Led and Octavio transition into a 250th Anniversary political reality check.44:20 – The "twin genocides" of American history and the threat of authoritarianism.51:30 – Unpacking "individual responsibility" when the working class is being defunded.1:02:53 – Why the political establishment needs a wake-up call & the hope in local progressive wins.1:12:16 – Holding leaders accountable on global conflicts, Gaza, and corporate interests.1:30:24 – Closing thoughts: Highlighting local heroes and supporting the Uptown Voices movement.🔗 Links & Resources Mentioned:Practice with Rosana: Follow her journey and sign up for classes on Instagram at @yogiandonyc.Heights Meditation and Yoga: Catch Rosana’s Sunday classes at 875 W 181st Street.Follow Us: Keep up with the podcast on Instagram at @uptownvoicespodcast and @uptowncollective.Support the Show: Uptown Voices is a fiscally sponsored project of the Maysles Documentary Center in Harlem. All donations are tax-deductible and help us keep bringing you these crucial, community-driven conversations.Don't forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE to show that Uptown love!

This episode was recorded on Wednesday, June 25, 2026 — the first full day after Darializa Avila Chevalier's historic defeat of Adriano Espaillat in NY-13. The energy in the room is palpable from the first moment.Dr. Jose Vilson is a Dominican-Haitian educator, author, sociologist, and social media impact leader who spent fifteen years teaching sixth, seventh, and eighth grade math in Washington Heights, serving over a thousand students at a school so deeply rooted in the neighborhood that its history was married to the history of Uptown itself. He holds a PhD in sociology and education from Teachers College, Columbia University, is the author of This Is Not a Test: A New Narrative on Race, Class, and Education (Haymarket Books), and has a second book on math and teaching coming in October.He's also the person who got his blog banned from every single computer in the New York City Department of Education under Bloomberg and Joel Klein — and then wrote a bestselling book because of it.In this episode, Dr. Vilson and hosts Led Black and Octavio Blanco cover the full landscape: what the Mamdani tsunami and Darializa's win mean for Uptown's kids; the anti-Haitian smear campaign and what it revealed about Dominican identity and representation; what Darializa can actually do for education in District 6; why seventy percent of a child's test score is determined by out-of-school factors; the difference between discipline and harshness in the classroom; why New York City's schools are as racially segregated as Mississippi's — in a very specific and important way; the crisis of social media and what it's doing to middle schoolers' sense of self; what professionalism really means for teachers of color; why he spent $800 a year of his own money on classroom supplies; and why education has always been — and must always be — political.He closes with the Knicks. Of course he does.⏱ TIMECODE CHAPTERS00:00  Cold Open  —  Dr. Vilson on the difference between discipline and harshness — and what students are really seeking00:53  Welcome: The First Day of the Mamdani Era  —  Led and Octavio open on the morning after Darializa's historic win — introducing Dr. Jose Vilson01:30  Who Is Dr. Jose Vilson?  —  Led corrects Octavio: it's Doctor. Octavio doubles down on 'social media impact leader.' Both are right.03:00  The Night Before — Mamdani, Darializa & a Personal Victory  —  Jose on walking Dyckman with water bottles and Jamal Bowman last June; meeting Darializa at the National Action Network with Espaillat in the front of the room04:50  Five Hours of Sleep + a Graduation This Morning  —  Jose's son graduated this morning. Led and Octavio celebrate.05:00  Processing the Mamdani Tsunami  —  Led asks how Jose processes the anti-Haitian campaign that backfired — and what it means as a Dominican-Haitian06:02  Representation Is Not Enough  —  Jose on 15 years teaching in Washington Heights as a Dominican and Haitian: you have to put in the work. The campaign slogan can't just be 'I'm Dominican.'08:15  The Community That Rejected the Ugliness  —  Octavio on Mamdani calling out Pimentel; Jose on Uptown Community Democrats, Joanna Garcia, and the quiet progressive Dominican majority that finally got loud11:17  Why Jose Became an Educator  —  From computer science at Syracuse to NYC Teaching Fellows to District Six — and the moment he realized he wanted impact, not a coding job13:42  The Teacher Who Changed His Life — Mr. Connolly  —  The Harvard-grad eighth-grade teacher at Nativity Mission School who gave Jose a 9 out of 10: 'You're not Dr. Martin Luther King Junior'16:01  What Can Darializa Do for Education in District 6?  —  Jose's framework: help parents stress less; fix the principal-to-politician relationship; get kids out of testing mode and into the neighborhood — the Dyckman Farmhouse, El Museo del Barrio, the Cloisters20:10  The Hispanic Society Nobody Knows About  —  Led and Octavio on how many neighborhood kids had never heard of the Hispanic Society — a block away21:01  Teaching in Washington Heights for 15 Years  —  What it was like walking into that school in 2005: the kids who just needed a hug, the boys with only rage or elation as emotional options, and what he learned about his own limits25:29  Middle School Is a Fox  —  Octavio on teaching 6th-8th grade — thirty kids who each showed up with two personalities. Jose on social-emotional health and why Takis and quarter waters set kids up to fail by 9am27:47  Discipline vs. Harshness  —  The most effective teachers Jose saw were the calmest ones — firm, kind, expectation-setting. 'Most of my work wasn't teaching math. It was getting students to believe they could do it.'29:39  Social Media and the Generation He Watched Change  —  Jose started teaching in 2005 — right as social media arrived. What he saw: Snapchat in the bathroom, cyber-bullying without evidence, self-image crises, and the sex ed parallel33:47  'I'm a Big Problem' — Origin Story  —  Octavio on Jose's pinned reel; Jose on growing up darker-skinned and overweight in Dominican culture, learning to read Spanish from the Bible at four, the stepfather, and learning to take up space39:30  Taking Up Space as a Man of Color  —  Octavio on shrinking in professional settings; Jose on coming into rooms with mayors and congresswomen as an equal — Cam'ron's mirror affirmation and the introvert who turns on when the lights come on42:24  Abbott Elementary and the Resource Desert  —  Led asks; Jose reveals he spent $800/year of his own money on classroom supplies — markers, paper, printing — because his school never gave him a dime. No Donors Choose when he started.44:24  Teachers Are Rich, Right? And They Get Summers Off  —  The bit. (Jose does not let it slide.)44:41  Jose's PhD: Professionalism, Race & Why Teachers of Color Leave  —  From being told he was 'unprofessional' to Teachers College Columbia to surveying 100+ teachers across all five boroughs: teachers define professionalism by preparation, dedication, and motivation — not dominant norms49:16  Microaggressions in the Workplace Aren't Micro  —  Octavio on the lexicon used to push teachers of color out; Jose on explicit bias, how Black teachers are rated lower than white teachers using identical behaviors, and what the best principals actually do52:35  This Is Not a Test — The Book  —  The Toni Morrison rule: write the book that hasn't been written. Getting banned on every DOE computer. Twelve rejections. Haymarket Books. Bestse...

Recorded on Sunday, June 29, 2026 — one week after the earthquake of Darializa Avila Chevalier's historic primary win over Adriano Espaillat in NY-13, and in the immediate aftermath of a devastating 7.5-magnitude earthquake in Venezuela — this episode of Black and Blanco covers more ground than almost any episode in Uptown Voices history.Led Black and Octavio Blanco open with an urgent and practical segment on Venezuela earthquake relief, listing verified donation organizations including Gustavo Dudamel's UN effort, World Central Kitchen, Ricky Martin's foundation page, Direct Relief, People's Forum, and Charity Navigator's vetted list — and reminding listeners that Isla Bonita in Inwood is accepting physical donations through July. They put the earthquake in political context: the removal of Cuban doctors, the Shock Doctrine playbook of disaster capitalism, the right-wing sword of the Americas, the disturbing rise of Alofoke in the Dominican Republic, and the CIA-funded export of evangelical Christianity as a political weapon across Latin America.Then: journalist, author, and John Jay College professor Ed Morales joins the live. Morales is the author of Latinx: The New Force in American Politics and Culture and has written for the New York Times, The Nation, and The Village Voice. His new book — a deep dive into the Nuyorican 1970s covering the Young Lords, the birth of salsa, the New Rican Poets Cafe, and the Puerto Rican counterculture — is coming in September 2027.Ed came on to discuss his widely-shared Substack piece 'A Left Turn in Washington Heights: The DSA Promise and Limitations,' and the conversation that follows is one of the most substantive political discussions Uptown Voices has produced. They cover the multi-pronged reasons for Espaillat's loss (APAC, the anti-Haitian smear, a community that felt underserved); the history of how COINTELPRO and 1970s repression froze Black and Latino politics into a defensive, status-quo-protecting mode; elite capture and how corporations weaponized identity politics; why MAGA's male supremacy has a particularly dangerous appeal for men of color already experiencing real marginalization; the rent freeze under Mamdani and whether New York can be a model; whether Espaillat runs in November like Cuomo; the Letitia James and AOC contradictions; the broken promise of 'vote blue no matter who'; and where Latino politics goes from here.It closes with a shoutout to the Uptown Austral closing concert at Jackie Robinson Park — tomorrow, June 30th, featuring Reggae Wins.⏱ TIMECODE CHAPTERS00:00  Cold Open  —  Ed Morales on MAGA as male supremacy and what that means for marginalized men of color01:18  Welcome: Sunday June 29 — One Week After  —  Led wishes daughter Soraya happy 20th birthday; Octavio on a wild two weeks: Darializa win, rent freeze, and the Venezuela earthquake02:46  Venezuela Earthquake — What Happened  —  Back-to-back 7.5 and 7.6 magnitude earthquakes; 40,000 missing; the political and humanitarian context03:29  How to Help: Isla Bonita in Inwood  —  3950 Tenth Avenue, Suite B — drop off canned goods, clothes, first aid, baby formula and diapers through end of July04:37  The Full Donation List  —  Gustavo Dudamel / UN: every.org/undp; People's Forum: peoplesforum.org/vzrelief; World Central Kitchen: wck.org; Ricky Martin: rickymartinmusic.com/venezuela; Direct Relief; Charity Navigator vetted list08:45  Led on Venezuela in Political Context  —  Cuban doctors expelled, U.S. sanctions as a weapon, the Shock Doctrine of disaster capitalism moving in12:52  The Right-Wing Sword of the Americas  —  Brazil and Mexico as the last shields; the Dominican Republic as a card-carrying sword; Alofoke and the coming Trujillo 2.0 in DR16:16  The CIA Export of Evangelical Christianity  —  Liberation theology vs. Protestant proselytizers; the right-wing Christian takeover of Latin America is funded and orchestrated20:11  Alofoke Drops a Song — With Trump on a Golf Course  —  Led on the Dominican Republic's most dangerous populist: catchy song, dastardly plans, massive popularity22:50  Colombia, Peru, and the Right-Wing Drift  —  Octavio on fear, cartels, and how right-wing governments consolidate power across the region24:03  Naomi Klein's Shock Doctrine Comes to Venezuela  —  Led connects disaster capitalism, petroleum assets, and U.S. sanctions into a single coherent picture24:38  Introducing Ed Morales  —  Octavio previews the guest: author of Latinx, journalist for the Times and The Nation, John Jay professor, Substack writer25:05  Led on 'A Left Turn in Washington Heights'  —  Led on why Ed's Substack piece was the best thing he read on the Espaillat loss — and how Errol Lewis and the Amsterdam News both missed the point27:52  On 'Bloodthirsty' Mamdani and Breaking Points  —  Led on the Breaking Points podcast calling Mamdani's endorsement of Darializa 'bloodthirsty and cutthroat' — and why that framing is wrong29:47  Ed Morales Joins the Live  —  Introduction; Ed explains why he wrote 'A Left Turn': class vs. identity politics as a false binary32:00  Who Is Ed Morales?  —  Octavio on Ed's body of work: Latinx book, NYT, The Nation, The Village Voice, John Jay College32:39  Elite Capture and the Weaponization of Identity  —  Olofemi Taiwo's 'Elite Capture': how corporations and politicians captured liberation-through-identity and made it neoliberal34:39  The Multi-Pronged Reasons for Espaillat's Loss  —  APAC, the dirty smear campaign, the anti-Haitian tactics, and a community that simply felt underserved for 30 years35:54  Dominican Republic's Racism Problem — And Its Roots  —  Ed on teaching the Afro-Latinx experience at John Jay; the Haitian Revolution, Benader, and how white supremacy travels through diaspora38:09  Espaillat Lost the Black Vote Entirely  —  Led on why; Ed on whether Darializa did stronger outreach or Black voters simply voted more progressively38:27  Evangelical Christianity in Latin America  —  Ed on CIA proselytizers, the eighties crackdown on liberation theology, and the link between Protestant evangelism and right-wing politics40:32  Why Have Black and Latino Politicians Failed Us?  —  Led's central question; Ed's answer: COINTELPRO, the seventies recession, PROMESA and Puerto Rico's debt, fear of radical politics41:26  The Young Lords, Salsa and the Nuyorican 70s — Ed's New Book  —  Coming September 2027: the human stories behind the Young Lords, salsa stars, the New Rican Poets Cafe, and the Puerto Rican cou...

This is a live broadcast recorded on the night of the June 23, 2026 New York City primary election. Led Black and Octavio Blanco went live on Instagram at approximately 8:11pm — with 49 minutes left before polls closed — and kept the stream going for over two hours, watching and calling the results of the NY-13 congressional primary in real time alongside their live audience.The race: Darializa Avila Chevalier, a first-time congressional candidate and community organizer, against Adriano Espaillat, a 30-year incumbent who had represented upper Manhattan at the state and federal level since the 1990s. NBC called the race for Darializa at approximately 2:13am with 94% of votes counted: 49.3% to 45.9%, a margin of approximately 2,300 votes.What began as anxious election night commentary evolved into one of the most candid, politically substantive, and emotionally real episodes in Uptown Voices history — a two-hour document of a community wrestling with its identity, its politics, and its future.Chapters:00:00  Cold Open — Led on the La Mega Interview & the Attacks on Darializa  —  Led reacts to the harassment of Darializa on La Mega and the clown behavior of Pacha00:56  Welcome: Election Night Live Begins  —  Led and Octavio open the broadcast at 8:11pm — polls close in 49 minutes, anxiety is real01:58  The Voting Experience  —  Octavio votes at noon; polls are quiet; the humid, rainy day keeping wallflowers home02:09  IG Shoutouts — Curly T, Uptown Soccer, Dela Cruisin  —  The live audience weighs in: 'My anxiety is through the roof'02:33  What's at Stake Tonight  —  Led on why this is more than one race — APAC, the old Democratic Party, the beginning of a new era04:29  The Espaillat Campaign's Dirty Playbook  —  Octavio on thirty years in power and choosing smear campaigns over a record; the video of Espaillat, Torres, and Hakeem Jeffries05:18  Anti-Haitianism and the Dominican Reckoning  —  Led on how quickly the anti-Haitian dog whistle was pulled — and why Dominicans need a serious conversation about who we are07:08  Errol Lewis on NY1 and the Mainstream Media Blind Spot  —  Octavio on how NY1 framed Espaillat as a progressive — and missed the pulse of uptown entirely09:45  The Purity Test vs. Real Change  —  What Team Darializa and Team Mamdani are actually asking for from the Democratic Party10:15  The La Mega Interview Breakdown  —  Both hosts on the barking, the lack of decorum, and how Uptown Voices handled its own Espaillat interview differently12:09  The Ruskin Pimentel Racist Statement  —  City and State's reporting on Espaillat's senior advisor calling Darializa a tool for replacing Dominicans with Muslims and Haitians14:46  Not Both Sides — The Coordination Difference  —  Led on why the harassment is not equal: one side was coordinated from the top16:00  Led Runs into a Brother the Night Before — 'He's Finished Either Way'  —  A candid off-the-record conversation at the mayor's event with Donna Elisa and Locksmith17:10  Oscar Romero and the Vote-Splitting Danger  —  Led on why a vote for Oscar is a vote for Espaillat — and the social media influencer problem20:00  Shoutout to Maria Lizzardo / NMIC  —  Octavio plugs one of the community's great under-the-radar leaders as the live audience grows40:00  The Dominican Population Crisis  —  Led cites the CUNY Graduate Center: Dominican population in NYC down 13% from 2021 to 2024 — under Espaillat's watch43:20  The Mamdani-Darializa Displacement Myth  —  Octavio on the racist trope that Mamdani and Darializa want to replace Dominicans — already happening under Espaillat45:06  OnPoint, de Blasio, and the Midnight Approval  —  How the supervised injection facility was approved at midnight on the last day of de Blasio's term with zero community input46:27  Espaillat's #2 Donor: Real Estate  —  Led connects the dots — gentrification, real estate money, Dominican displacement47:43  Waiting for Results — Board of Elections Deep Dive  —  Led and Octavio navigate the NYCBOE website, City and State, NBC News, and NY1 simultaneously50:06  La Casa del Mofongo: No Food at Espaillat's Party  —  City and State reporter tweets there's no food at Espaillat's election night event. Where the Mofongo at?51:10  Darializa's Party at Sofrito  —  A majestic view. Doors not yet open to the public. Staff taking in the backdrop51:43  Led's Dream Slate  —  Led also pulling for Brad Lander, Raj Goyle, and clean sweeps across the board53:49  FIRST RESULTS IN — She's Ahead  —  9,264 to 9,188 with 12.9% in. Led: 'Let's f***ing go.' Octavio: 'Don't get too excited.'55:03  The Oscar Romero Math  —  With 748 Romero votes and a sub-100 vote gap — Led asks: are you a fool or a tool?56:38  Black and Blanco from Guantanamo  —  A brief detour into absurdist political humor as the results trickle in1:04:43  39% In — She Extends the Lead  —  15,201 to 15,044. Octavio: 'You're gonna have a heart attack.' Led: 'This is Game 4.'1:05:51  Real Knicks Energy  —  Octavio compares the tension to the Knicks' fourth quarter comeback mentality1:06:37  Jalen Brunson's Seven Trophies  —  A brief, joyful Knicks interlude while waiting for votes — Brunson: NBA Cup, EC MVP, Finals, Finals MVP1:07:48  Nayma Silver-Matos Result — District 31  —  Jackson 71.97%, Nayma 27.5% — Led and Octavio give her flowers for running a brave grassroots campaign1:09:38  65% In — She's Pulling Away  —  22,590 to 21,938. Octavio: 'She's more than a nose ahead now.'1:13:08  The Death of Literacy and the Discernment Crisis  —  Led on why people outsource their political opinions to influencers — and why that's dangerous1:15:24  86% In — Darializa 30,533 to Espaillat 28,570  —  The gap is widening. Octavio: 'This is starting to pull away.'1:35:52  86.56% In — The Lead Holds  —  Led nervously refreshing. The math is looking good. The community chat is electric1:36:30  The Smear Campaign ...

What does it take to go from selling weed on the corner of 139th and Broadway — dodging arrests, feeding your family, and building a street-level business empire — to running what Forbes called 'the Studio 54 of Cannabis' and opening a legal dispensary on Dyckman Street in the exact location where Dyckman Electronics stood for forty years?For Vladimir Bautista, co-founder of Happy Munkey, the answer is equal parts hustle, healing, heart, and community — and in this episode, he holds nothing back.Led Black and Octavio Blanco sit down with Vladimir for an hour-long conversation that takes us from the Dominican Bronx of the 1980s to the Forbes pages to the Dyckman Projects senior center, where Vlad once gave a presentation in Spanish on CBD to an audience of elders who used to think cannabis was the devil. The story of Happy Munkey — from a monthly gathering at 38th Street, to a seven-days-a-week cultural institution, to the Van Gogh Immersive Experience, to the Museum of Sex on Fifth Avenue, to two dispensaries in Dyckman and Brooklyn — is the story of what happens when legacy market expertise, deep community roots, and sheer refusal to quit come together at exactly the right historical moment.Vladimir speaks with rare candor about imposter syndrome in the legal market, the $35,000-a-month green tax on his Dyckman lease, driving cash to the IRS, competing with unregulated corner spots, going personally to every informal weed operator in the neighborhood before opening and asking for their blessing — and getting it. He talks about speaking at Yale, Columbia, and the biggest cannabis conference in Las Vegas, standing next to corporate executives on stage with a GED, and representing not just himself but the 40,000 people still sitting in federal prison for cannabis while companies go public on the NYSE.He also gets personal — about his single mother, growing up in one of the most cocaine-saturated blocks in Harlem, finding his lane at 16 years old, and the healing work he's doing now as an 'urban hippie' who hugs trees and goes grounding in the park as his therapy.This episode is a love letter to Uptown, to the legacy market, to everyone who got arrested for a dime bag, and to the next generation of Vladimir Ramones already in the wings. And it ends with three words that should be the Uptown motto: Choose. Happy.00:00  Cold Open  —  Vladimir on overcoming imposter syndrome and owning who you are — we're the experts01:19  Welcome + Subscribe Call to Action  —  Led and Octavio open the show, Knicks energy, and the importance of amplifying Uptown voices02:09  OG Ananobi Day is Official  —  Led announces it's officially OG Ananobi Day, declared by the Borough President — not making it up02:39  Introducing Vladimir Bautista / Happy Munkey  —  Led on Happy Munkey's decade-long impact on the cannabis landscape of New York City03:04  Vladimir on the Energy of This Summer  —  Knicks comeback, Uptown energy, and why you can never count this city out03:39  10 Years of Happy Munkey  —  The origin story — from a gathering at 38th Street in 2017 to two dispensaries approaching the ten-year mark05:06  Why This Matters More Than Money  —  Vladimir on what keeps him going: changing hearts and minds, employing people who look like him, inspiring the guy on the corner07:04  The Dyckman Electronics Legacy  —  How Happy Munkey took over the exact location of the longest-standing electronics store in northern Manhattan — and kept the plaque09:21  Vladimir's Origin Story — 139th and Broadway  —  Growing up in the Bronx with a single mother on welfare, finding his lane at 16, and why cannabis became his path away from worse things12:04  Octavio Meets Vladimir  —  First impressions, stereotypes, and why Vlad's corazon — his heart for the community — was always present even on the corner12:59  The Dominican Bronx of the 80s and 90s  —  A neighborhood he describes as the Dominican Bronx Tale — cocaine, circumstance, and 22 arrests later16:00  22 Arrests and the War on Drugs  —  How a cannabis record blocked access to universities and jobs — and why the first people in the legal industry had to be the people who suffered18:00  Building the Happy Munkey Movement  —  From monthly gatherings to seven days a week, Forbes naming it the Studio 54 of Cannabis, advocacy, Albany bus trips, COVID, and back again24:00  The Van Gogh Experience + Museum of Sex  —  How Happy Munkey brought their energy into the biggest cultural institutions — and sold them out27:00  The Decision to Go to Dyckman  —  Everyone said they were bugging — Dominicans don't have money, it's too dangerous, there are too many weed spots. They went anyway35:08  Breaking the Stigma with Older Dominicans  —  The senior center presentation at the Dyckman Projects, the community board presentation, and the moment an older Dominican woman said 'Yo quiero la crema esa'40:00  The Man on the Bike — 'Eso es del Diablo'  —  Vladimir's street-corner theology debate in Spanish — and why that dialogue is more important than the algorithm41:36  The Brutal Realities of Legal Cannabis  —  1,000-foot rules, green tax, $35,000 a month rent, no write-offs, paying the IRS in vans full of cash, and competing with unregulated spots46:51  Respect from the Street — Getting the Block's Blessing  —  How Vlad and Ramon personally visited every informal operator on Dyckman before opening and asked for their blessing — and got it50:53  New York Has More Minority-Owned Dispensaries Than Every Other State Combined  —  Why New York's legal cannabis market — despite its flaws — is the best in the country for Black and brown entrepreneurs53:05  40,000 People in Federal Prison for Weed — While Companies Go Public  —  The stat that left Octavio speechless53:52  Speaking at Yale, Columbia and Vegas — Without a High School Diploma  —  What it means to stand on the biggest cannabis stages in the world as a subject matter expert who was never supposed to be there55:47  Two Years on Dyckman: Key Business Takeaways  —  Watch your overhead, run lean, and — above all else — community beats SEO every single time1:00:00  What's Next for Happy Munkey  —  Events coming to both Dyckman and Brooklyn: Lightfoot dancers, drummers, and bringing the 38th Street energy to the dispensaries1:03:00  The Final Message: Men Lie, Women Lie, Energy Never Lies  —  Vladimir on his inner compass, the people places and things fra...

It's a new day in New York City — and Uptown Voices is here for all of it.The episode opens with hosts Led Black and Octavio Blanco still riding the high of the New York Knicks' first NBA championship in decades. From the celebrations at 181st and Cabrini to Dyckman Street to the packed subway cars after the final buzzer, they share the kind of community joy that only Uptown can deliver — and draw a straight line from Jalen Brunson's leadership on the court to the political leadership the Bronx and upper Manhattan need right now.Then: two candidates who want to bring that same energy to government.First up is Nayma Silver-Matos, a Dyckman native, youth development veteran, and caretaker who is running to represent District 31 in the New York State Senate against longtime incumbent Robert Jackson. She speaks candidly about the drug injection site debate on 190th Street, the unmet needs of working-class families in upper Manhattan, ACS oversight, and why her fifteen years on the front lines of civic life have prepared her to go to Albany and fight.Then Michael Blake — Bronx-born, Obama White House veteran, former State Assemblymember, and ordained reverend — makes his case for why he's the right person to unseat Richie Torres in NY-15, one of the poorest congressional districts in the country. Blake breaks down his platform on immigration, housing, Medicare for All, and the genocide in Gaza, and explains why he has 32 endorsements and seven labor union backers against a two-million-dollar APAC-funded incumbent.The episode closes with Led and Octavio in a wide-ranging post-interview conversation about the state of the Democratic Party, the role of foreign policy money in local races, the misinformation campaigns targeting Uptown's Dominican community on social media, and why this moment — the Knicks, Mamdani, Blake, Silver-Matos — feels like a genuine turning point for New York.This is why Uptown Voices exists. Subscribe. Vote. Spread love — it's the Uptown way.00:00  Cold Open  00:58  Welcome + Big Announcements  01:03  Knicks Champions! Led's Night in Uptown  01:53  Octavio's Night in Queens  04:56  Knicks Fan Interviews on Dyckman  05:26  Shoutout: Elizabeth Schwey / Gothamist Nutcracker Piece  06:13  Guest #1: Nayma Silver-Matos — NY State Senate, District 31  06:51  Nayma's Origin Story  10:18  From Youth Development to Albany  12:21  The Unmet Needs of District 31  15:41  The On Point Debate Continued  17:19  Nayma Returns + Closes  19:46  Nayma's Info + Handoff 20:10  Bridge: Early Voting + Eric Adams Postmortem  20:36  Guest #2: Michael Blake — NY-15, Bronx Congress  21:20  Why Congress, Why Now  22:32  The Case Against Richie Torres  23:28  Endorsements + Labor Support 26:28  Octavio Plays Devil's Advocate on Housing  28:35  Day One in Congress  31:37  How Blake Was Built for This Moment  32:55  On APAC, Faith, and Staying Strong  35:41  Blake's Info + Call to Action  36:56  Post-Interview: The Dam Is Breaking  42:43  Led Endorses Darializa Avila Chevalier  43:16  Octavio on Representation and Centering  46:02  Would We Have Ritchie Torres on Uptown Voices?  49:02  Dominican Social Media Misinformation  51:39  The Ugliness of This Campaign Season  57:29  Clean House: The Democratic Party Reckoning  59:37  Close: Go Vote, Subscribe, Spread Love  About Nayma Silver-MatosNayma Silver-Matos is a community organizer, youth development professional, and caretaker running for New York State Senate District 31, which covers Washington Heights, Inwood, and parts of northern Manhattan. She is challenging incumbent Senator Robert Jackson, who has held various elected offices in the district for decades.Website: nayma2026.com | Instagram: @NaymaSilverMatosAbout Michael BlakeMichael Blake is a Bronx native, ordained reverend, Obama White House veteran, and former New York State Assemblymember (District 79) who served six years in Albany. He is running for Congress in NY-15 to unseat incumbent Richie Torres, who has held the seat representing one of the poorest congressional districts in the country.Website: michaelblakeforcongress.com | Instagram: @michaelblakeforcongress X: @MikeBlake1922 & @MrMikeBlake | TikTok: Blake4TheBronxElection InformationEarly voting for the June 2026 NYC primary is open now. Election Day is Tuesday, June 23, 2026.NY State Senate District 31 (Washington Heights / Inwood): Nayma Silver-Matos vs. Robert JacksonNY-13 Congressional (Uptown Manhattan): Darializa Avila Chevalier — Led Black endorses on airNY-15 Congressional (The Bronx): Michael Blake vs. Richie TorresSupport Uptown VoicesSupport Hyperlocal Media: Uptown Voices is a fiscally sponsored project of the Maysles Documentary Center. Support our mission here: https://bit.ly/4eddiWT

Today, Uptown Voices steps inside a modern-day musical fairy tale born right on the pavements of Upper Manhattan and the Bronx. Hosts Octavio Blanco and Led Black roll out the red carpet for the powerhouse duo known as Uptown Royalty—composed of multi-instrumentalist/composer Ron Renaissance and elite vocalist Jodi Music.In an emotionally raw and deeply inspiring broadcast, the couple shares their decade-long journey of fusing 90s R&B vocals with authentic Afro-Cuban salsa rhythms to create a completely new genre: Electro Latin Soul. But past the explosive energy of their live 13-piece orchestra lies a profound narrative of resilience. From surviving the dangerous peak of the crack epidemic in Washington Heights to overcoming sudden open-heart surgery at age 38, and navigating childhood survival in the streets of the Bronx, Ron and Jodi reveal how public school music programs, dedicated mentors, and the primal power of rhythm literally saved their lives.⏱️ Official Chapter Time Codes00:00 — Cold Open: The King and Queen of UptownJodi and Ron break down their foundational roots—the Boogie Down Bronx and Washington Heights—and their unified mandate to unapologetically represent their culture and people on the global stage.00:36 — Introduction: A Special Episode in Historic TimesHosts Octavio Blanco and Led Black welcome viewers. Led shares a brief reflection on the generational weight of watching the Knicks push for the finals, before introducing the afternoon's exceptional guests.02:23 — Locked in ABC Studios: The 2017 Origin StoryJodi recounts the fateful 15-hour marathon recording gig in Times Square where she first met Ron, leading to a first date of salsa dancing that permanently bound their personal and professional lives together.03:34 — Crafting the Sound: "Ain't Nobody" as SalsaLed Black praises the band's viral, show-stopping salsa reimagining of Chaka Khan's classic hit. Ron and Jodi share the delicate art of balancing a real-life romance with independent music production.05:53 — Why Salsa? The Technology of Primal RhythmsA deep dive into the longevity of salsa music. Ron traces his 30-year history back to iconic NYC venues like Gonzales & Gonzales and the Copacabana, revealing how the foundational, ancestral Afro-Cuban beats transcend language barriers worldwide.07:14 — A Product of District 6: The Savior of Public School MusicRon pays tribute to the public school music programs of Washington Heights and his legendary teachers, John Faddis and Wycliffe Gordon, explaining how early access to instruments completely transformed a generation of neighborhood kids.13:56 — Genre Defiance: Electro Latin Soul & "Butterfly Dream"The duo discusses their upcoming summer project, Volume 2, and previews an upcoming original R&B single, detailing how they record late at night in their home studio once their daughters fall asleep.18:58 — Breaking the Matrix: Independence vs. The Record Label TrapOctavio raises the evolution of the independent music industry. Ron quotes a famous Jadakiss line on how corporate labels keep artists in permanent debt, prompting a discussion on why true ownership of your master recordings is everything.25:03 — The Sponsored Phoenix: The Michael Rath TromboneRon showcases his custom, blinged-out Michael Rath trombone featuring an engraved phoenix emblem, detailing what it means to be officially endorsed by one of England's premier instrument makers.26:33 — The Twilight Zone: A Shared Guardian AngelIn an unbelievable twist of fate, Jodi reveals how her surrogate "grandparents"—an Irish art teacher from the Bronx who took her in as a homeless child—turned out to be the exact same educator who secured the funding for Ron’s instruments in Washington Heights decades prior.33:59 — Live at The Hudson: Upcoming Uptown ShowsThe band announces their upcoming summer schedule, including a massive performance with Inwood Arts at The Hudson (formerly La Marina) on June 8th, emphasizing why local neighborhood gigs remain their absolute favorite venues.35:19 — Hip-Hop, Social Engineering, and the Currency of HypeLed Black brings up a poignant critique regarding how late-90s commercial rap was structurally flipped to degrade communities. Jodi highlights why choosing a message of elegance, class, and raw vocal talent is an active, revolutionary choice.39:34 — Positivity as a Lifetime Choice: The Legacy of Celia CruzJodi speaks directly to the challenge of being a touring artist while raising small children, rejecting the disposable ageism of the American music industry in favor of the lifelong respect afforded to icons like Celia Cruz.43:17 — Backstage with an Icon: Touring with Lauryn HillRon recalls the high-intensity experience of being called to play in the horn section for the legendary Lauryn Hill at the Barclays Center, tracking his career from multi-passport international tours to corporate consulting in Cabo.51:38 — The Urgent Ticker: Surviving Open-Heart Surgery at 38Ron opens up about a terrifying recent medical crisis requiring sudden open-heart surgery for two clogged arteries. He details how facing mortality gave him a relentless sense of urgency to leave no art left inside of him.54:23 — Saved by the Microphone: Surviving a Bronx ChildhoodJodi delivers a deeply moving, transparent testimony about losing her father at age nine, navigating family instability, and literally singing on New York City subway trains for survival money before her teachers stepped in.57:40 — Outro & Supporting Tax-Deductible Hyperlocal NewsThe guests share their official social handles and website, closing out with Led and Octavio's classic mantra: Spread love, it's the Uptown way.💸 Defend Hyperlocal Journalism: Support Uptown VoicesUptown Voices is entirely viewer-supported and operates as a fiscally sponsored project of the Maysles Documentary Center. Your contributions are 100% tax-deductible and ensure our independent newsroom can continue bringing you uncovered, high-stakes local arts and political coverage free from corporate compromise.Support Our Mission (Donate Safely Here): Support Uptown Voices via Maysles CenterSubscribe to the Channel: Head over to the Uptown Collective YouTube Channel and hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode.Follow Us Everywhere Else We Stream:Instagram: @uptownvoicespodcastFacebook: Uptown Voices Page

The race for New York's 13th Congressional District is no longer a foregone conclusion. 🗳️ Darializa Avila Chevalier — Afro-Latina, daughter of Dominican immigrants, longtime Washington Heights organizer, and the only woman in the country to outraise an incumbent congressional challenger in the first quarter — sits down with Led Black and Octavio Blanco for one of the most substantive conversations of this campaign. The Mamdani endorsement has changed the race. June 23rd is approaching. Nothing is off the table. 🎙️ 🏠 HOUSING — 88% of District 13 residents are renters. Apartments average $4,000/month. Rents climbed 23% in a year. Her plan: a Green New Deal for NYCHA, federally protected tenant organizing rights, and expanded community land trusts to create pathways to homeownership.🏗️ NYCHA — The district holds the highest concentration of public housing in the country. Her plan: fully fund and decarbonize NYCHA, create union jobs for residents, and eliminate the equivalent of 400,000 cars in emissions. 🛂 IMMIGRATION — Her friend Mahm Khalid was kidnapped by ICE off the streets of District 13. The congressman's office turned his family away. No corporate PACs. No AIPAC. No special interest money. 💰 CAMPAIGN FINANCE — Average donation: $55. She outraised the incumbent — the only woman in the country to do so. Her argument: organized people beat organized money. Mamdani won District 13 by 19 points. 🕊️ FOREIGN POLICY — On Gaza: "It is absolutely a genocide." On the war in Iran: sign the Block the Bombs Act day one. Her framework: babies not bombs. A billion dollars a day funds this war. That billion could fund universal childcare in New York City for a year. 💉 THE DRUG CRISIS — Safe injection sites save lives — but concentrating the only two in the country in one district is redlining. The solution: distribute them across the city and address root causes through housing, jobs, and healthcare. 📌 darielizaforcongress.com | @darielisaforny ⏱️ CHAPTERS 00:01 Welcome & the Mamdani Endorsement Game Changer 02:21 Outsider or Organizer? 14 Years in Washington Heights 03:45 The Incumbent's Absent Office — Nine Years, No Response 05:25 Housing Crisis: $4,000 Rents & the 88% Renter District 06:00 NYCHA: Green New Deal for Public Housing 09:52 Forcing HUD's Hand on the Repair Backlog 12:43 Protecting Immigrant Small Business Owners & SBA Reform 16:15 Safe Injection Sites, Harm Reduction & the Fentanyl Crisis 21:00 Led's Personal Experience: Crack Era Deja Vu 24:58 Social Safety Nets & Fighting Republican Erosion 26:13 Why Democrats Are Failing — And What Different Looks Like 27:55 Outraising the Incumbent on $55 Average Donations 29:07 Organized People vs. Organized Money — The Mamdani Model 30:44 Dark Money, Super PACs & Citizens United 33:55 Democratic Socialism: What It Actually Means 37:42 War Powers, Gaza & the Block the Bombs Act 39:05 Babies Not Bombs: A Politics of Life 40:50 "Is This a Genocide?" — She Answers Directly 42:49 The Mamdani Endorsement & the Smear Campaign 46:08 Closing: Why a Progressive Shift Is Necessary 47:49 How to Canvass, Donate & Get Involved 48:28 Dominican Mother's Day & Uptown Art Stroll June 1st 54:04 Knicks Conference Finals: Brunson, Wemby & Led's Tears 56:40 One Year of Uptown Voices 59:23 Closing: Subscribe, Donate & Spread Love 🎙️ The Uptown Collective is committed to documenting the stories, voices, and ideas that shape Northern Manhattan — with the rigor and independence this community deserves. ▶️ SUBSCRIBE: https://youtube.com/@uptowncollective?si=68xPv3IIxHrhJ2BQ 🔔 Subscribe. Like. Share. Independent community journalism depends on it. ❤️ SUPPORT UPTOWN VOICES — TAX DEDUCTIBLE The Uptown Collective Podcast is a fiscally sponsored project of the Maysles Documentary Center. Your contribution supports independent local journalism and is 100% tax-deductible. 👉 Donate: https://bit.ly/4eddiWT 📺 https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLBmbtE4yILFqSWCJtf2Day6NBwHp2FYkU Spread love — it's the Uptown way. 💙

Today, in the Black and Blanco edition of Uptown Voices we present a definitive, wide-ranging interview with New York’s 13th Congressional District Representative, Adriano Espaillat. From a childhood overstaying a tourist visa to ascending to the powerful House Appropriations Committee, Espaillat’s 40-year climb up the political ladder is a cornerstone of Upper Manhattan's modern history.But in 2026, the neighborhood faces an acute economic squeeze, shifting voting demographics, and immense global pressure. Hosts Octavio Blanco and Led Black push past the regular talking points, pressing the Congressman on the issues hitting the community hardest: $4,000 average rents, localized safe-injection site saturation, campaign contributions from AIPAC, and the unfolding military escalation abroad. It is a raw, essential conversation tracing the fault lines between the old guard and a fierce new generation of uptown voters.⏱️ Official Chapter Time Codes00:00 — Cold Open: The War in Iran & "Block the Bombs"00:49 — Introduction: The Voice of Uptown02:33 — Forty Years on the Frontlines: The Crack Epidemic04:10 — Going Viral & Disrupting the DNC Establishment06:06 — Grassroots Ties: The Battle of Cooper Street11:37 — The Power of the Purse: Inside the House Appropriations Committee15:18 — Legacy Wins: In-State Tuition for Undocumented Youth17:13 — The Congressional Hispanic Caucus & Pushing Back on Trump20:18 — The Rent Crisis: Real Estate Donors and Affordability24:40 — Safe Injection Sites and the "Redlining" of Washington Heights30:23 — Protecting the Undocumented & The Push to Abolish ICE32:38 — Gaza, Apartheid, and the Fight for a Two-State Solution35:53 — Campaign Finance: AIPAC Money and Dark Slush Funds39:03 — Personal History: The Vietnam Draft and Anti-Interventionism41:52 — Caribbean Sovereignty: The Cuban Embargo & Arms Sales43:54 — Closing Argument: A Message to the 22-Year-Old Voter47:21 — Unfinished Business: Preventing the Third Wave of Gentrification48:30 — Outro & Supporting Hyperlocal Media💸 Defend Hyperlocal Journalism: Support Uptown VoicesUptown Voices is entirely viewer-supported and operates as a fiscally sponsored project of the Maysles Documentary Center. Your contributions are 100% tax-deductible and ensure our independent newsroom can continue bringing you uncovered, high-stakes local political coverage.Support Our Mission (Donate Safely Here): https://bit.ly/4eddiWTSubscribe to the Channel: Head over to the Uptown Collective YouTube Channel and hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode.Follow Us Everywhere Else We Stream:Instagram: @uptowncollectivFacebook: Uptown Collective Page

One year ago, Uptown Voices launched their first episode with NOMAA. Now, for their anniversary, Led Black and Octavio Blanco return — this time live inside the breathtaking Sorolla Gallery at the Hispanic Society Museum in Washington Heights.Joined by NOMAA Executive Director Niria Leyva Gutiérrez and Uptown Art Stroll Director Martin Collins, this is a deep, joyful, urgent conversation about art, community, resilience, and what it means to build something beautiful when so much feels uncertain.The Uptown Art Stroll's 24th year. And it has never felt more necessary.🎨 UPTOWN ART STROLL 2026 — ALL OF JUNE40 exhibitions. Open studios. Monday concerts. Walking tours. Free events. Community buy-in from local businesses across West Harlem, Washington Heights & Inwood. A 72-page printed guide with QR code linking to the full online calendar.🖼️ AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL? — JUNE 5THNOMAA's new exhibition opens Friday, June 5th, 6–8 PM at 176th & Broadway. 46 artists. 35% brand new to NOMAA. Art that asks: Where are we? Who are we? What is this grand experiment called America?🎵 MONDAY EVENING CONCERTSJune 1st — Opening at Audubon Terrace | Langston Hughes QuartetJune 8th — Et A Aguilar & the String Beans at Dyckman FarmhouseJune 15th — Berta Marino quintet at Cabrini Shrine LawnJune 22nd — Kumba Karey at Montefiore Square Park, 137th & BroadwayJune 29th — FINALE: Reg Wins at Jackie Robinson Park Band Shell🏆 2026 NOMAA HONOREESMichael Palma | Joyce Adewumi | Morris-Jumel Mansion | Myra Lenaris | Ronaldo Garcia Pantaleon🎟️ OPENING RECEPTION — JUNE 1ST, 6–8:30 PMHispanic Society Museum & Academy of Arts and Letters, Audubon Terrace. FREE. Open to the public. Rain or shine.💙 NOMAA MEMBERSHIP — $50, TAX DEDUCTIBLEAccess to all programs, NOMAA Labs (free with membership), studio rentals, grants, and special events. Join at nomaanyc.org📌 nomaanyc.org | @nomaanyc on Instagram & Facebook⏱️ CHAPTERS00:00 "Happy Defiance" — Arts in a Time of Uncertainty00:59 Welcome: One-Year Anniversary in the Sorolla Gallery01:37 Octavio on the Hispanic Society — Uptown's Hidden Gem03:00 Niria's Journey: From Graduate Student to NOMAA Director05:46 Martin's Story: Born & Raised, 24 Art Strolls Deep07:27 The Audubon Terrace — Open Every Day07:58 A Night at the Palace: NOMAA's Annual Gala10:21 Arts Funding in the Current Political Climate11:36 Community Buy-In: Local Businesses Are Showing Up12:47 From 24 Pages to 72: The Growth of the Stroll Guide13:15 What to Expect at the 24th Uptown Art Stroll15:15 Renewal, Purpose & Why This Moment Feels Critical17:46 America the Beautiful? — The Exhibition & the Question Mark20:16 Multi-Generational Artists at NOMAA22:20 Marta Blair: First Two-Time Grand Prize Poster Winner24:07 "Happy Defiance" — Why NOMAA Wasn't Afraid to Make a Statement27:31 Planning the Stroll: Starting in August for the Following Year31:06 Monday Evening Concerts: Full Schedule32:12 The Uptown Art Scene — What Makes It Different35:12 The Urgency: Grant Requests 4x More Than Available Funds37:34 How Artists Sell Their Work During the Stroll40:29 The Origin Story: As Grassroots as It Gets41:45 NOMAA as the Engine, Not the Driver45:46 46 Artists at America the Beautiful? | June 5th Opening47:10 Life Flourishing in the GWB Bus Terminal49:14 Hamilton Grange, Dyckman Farmhouse & More50:12 The 72-Page Guide: Why Print Still Matters51:57 Fireworks Over Yankee Stadium: A Founding Memory56:08 The 2026 Honorees58:25 How to Find NOMAA & Show Up June 1st59:13 The Origin of Uptown Voices: Two Guys Arguing on a Sidewalk01:01:53 NOMAA Membership: $50, Tax Deductible, Open to All01:03:22 NOMAA Studios: Four Spaces, All Disciplines01:05:24 Tom Sanford's Installation at the Hispanic Society01:06:38 Closing: Support Uptown Voices & Spread Love🎙️ The Uptown Collective documents the culture, community, and voices that make Northern Manhattan one of the most extraordinary places in the world.▶️ SUBSCRIBE: https://youtube.com/@uptowncollective?si=68xPv3IIxHrhJ2BQ🔔 Hit the bell. Like. Share. It costs nothing and means everything.❤️ SUPPORT UPTOWN VOICES — TAX DEDUCTIBLEThe Uptown Collective Podcast is a fiscally sponsored project of the Maysles Documentary Center — your contribution is 100% tax-deductible.👉 Donate: https://bit.ly/4eddiWT📺 https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLBmbtE4yILFqSWCJtf2Day6NBwHp2FYkUSpread love — it's the Uptown way. 💙

What does it look like when someone takes everything life threw at them — homelessness, single motherhood at 19, a stage two cancer diagnosis — and turns it into fuel to transform an entire community?Meet Zulaika Velazquez.In this episode of Uptown Voices, Led Black and Octavio Blanco sit down with one of Northern Manhattan's most extraordinary educators, directors, and community builders. Zulaika is a South Bronx native, Juilliard-trained, and the woman who produced In the Heights at George Washington High School — with Lin-Manuel Miranda, Jon M. Chu, and Warner Brothers in the audience. But this conversation goes far deeper than theater.🎭 DISTRICT 6 SHOWCASE — MAY 29TH AT UNITED PALACE750 students, K–12, from 37 schools. Free, open to the public. Art exhibit from 4 PM, performances 5–7 PM. The only district-wide production of its kind in the country.🏫 THERE ARE NO BAD KIDSWhy labeling schools and students ignores the real story — underfunded classrooms, overcrowded schools, and kids reacting to their circumstances. Change the resources, change the outcomes.🌎 ARTS AS LANGUAGE ACQUISITIONKids who didn't speak a word of English performed a full two-hour production in English at United Palace by year's end. The method works.🎬 IN THE HEIGHTS AT GWWhile on chemo, Zulaika produced In the Heights at GW with a 250-person waiting list. Lin-Manuel Miranda, Jon M. Chu, and Bette Midler's team were in the house. It made Oprah Magazine.🎓 GETTING UPTOWN KIDS INTO SPECIALIZED HIGH SCHOOLSWhy performing arts schools are harder to get into than Stuyvesant — and how to level the playing field.🤖 ARTS IN THE AGE OF AIWhy humanities, critical thinking, and storytelling are the skills AI can't replace.🗳️ CIVIC EDUCATION IN THE CLASSROOMHow Zulaika navigates politics with students — research the platforms, register to vote, understand why local elections matter most.📌 [email protected]⏱️ CHAPTERS00:00 There Are No Bad Kids — Opening Statement01:08 Welcome & Subscribe Reminder02:06 Introducing Zulaika Velazquez04:12 District 6 Showcase at United Palace05:27 750 Students K–12: The Scale of It06:19 Respecting Every Artist's Work07:41 The Jukebox Musical Format Explained08:12 The Only Production of Its Kind Nationwide09:05 How It Started in 201710:46 Free & Open to the Public — May 29th Details12:10 From South Bronx to Juilliard14:12 Opera, Word Painting & Why She Left Classical17:38 Vagina Monologues in Spanish & Arts as Activism18:05 Language Acquisition Through Musical Theater19:01 Full English Musical With Non-English Speakers20:06 Getting Uptown Kids Into Specialized High Schools22:01 Theater as Community Space at GW22:20 In the Heights at George Washington High School35:08 Stage Two Cancer & the Kids Who Showed Up37:00 Warner Brothers, Lin-Manuel Miranda & Jon M. Chu39:35 Oprah Magazine & Breaking the Internet40:57 Latin Grammy Foundation & $40K in Instruments42:50 LaGuardia vs. GW: The Real Competition46:20 Arts in the Age of AI47:07 Saving Lives: Newly Arrived Students & Changed Trajectories48:09 When the System Fails Newly Arrived Students52:28 Student Strikes, Civic Power & Social Activism56:28 How to Get Teenagers to Listen58:00 The NYC Subway Metaphor for Life01:02:20 Students, Trump, Andrew Tate & Open Conversations01:05:51 Research the Platforms, Register to Vote01:08:54 The Student Who Was Homeless & Became Pro-Trump01:09:31 Making Better Human Beings Through Art01:10:29 How to Reach Zulaika & May 29th Details🎙️ The Uptown Collective documents the culture, community, and voices that make Northern Manhattan one of the most extraordinary places in the world.▶️ SUBSCRIBE: https://youtube.com/@uptowncollective?si=68xPv3IIxHrhJ2BQ🔔 Hit the bell. Like. Share. It costs nothing and means everything.❤️ SUPPORT UPTOWN VOICES — TAX DEDUCTIBLEThe Uptown Collective Podcast is a fiscally sponsored project of the Maysles Documentary Center — your contribution is 100% tax-deductible.👉 Donate: https://bit.ly/4eddiWT📺 https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLBmbtE4yILFqSWCJtf2Day6NBwHp2FYkUSpread love — it's the Uptown way. 💙

What does it take to build a 30-year career in tech, media, and social media before anyone else in your community even knew those were careers? Ask George Torres — the Urban Jibaro.In this episode of Black & Blanco Uptown Voices, Led Black and Octavio Blanco sit down with George Torres, a true Latino pioneer in the digital space. George created the first Latino blog on the internet in 1997 — before social media, before smartphones, before most people had a computer at home. Three decades later, he's still ahead of everyone.This conversation is essential listening for creators, entrepreneurs, podcasters, and anyone building a personal brand in the digital age.🖥️ THE FIRST LATINO BLOG (1997) — George built Sofrito for Your Soul on GeoCities and grew it into an international audience before most people had internet at home.🏷️ PERSONAL BRANDING — He's worked with Lin-Manuel Miranda, HBO, Disney, CNN, JetBlue, Fat Joe, Angie Martinez, John Leguizamo, Hot 97, and Univision. Most people don't know it. He breaks down why staying humble is leaving money on the table.📱 THE FUTURE OF THE CREATOR ECONOMY — Big corporations are outsourcing. Individual creators are filling the gap. George explains what that means for anyone building right now.💰 KNOW YOUR WORTH — The story of running a Twitter campaign for Top Five and discovering he was charging 10 times less than the actual budget.🏥 THE HOSPITAL BED CAMPAIGN — Hired as a COVID spokesperson, George tested positive before launch. He ran the campaign from a hospital bed, brought in Fat Joe, DJ Khaled, Angie Martinez & Led Black — and won a Telly Award in eight weeks.🧠 MENTAL HEALTH IS YOUR BUSINESS PLAN — Siembra Connect puts mental health, community, and mutual aid at the center of the creator economy.📌 siembraconnect.com | @siembraconnect on Instagram and Threads⏱️ CHAPTERS00:00 Mental Health, Creator Burnout & Siembra Connect Intro01:15 Welcome: George Torres, the Urban Jibaro02:02 How Octavio, Led & George Have Always Moved Together03:34 The Howard Beach Bias Incident of 198605:50 Meeting Richie Perez & the Young Lords06:56 What Is a Jibaro? Brooklyn Meets Puerto Rican Roots08:23 The First Latino Blog on the Internet (1997)10:12 GeoCities, Sofrito for Your Soul & Going International12:29 The Nassau County Museum of Art & Latino Masters Expo13:58 How George Started Building Websites to Keep the Lights On15:16 MiGente.com & the Rise of Latino Social Media34:02 What's Next for Social Media & the Creator Economy36:09 Why Uptown Collective's Framework Could Work Anywhere37:29 The Top Five Twitter Party & the $500 vs $5,000 Lesson40:20 Speed, Reputation & Being the A-Team of Social Media41:35 Running a Telly Award Campaign From a COVID Hospital Bed44:05 Fat Joe, DJ Khaled, Angie Martinez & Latinos Out Loud45:06 Claiming Your Genius: Stop Letting Others Hold Your Awards47:37 Personal Branding, Latino Identity & the Politics of Self48:33 The Projects Nobody Knows: UN, HBO, Disney, JetBlue & More51:27 The Charlamagne Lesson: Don't Lose Your Community Chasing Bigger53:08 LinkedIn, Photo Ops & Why You Have to Talk About Yourself55:00 Brands, Politics & Why Your Business Is Not a Megaphone59:39 The My Pillow Warning: When Politics Destroys a Brand01:04:18 COVID Backlash, Remdesivir & Speaking Up Anyway01:06:52 Respecting Your Community With Real Health Information01:09:42 Creator Isolation & How Siembra Connect Breaks Through It01:10:33 The Convite: A Community Gathering for Creators01:13:49 Siembra Connect: Teaching From Experience, Not From a Guru01:14:35 George's Offer: A Fireside Chat in Washington Heights01:15:11 How to Find George Torres & Siembra Connect01:15:35 Closing: Community Is More Than Business🎙️ The Uptown Collective documents the culture, community, and voices that make Northern Manhattan one of the most extraordinary places in the world.▶️ SUBSCRIBE: https://youtube.com/@uptowncollective?si=68xPv3IIxHrhJ2BQ🔔 Hit the bell. Like. Share. It costs nothing and means everything.❤️ SUPPORT UPTOWN VOICES — TAX DEDUCTIBLEThe Uptown Collective Podcast is a fiscally sponsored project of the Maysles Documentary Center — your contribution is 100% tax-deductible.👉 Donate: https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/CJ5HJSZ2JF97SSpread love — it's the Uptown way. 💙

Another Sunday, another dose of real talk from Uptown. In this episode of Black & Blanco Uptown Voices, Led Black and Octavio Blanco cover everything happening on the ground in Washington Heights, Inwood, Harlem, and the South Bronx — from the fight to keep rents frozen, to the arts events you need to know about, to the quality of life battles playing out on the streets of Northern Manhattan.This is what community media looks like. Unfiltered. Hyper-local. And always Uptown.🏠 THE RENT IS TOO DAMN HIGH — ACT NOWThe NYC Rent Guidelines Board is holding public hearings and a rent freeze is on the table. Register to testify or volunteer to canvass your neighbors.👉 rentguidelinesboard.cityofnewyork.us | organize.nyc.gov🎨 UPTOWN ARTS STROLL KICKOFF — JUNE 1STLed and Octavio recap their live anniversary episode from inside the Sorolla Gallery at the Hispanic Society. The Uptown Arts Stroll kicks off June 1st at the Audubon Terrace — plus their second annual unofficial after party at Hilltop Ale House.🖼️ NOMA & THE ARTS ECOSYSTEMAdrian Miranda's screenwriting & acting workshops at NOMA Studios, the Emmett Cohen jazz event at Harlem School of the Arts, the America the Beautiful exhibition opening June 5th, and Art in the Garden at the Ring Garden on Dyckman (submissions close May 31st).📸 FREE HEADSHOTS — INVEST IN YOUR BRANDWest Harlem Arts Alliance, NOMA, OLA & Corazón are offering pro headshot sessions June 13th at NOMA Studios for $50. A game changer for any creator or entrepreneur.💰 WEST HARLEM DC GRANTS — $5K TO $30KCommunity Benefits Grants available for 501(c)(3) organizations serving West Harlem. Deadline: June 5th. 👉 westharlemdc.org🚮 QUALITY OF LIFE: GARBAGE, POOP & THE DRUG CRISISLed and Octavio get real about the open air drug corridor in the 180s, the need for more trash cans, and why this needs a multi-agency response.🌉 TRANS-MANHATTAN EXPRESSWAY: CONCRETE IS FALLINGA dash cam video went viral after concrete fell from the ceiling of the expressway. An infrastructure alarm that needs urgent attention.🏀 KNICKS CONFERENCE FINALSThe Knicks are in it and Led is fired up. Shoutout to Baka Backpages pop-up at 147 Orchard Street for the merch.🏘️ COMMUNITY BOARD 12 & THE DOLPHIN PARK VICTORYHow community organizing pushed the Port Authority to finally reopen Dolphin Park after a decade of it sitting locked and empty.⏱️ CHAPTERS00:00 The Rent Is Too Damn High — Register Now01:12 Welcome & Summer Vibes in the Heights02:05 Street Life, Safety & the Coming Summer03:17 Trans-Manhattan Expressway: Concrete Is Falling05:28 Fort Washington Corridor & the Drug Crisis08:32 Live at the Hispanic Society: Anniversary Episode Recap10:12 Inside the Sorolla Gallery — What Makes It Special13:10 The History of the Hispanic Society & Samuel Huntington15:08 Uptown Arts Stroll Kickoff June 1st & the After Party16:11 Support Uptown Voices: Tax-Deductible Contributions18:50 Why This Work Matters: Community, Connection & Growth19:03 NOMA: The Northern Manhattan Arts Alliance Deep Dive22:36 Emmett Cohen Jazz & Harlem School of the Arts23:19 Art in the Garden — Submissions Open Until May 31st25:01 Think Globally, Act Locally: The Uptown Philosophy27:35 The Battle for Uptown — Why Hyper-Local Media Matters29:21 West Harlem Arts Alliance: Headshots, Walking Tours & More32:13 Free Walking Tours of West Harlem with John Reddick33:29 Rent Guidelines Board: How to Make Your Voice Heard36:33 How to Register & Testify at the Public Hearings42:14 West Harlem DC Grants ($5K–$30K) — Apply by June 5th44:06 Pick Up Your Dog Poop — A Community Call to Action45:06 City Council's Trash Bag Bill & the Garbage Crisis47:25 Accountability: Us AND the City Need to Do Better50:12 The Drug Corridor, Blight & a Multi-Agency Response51:35 Carmen De La Rosa & the Uptown People's Project52:30 Community Board 12 & the Dolphin Park Victory58:16 Why the Community Board Is Your Most Underrated Tool59:24 Knicks Conference Finals & Baka Backpages Pop-Up01:01:00 Shoutouts & Closing🎙️ The Uptown Collective documents the culture, community, and voices that make Northern Manhattan one of the most extraordinary places in the world.▶️ SUBSCRIBE: https://youtube.com/@uptowncollective?si=68xPv3IIxHrhJ2BQ🔔 Hit the bell. Like. Share. It costs nothing and means everything.❤️ SUPPORT UPTOWN VOICES — TAX DEDUCTIBLEThe Uptown Collective Podcast is a fiscally sponsored project of the Maysles Documentary Center — your contribution is 100% tax-deductible.👉 Donate: https://bit.ly/4eddiWTSpread love — it's the Uptown way. 💙

In this episode of Black & Blanco / Uptown Voices, Led Black and Octavio Blanco open on Mother's Day with love for the mothers who hold it all together — then get into the real issues facing uptown.The Dyckman Street fire weighs heavy on this episode. Three lives lost, over 100 residents displaced, and a landlord — Jack Bick of Jan Jan Realty — who was already on the Public Advocate's list of the 100 worst landlords with over 1,000 fire and safety violations across his properties. Led and Octavio don't mince words: negligence this severe isn't just a housing violation, it's a matter of life and death. They play a clip of Council Member Carmen de la Rosa, who was on the ground within hours of the fire, and share resources for how listeners can still help displaced neighbors.From there, the conversation expands into the class warfare playing out across New York City and the country — from the Mamdani pied-à-terre tax and Ken Griffin's $238 million penthouse, to Trump's billion-dollar White House ballroom while SNAP benefits and Medicaid are being gutted. Led and Octavio connect the dots between predatory landlords, billionaire tax avoidance, and the slow displacement of the people who built and sustain this city.They also cover the rent guidelines board's upcoming public hearings — where a rent freeze is still on the table — and encourage listeners to make their voices heard before the June votes.On a brighter note: the Washington Heights Chamber of Commerce Policy Breakfast was a hit, with hundreds in attendance at the Armory. Uptown Voices celebrates becoming a fiscally sponsored project of the Maysles Documentary Center. And Octavio gives a glowing review of the New York Philharmonic and Rubén Blades bringing salsa and symphony together at United Palace. Plus: Knicks playoff talk, bodega electricity bills, and why you should be buying your coffee at Boonie, not Starbucks.In this episode:Remembering the victims of the Dyckman Street fire and how to helpLandlord accountability: Jan Jan Realty and the city's responseThe Mamdani pied-à-terre tax and the billionaire backlashTrump's billion-dollar ballroom vs. cuts to Medicaid and SNAPNYC Rent Guidelines Board hearings — how to participateWashington Heights Chamber of Commerce Policy Breakfast recapRubén Blades + NY Philharmonic at United PalaceKnicks playoff feverHow to help displaced Dyckman fire residents:NMIC — 45 Wadsworth Avenue (call first)Holy Trinity Church (call first)Community Board 12 — 530 West 166th St, 212-568-8500Assemblymember Manny De Los Santos — 210 Sherman Ave, Suite A&CCongressman Adriano Espaillat — 720 West 181st St, 212-497-5959Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal — 431 West 125th St, 212-531-1609Council Member Carmen de la Rosa — 618 West 177th St, 917-521-2616State Senator Robert Jackson — 5030 Broadway, Suite 701, 212-544-0173Rent Guidelines Board public hearings: rentguidelinesboard.cityofnewyork.us Hearing dates: June 4, June 8, June 11, June 16Subscribe to Uptown Voices / Uptown Collective on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@uptowncollective?si=XIBtEAFy9VEo9ei4Support Uptown Voices — a fiscally sponsored project of the Maysles Documentary Center. Your contribution is tax-deductible: https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/CJ5HJSZ2JF97S00:00 — Happy Mother's Day: Shoutouts & Love for the Mothers03:00 — Dyckman Street Fire: Lives Lost & Community Response06:10 — Carmen de la Rosa Clip: Leadership on the Ground09:00 — How to Help: Donation Sites & Resources for Displaced Residents13:50 — Led Speaks: The Reality of Being Displaced15:30 — Landlord Accountability: Jan Jan Realty & 1,000 Violations18:00 — HPD & the Mayor's Response to Unsafe Housing19:40 — Washington Heights Chamber of Commerce Policy Breakfast Recap21:30 — Jackie Aleman Clip: Chamber Leadership & 501c3 Restoration24:00 — Small Business Struggles: Rent, Electricity & Tight Margins27:10 — Uptown Voices Anniversary: Live Recording at the Hispanic Society30:00 — The Sorolla Gallery & Hidden Gems of Washington Heights33:00 — Buy Local: Skip Starbucks, Support Boonie33:30 — Support Uptown Voices: YouTube & Tax-Deductible Donations37:00 — Class War: Mamdani, Ken Griffin & the Pied-à-Terre Tax40:00 — The Billionaire Exodus Myth: Who's Really Leaving New York44:20 — Trump's Billion-Dollar White House Ballroom48:45 — The Met Gala, Wealth & People Power52:25 — NYC Rent Guidelines Board: How to Make Your Voice Heard56:00 — Knicks Playoff Talk: Sweep Season & Joel Embiid's Flopping1:00:40 — Rubén Blades & the NY Philharmonic at United Palace1:03:00 — Closing: Spread Love, It's the Uptown Way

Former U.S. Ambassador to Spain and White House Chief of Staff to Dr. Jill Biden, Julissa Reynoso, shares how growing up in the South Bronx and Washington Heights shaped a trailblazing career in law, diplomacy, and now — playwriting.What does it take to go from a seven-year-old immigrant arriving in the South Bronx to serving as U.S. Ambassador to Spain and Chief of Staff to the First Lady of the United States? For Julissa Reynoso, the answer lies in the streets of New York City, a relentless commitment to community, and the belief that government can — and must — be a force for good.In this landmark episode of Uptown Voices, hosts Octavio Blanco and Led Black sit down with Ambassador Reynoso for a wide-ranging conversation that takes us from Dominican Republic to the halls of the Obama and Biden White Houses. We explore how advocating for immigrant rights at the Northern Manhattan Immigrant Rights Coalition shaped her legal and diplomatic instincts, how the diversity of New York City became her first classroom in international relations, and why she chose to tell her high-stakes diplomatic story through the unexpected medium of theater.Ambassador Reynoso opens up about her play Public Charge, which chronicles her experiences during the Obama administration — including navigating the 2010 Haiti earthquake response and the secret negotiations that helped reestablish U.S.-Cuba ties. She also speaks candidly about the current political climate, the targeting of immigrant communities, the prospect of military action against Cuba, and the timeless advice she offers to young people of color who find themselves as the only one in the room.This is an essential listen for anyone who believes that where you come from doesn't limit where you can go.⏱ TIMECODE CHAPTERS00:00  Cold Open  —  Ambassador Reynoso on the immigrant community and the responsibility we share00:58  Welcome & Show Milestones  —  Host Octavio Blanco announces 500-subscriber goal and fiscal sponsorship by Maysles Documentary Center03:05  Introducing Ambassador Julissa Reynoso  —  From Dominican Republic to Washington Heights — a daughter of uptown03:55  From the Heights to the Heights of Diplomacy  —  Led Black asks: How does a girl from DR rise to the pinnacle of leadership?05:27  Growing Up in the South Bronx  —  Arriving in New York City in 1982 — the neighborhood that shaped a worldview06:15  Washington Heights & Columbia Law School  —  Moving uptown, building community roots, and discovering foreign policy07:17  Advocating for Immigrant Rights at NMCIR  —  How frontline legal work for neighbors fueled a life of public service09:01  From Diplomat to Playwright  —  The story behind Public Charge and why theater was the right vehicle11:54  Why Theater Over a Memoir?  —  The power of live performance and the transformation of storytelling on stage13:05  Street Smarts & Secret Diplomacy  —  How New York City life prepared her for high-stakes international negotiations15:11  Government as a Force for Good  —  Can we still believe in public service? Staying optimistic under the Trump administration16:00  The Immigrant Community Today  —  Profiling, targeting, and discrimination — and the collective responsibility to do better17:07  Cuba at the Brink  —  The Senate's blocked war powers resolution and what military escalation means for the Caribbean19:45  Chief of Staff to Dr. Jill Biden  —  Living through COVID-19 and January 6th — and what she gained from the East Wing21:05  Advice for Young People of Color  —  On imposter syndrome, humility, relationships, and showing up in rooms where you're the only one23:21  Closing & Final Words  —  Gratitude, encouragement, and a call to subscribe and support Uptown Voices📋 FULL SHOW NOTESAbout Ambassador Julissa ReynosoJulissa Reynoso is a Dominican-American lawyer, diplomat, and now playwright who has served at the highest levels of the U.S. government. Born in the Dominican Republic, she immigrated to the United States at age seven, settling first in the South Bronx before later moving to Washington Heights when she attended Columbia Law School.Her career spans community legal advocacy, presidential appointments, and international diplomacy. She served as U.S. Ambassador to Uruguay during the Obama administration, and was later appointed U.S. Ambassador to Spain and Andorra by President Biden — one of the most significant diplomatic postings in the Western world. Before that posting, she served as Chief of Staff to First Lady Dr. Jill Biden during one of the most turbulent periods in modern American history, encompassing the COVID-19 pandemic and the January 6th Capitol attack.Her play, Public Charge, draws on her firsthand experience navigating U.S. foreign policy during the Obama years, including the U.S. response to the 2010 Haiti earthquake and the groundbreaking secret negotiations that led to the reestablishment of diplomatic ties with Cuba.Key Themes in This EpisodeThe immigrant experience as preparation for global leadershipHow New York City's radical diversity is a masterclass in diplomacyUsing the arts to tell complex, underrepresented storiesThe power and limits of U.S. foreign policy in Latin America and the CaribbeanStanding firm as a woman of color in predominantly white spacesWhy humility and long-term thinking matter more than quick winsThe ongoing struggle for dignity and safety in the Latino communityOrganizations & References MentionedNMCIR — Northern Manhattan Immigrant Rights Coalition: Community legal organization where Ambassador Reynoso began her advocacy careerMaysles Documentary Center — Uptown Voices' new fiscal sponsor, enabling tax-deductible contributionsUptown Collective — Founded by Led Black; YouTube channel approaching 500 subscribersColumbia University — Where Ambassador Reynoso attended law school and first settled in Washington HeightsPublic Charge — Ambassador Reynoso's play about her experiences in the Obama State DepartmentU.S.-Cuba normalization — The 2014-2016 effort to reestablish diplomatic relations after decades of estrangement2010 Haiti Earthquake — A pivotal moment in U.S. Caribbean foreign policy that features in Public ChargeNotable Quotes"I never assume that I'm done. I always keep pushing myself." — Ambassador Reynoso"My view of foreign policy and politics — they were carved and molded by my time in Washington Heights." — Ambassador Reynoso"New York City is a very extraordinary experiment in how to make different people talk to each other." — Ambassador Reynoso"The profiling, the targeting, the discrimination, the hate is not okay. We collectively have a lot of responsibility." — Ambassador Reynoso"Military ...

Sarina Prabasi co-founded Buunni Coffee in Washington Heights with her husband Elias in 2012 after moving from Ethiopia with two contacts, no business network, and a vision of what a neighborhood coffee shop could be. Thirteen years later, Buunni is one of upper Manhattan's most beloved community institutions — and Sarina is one of its most compelling voices.In this episode of Uptown Voices, hosts Octavio Blanco and Led Black sit down with Sarina to trace the full arc of the Buunni story: from roasting coffee in their kitchen and delivering bags door to door, to opening the Bronx's first specialty coffee roastery in Hunts Point, to landing their newest location inside Columbia University Medical Center. Along the way, Sarina reflects on what the Ethiopian coffee ceremony taught her about community, why she left a career in international development to plant roots in upper Manhattan, and how Buunni survived the pandemic without laying off a single employee.Sarina also opens up about writing her book The Coffee House Resistance — and why she's not sure she'd feel free enough to write it today. She talks candidly about navigating economic instability, tariffs, and the political climate as a small business owner who refuses to be neutral. And she shares the story of Melody — the Buunni regular who famously organized customers to babysit the café for a day so the entire staff could go to the beach.This is a conversation about coffee, yes — but really it's about what it means to build something that belongs to a neighborhood.❤️ Support Hyperlocal Media Uptown Voices is a fiscally sponsored project of the Maysles Documentary Center. Your tax-deductible contribution helps us keep telling the stories that matter in upper Manhattan. Donate here: https://bit.ly/4eddiWTFind Buunni Coffee at buunnicoffee.com and on Instagram at @BuunniCoffee. Their new location opens May 4th at 701 West 168th Street in NYC.

Led Black and Octavio Blanco are back for another live Sunday session, bringing the energy, the community love, and the unfiltered conversations that make Uptown Voices essential listening for anyone who calls uptown home — or wishes they did.In this episode:🎵 Uptown Cultural Roundup The guys kick off with a packed calendar of uptown events. Led shouts out NOMA's "America the Beautiful?" exhibit (today's the last day to submit!), plus the stunning free subway art installations at the 181st and 190th Street A train stations featuring artists like Fuego, Josefina Hernandez, and Frank de la Melcez. Mark your calendars for the Emmett Cohen Trio at Harlem School of the Arts on May 19th — Led calls him a straight-up wizard who literally plays inside the piano.🎻 Gustavo Dudamel Comes to the Heights This one had them both buzzing. The legendary conductor Gustavo Dudamel and the New York Symphony are performing at United Palace — and tickets start at just $25 on boletos.com. Octavio connects Dudamel's roots in Venezuela's El Sistema — a music program for underserved youth — to the same community-uplift mission driving organizations like Jazz Power right here uptown. Don't sleep on this.🌿 Cleaning Up the Block Uptown People's Project, in collaboration with Carmen De La Rosa's office, is organizing a neighborhood-wide spring cleaning on May 2nd across Washington Heights and Inwood — Dyckman, Nagle, 207th, Bennett Park, and more. Supplies provided. Volunteers needed. Octavio leads by example (Led caught him out here with a trash picker after a meeting 😄).📚 Word Up + Boonee + Community Events Shoutouts to Word Up Books for their upcoming event at the Bronx Music Hall featuring authors Julia Alvarez and Angie Cruz (April 28th, 7–9pm). Plus, Boonee Coffee is hosting weekly writers' groups, chess nights, open mics, and more — and their episode drops this Tuesday! And don't miss the WAHEE Chamber of Commerce Policy Breakfast on May 7th — Led and Octavio will be live-streaming it since it's already sold out.💬 The Hard Conversation: Youth Violence & Social Media A viral video of a 14-year-old boy body-slamming and stomping a girl in East Harlem hits different when Led and Octavio break it down. They dig into the dangerous intersection of poverty, social media, peer pressure, and toxic masculinity culture — and refuse to let it be just another headline. Their take is nuanced: hold the young man accountable, but ask why, and use this as a community wake-up call, not just outrage fuel.🗳️ Politics, Anger & Accountability — No Sacred Cows Led doesn't hold back on his frustrations with both parties, and the guys get into it on the latest Trump news — from conspiracy theories around the Butler assassination attempt to the administration's pattern of disinformation. Octavio brings balance; Led brings fire. Che Guevara closes the show. Spread love is still the Uptown way — even when the hate is earned.Subscribe to Uptown Collective on YouTube — you're helping them hit their first sustainability milestone. Every sub counts. New episodes drop every Tuesday and they go LIVE every Sunday at 10am.📍 Find them on YouTube, Instagram, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Audible, and wherever you get your podcasts.Spread love is the Uptown way. 🙏

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

What's the secret weapon behind the Dominican Republic's legendary baseball talent? It's not just raw skill — it's La Vitilla, a street game played with the plastic cap from a large water jug. This week, Led Black and Octavio Blanco sit down with Kevin Reyes, president and founder of Li Vido USA, the non-profit bringing this beloved Dominican pastime to the streets of New York City.Kevin arrived in the United States in 2017 and, by 2023, had begun organizing Vitilla tournaments across New York's neighborhoods. What started as a small gathering of friends has grown into a full league, complete with drafts, MVPs, Cy Young awards, and a passionate multi-generational community.In this episode, we cover:What La Vitilla actually is — and why hitting a bottle cap with a small bat is harder (and more effective) than it soundsWhy Dominican baseball legends from David Ortiz to generations of MLB stars grew up playing VitillaThe upcoming Car-Free Earth Day Tournament on Saturday, April 25th, at 181st St. & St. Nicholas Ave. in Washington Heights — 16 teams, 10 AM to 3:30 PM, free to attendThe 2025 regular season: 10 consecutive Sundays from May 17 to July 19 at Marble Hill Playground in the BronxKevin's plans to expand Vitilla to Florida, Pennsylvania, and beyond — and to send a diaspora all-star team to compete in the DR's Kings of the Street tournament in NovemberThe dream: getting Vitilla into NYC schools as an official after-school training program for young baseball playersThe power of social media, consistency, and faith in building something from nothingA bilingual conversation full of heart, humor, and community pride. Whether you're Dominican, a baseball fan, or just someone who loves seeing immigrants build something beautiful — this episode is for you.📍 Event Details:Earth Day Tournament: April 25, 10 AM–3:30 PM | 181st–182nd St. & St. Nicholas Ave., Washington HeightsRegular Season: May 17 – July 19, Sundays 11 AM–4 PM | Marble Hill Playground, the Bronx📲 Follow & Connect:Instagram: @lividoUSAWebsite: www.lividoUSA.org¡Nos vemos el 25! See you on the 25th!

It started with the return of a beloved Chino Latino restaurant in Washington Heights and ended with two friends in an intense debate about the Middle East, Trump, and the future of America. That's Uptown Voices. That's Black & Blanco.In this wide-ranging episode, Led Black and Octavio Blanco cover everything happening uptown — from community arts opportunities and free childcare to the upcoming theatrical release of Mad Bills to Pay, the Sundance award-winning film set in the Bronx that Led has been championing since he first saw it at Lincoln Center last year.Then the conversation turns to the state of the world. Trump's $400 billion defense budget proposal. The war with Iran. The cost of living. The "Great Impoverishment." And a genuinely intense debate between two friends who love each other — and don't always see eye to eye.This is what honest, unscripted community media looks like. No sugarcoating. Just Uptown.If this episode resonated with you, please like, subscribe, and share it with someone who needs to hear it. It costs you nothing and it means everything to us. Spread love — it's the Uptown way.SHOW NOTES🎙️ Uptown Voices Podcast Instagram: @uptownvoicespodcast YouTube: Search Uptown Voices Podcast or find us on the Uptown Collective page🎬 Mad Bills to Pay Opening April 17th at Regal Concourse (Bronx) and Film Forum (Downtown) Follow: @madbillstopaymovie on Instagram🎨 Northern Manhattan Arts Alliance (NoMAA) Website: nomaanyc.org Instagram: @nomaanycHispanic Society Outdoor Installation — $10,000 honorarium, deadline extended. Now April 6, 11:59 pm. NoMAA Labs Clown Workshop with Edu Diaz — April 21stAmerica the Beautiful? — Open call for exhibition submissions, deadline April 26thNoMAA Third Annual Benefit Night at the Palace — May 27thUptown Arts Show — June (date TBA)🏛️ WaHi Chamber of Commerce Policy Breakfast May 7th, 9am–12pm at the Armory Track & Field Center. Uptown Voices will be live streaming the event Register on instagram: @wahichamber Annual Membership: $100/year | 501c3 donations tax deductible🏫 Free Childcare — NYC 2K Program Free childcare for 2-year-olds launching in NYC including Washington Heights & the Bronx Info: NYC.gov/childcare Jingle Contest with Cardi B — submit at NYC.gov/jingle | Hashtag: #NYC2KJingleContest | Deadline: April 13th🎓 West Harlem Development Corporation — Free Columbia University Space Free in-kind space for CB9 nonprofits — first come first serve, opens first Monday of each month Website: WestHarlemDC.org🌸 Fort Tryon Park — Heather Garden Shearing & Community Parade April 11th, 10am–1pm at Margaret Corbin Circle🏥 Free Mammogram Screenings April 23rd, 9am–4:30pm at River Park Towers Community Center, Bronx Courtesy of Senator Robert Jackson & the American Italian Cancer Foundation 📞 212-544-0173 | Bring photo ID (insurance not required)🎒 Kindergarten Applications Offers now available — call 718-935-2009 for info🎨 Sweet Plantains — Open Call for Original Poster Art Film by Anthony Rojas Instagram: @theanthonyrojasTIMESTAMPS00:00 — Welcome back & Happy Easter/Passover 01:14 — La Dynastia Chino Latino is back — and why it matters 05:27 — The cultural legacy of Chino Latino restaurants uptown 06:30 — Mayor Mamdani, free childcare & the NYC 2K Cardi B jingle contest 08:37 — Washington Heights & the Bronx included in free 2K pilot program 09:06 — NoMAA / Hispanic Society outdoor installation11:07 — Anthony Rojas & Sweet Plantains poster open call 12:05 — West Harlem DC free Columbia University space for CB9 nonprofits 13:34 — Fort Tryon Park Heather Garden Shearing & Broadway Beautification 15:44 — Mad Bills to Pay — April 17th theatrical release 19:27 — Octavio's take on Mad Bills to Pay 23:26 — America the Beautiful? NoMAA open call & what it means right now 25:30 — Subscribe to Uptown Voices on YouTube — almost at 500! 28:20 — WaHi Chamber of Commerce Policy Breakfast — May 7th 30:45 — Free mammogram screenings & kindergarten offers 33:12 — Uptown Voices newsletter revival & something new coming soon 34:00 — Follow these four accounts for uptown community news 34:55 — The conversation shifts: Trump, war & the state of the world 38:14 — "The Great Impoverishment is Real" 41:45 — Trump's $400 billion defense budget — who does it really serve? 44:19 — The Middle East, colonial history & the cat's out the bag 51:53 — Iran, Israel & where Led and Octavio diverge 1:20:08 — A heated moment — two friends, one real disagreement 1:22:57 — Spread love, it's the Uptown way

Annette Aguilar is many things — Afro Latin Jazz drummer, percussionist, educator, and one of Uptown's greatest treasures. She has performed at the Kennedy Center, toured Africa as a Latin Jazz Ambassador, played the Havana Jazz Festival, and earned two masters degrees. She could be anywhere. She chooses Inwood. And Uptown is better for it.In this episode of Uptown Voices, Led Black and Octavio Blanco sit down with this beloved Inwood neighbor for a wide-ranging conversation as rich and layered as the music she plays.Annette traces her journey from San Francisco's Mission District — where she grew up surrounded by Santana, Sly and the Family Stone, and the roots of Latin rock — to Washington Heights in the mid-80s, when the neighborhood was at the height of the crack epidemic. She talks about arriving as a grad student at Manhattan School of Music and never really leaving.From there the conversation goes deep: her two trips to Cuba with Arturo O'Farrill and Bronx Banda, performing at the Havana Jazz Festival; her Kennedy Center Latin Jazz Ambassador tour through South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Rwanda, and Eswatini; her decades teaching at Celia Cruz Bronx High School of Music; and her ongoing work with Jazz Power Initiative bringing jazz education to young people across the city.Annette also opens up about losing her mother recently, the extraordinary work ethic her Nicaraguan-born mom modeled for her, and why — after a life of touring the world — Inwood is still home.And she's not slowing down. On March 27th, she's bringing a 20-piece orchestra to the ACTS Building in Inwood for a Women's History Month celebration with Jazz Power Initiative. Don't sleep on it.If this episode moved you, please like, subscribe, and share it with someone who loves Uptown. It costs you nothing and it means everything to us. Spread love — it's the Uptown way.SHOW NOTES🥁 Guest: Annette Aguilar 📍 Follow Annette on Instagram: @aaabeans🎵 Jazz Power Initiative Website: jazzpower.org Instagram: @jazzpowerinitiative🎙️ Uptown Voices Podcast Instagram: @uptownvoicespodcast YouTube: Search Uptown Voices Podcast or find us on the Uptown Collective page00:21 — Welcome & intro to Annette Aguilar 00:55 — Annette's busy day: teaching, rehearsing & running 02:22 — Teaching percussion at Celia Cruz Bronx High School of Music 03:28 — How Annette stays so energized 04:43 — Arriving in Washington Heights in the mid-80s 05:01 — Losing her mother & the force she was 08:20 — Where the love of music comes from: San Francisco's Mission District 09:28 — Santana, Tito Puente & the roots of Afro Latin Jazz 13:34 — Two trips to Cuba & the Havana Jazz Festival 21:37 — Kennedy Center Latin Jazz Ambassador tour: Africa 27:35 — Teaching Latin jazz to African youth 31:43 — Has Annette ever thought about writing a book? 35:29 — Inwood's evolution & the LGBTQ community 37:50 — The uptown jazz scene & Jazz Power Initiative 41:58 — The March 27th Women's History Month concert 47:18 — Why Inwood is home 49:31 — Taking care of her hands as a percussionist 51:23 — Led's moth story & Lin-Manuel Miranda 1:02:29 — Where to follow Annette & what's coming up 1:05:26 — In the North — Annette's album tribute to Washington Heights & Inwood#UptownVoices #Inwood #WashingtonHeights #UpperManhattan #AfroLatinJazz #LatinJazz #AnnettAguilar #JazzPercussion #JazzDrummer #NYCJazz #HarlemJazz #SouthBronx #BronxBanda #JazzPowerInitiative #WomensHistoryMonth #UptownNYC #NYCMusic #CommunityFirst #UptownCollective #NewYorkCity

Spring has arrived and Uptown is alive — Led Black and Octavio Blanco kick off with a packed roundup of what's happening in the community: free summer camps, a $10K public art opportunity at the Hispanic Society, local artists lighting up subway elevators, and a 20-piece jazz orchestra led by the legendary Annette Aguilar. They make the case for Mad Bills to Pay, a must-see Dominican film hitting Film Forum and the Regal Concourse on April 17th, and rave about Mexodus, a jaw-dropping two-man musical headed to Broadway. Then the conversation shifts — from the exposure of Cesar Chavez's abuse of Dolores Huerta, to the Overton window on Israel and Palestine, to the accelerating collapse of American democracy and what it means for communities like ours. Equal parts block party and wake-up call, this is Uptown Voices at its most real.Chapters00:00 Welcome to Uptown Voices02:16 Community Engagement and Local Opportunities04:39 Celebrating Local Artists and Art Initiatives06:59 Spotlight on Annette Aguilar and Jazz Power Initiative09:37 The Importance of Supporting Local Art11:46 People's Theatre and Community Resilience13:36 Women in the Heights Art Show15:24 Mad Bills to Pay: A Film to Support19:23 Cultural Representation in Film22:24 Mexodus: A Unique Musical Experience31:04 Celebrating Local Artists and Community Events33:30 Luis Miranda's Shift to the Arts37:46 Addressing Community Challenges and Historical Figures42:42 The Importance of Leadership and Accountability45:17 Understanding the Overton Window and Current Discourse51:38 The Path Forward: Community and Solidarity58:28 Uptown Voices Outtro 2026.mp4

In this episode of Uptown Voices, we dive deep into the complex web of current global crises, particularly focusing on the unprecedented disruptions in oil markets, the geopolitical maneuvers in Iran, Israel, and Russia, and their profound impacts on the U.S. economy. With insights from independent oil trader Chris Lewis, we explore the risks, the underlying strategies, and the potential future scenarios that could reshape the world order.This episode underscores the dire necessity of understanding the interconnectedness of geopolitical strife and economic stability as we face a rapidly changing world order.Key topics discussed:The strategic significance of the Strait of Hormuz and Iran’s blockade and its impact on global oil supplyHow current geopolitical conflicts threaten to escalate into broader economic and military crisesThe internal contradictions and failures of U.S. foreign policy under the current administrationThe immediate effects on gas prices, inflation, and the broader economy in America and around the globeTraditional market instruments like ETFs, futures, and options in a volatile geopolitical landscapeThe potential for a shift toward economic secession by states like California and New YorkThe rise of China and the decline of American global influenceThe risks of nuclear escalation and potential war scenarios with Iran and beyondThe systemic erosion of American democracy, the influence of the wealthy oligarchs, and the internal political decayTimestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to the show and today’s urgent topics02:28 - The impact of the Ukraine-Russia conflict on global oil prices03:56 - Iran’s strategic move to choke off the Strait of Hormuz and implications05:17 - The biggest blunder in American foreign policy and the escalation trap08:04 - Deep dive into the lack of an exit strategy and the role of Israel13:57 - How oil prices are influenced by market speculation and geopolitical uncertainties16:21 - The rising costs of gasoline, diesel, and their effects on consumers and logistics20:02 - Financial implications for Americans: 401k strategies and wealth transfer24:37 - The economic fallout: inflation, supply chain chaos, and corporate layoffs30:41 - The future outlook: escalating prices, potential $200 oil, and global realignment36:52 - The weakening of American democracy and the rise of global powers like China and Russia43:35 - Internal breakdown: media manipulation, misinformation, and internal national crises54:53 - Iran’s internal resistance, radicalization, and global threats64:23 - Predicted societal impacts: impoverishment and the redefinition of wealth72:16 - Closing thoughts and specific calls to actionResources & Links:

In this in-depth interview, Darializa Avila Chevalier discusses her campaign for Congress in District 13, addressing critical issues like housing affordability, community organizing, foreign policy, and the influence of lobby groups like AIPAC. The conversation also explores the broader geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and their impact on U.S. politics and society.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction00:48 Personal Connections to Uptown and Motivation to Run01:40 Structural Issues in the Community and Personal Organizing Work02:49 Housing Crisis and Political Critique of Espayal04:15 Addressing Housing Affordability and Corporate Landlords05:59 Investing in NYCHA and Public Housing Repairs08:19 Other Community Concerns: Childhood Poverty and ICE09:16 Foreign Policy, Palestine, and U.S. Support for Israel17:48 Community Response to Israel-Palestine Conflict23:57 Campaign Funding, AIPAC, and Electoral Strategy27:19 Messaging to Latino and Senior Voters32:13 Historical Background and Personal Family Story35:26 How to Support the Campaign and Get Involved

Join Led Black and Octavio Blanco as they explore local community events, cultural initiatives, and critical global issues including the recent escalation in Middle East tensions. This episode offers insights into community activism, local opportunities, and geopolitical analysis.Key Topics:Community engagement and local events in Washington HeightsCultural initiatives supporting local artists and youthAnalysis of recent Middle East tensions and US foreign policyChapters:00:00 Celebrating Community Events and Local Culture05:23 Opportunities for Local Youth and Community Engagement10:10 Art and Culture: Celebrating Women in the Heights15:26 Community Issues and Local Governance20:17 Health Initiatives and Community Support25:02 Film and Storytelling: Highlighting Dominican Voices32:59 The Provocative Killing of Ayatollah Khomeini34:25 Understanding Shiism and Its Historical Context35:59 The Legal and Political Implications of War37:37 Historical Context: The 1953 Coup in Iran39:28 The Complexity of Iranian Identity and Politics40:49 The Aggression of Israel and Its Historical Roots42:33 The Role of Colonialism in Middle Eastern Conflicts45:02 The Nature of the Israeli State and Its Actions46:25 The British Stance on Current Conflicts50:02 The Influence of Christian Nationalism on U.S. Policy51:35 The Historical Roots of Zionism and Its Impact53:49 The Consequences of U.S. Military Aid to Israel57:59 The Need for Political Accountability and Change

In this episode of Uptown Voices, Led Black and Octavio Blanco engage with artist Andrea Arroyo, discussing her impactful work in the art community, particularly through the Women in the Heights exhibition. They explore the theme of 'Shade' in her upcoming joint art exhibit with NOMAA artists, the importance of community building among artists, and the role of art as a response to societal issues. Andrea shares her experiences in France, her cultural roots, and the significance of optimism and the “Sacred Feminine” in her work. The conversation highlights the transformative power of art and the necessity of nurturing creativity in challenging times.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Uptown Voices and Andrea Arroyo01:44 Women in the Heights: Celebrating Female Artists03:04 Exploring the Theme of 'Shade' in Art06:22 The Economic Impact of Women in the Heights08:49 Creating Opportunities for Artists11:58 Art as a Response to Current Events14:49 The Power of Art in Activism18:38 Cultural Roots and Artistic Expression22:42 Choosing Washington Heights as a Home25:01 Experiences in France: Art and Perception30:14 Emotional Resilience in Art Creation32:53 Fearlessness in Addressing Tough Topics39:56 The Importance of the Sacred Feminine46:23 Optimism in Challenging Times49:32 Future Projects and Closing Thoughts

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.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Senator Robert Jackson03:10 Senator Jackson's Journey into Public Service10:00 The Importance of Education in Community Upliftment16:31 Addressing Housing Issues in the Community20:48 Preparing for Immigration Challenges23:07 Healthcare and Community Safety28:29 The Role of Local Government in Community Issues31:35 The Significance of Black History Month36:34 Addressing Drug Addiction in the Community43:59 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.​Chapters00:00 Introduction to Uptown Voices and Guest Introduction03:16 Oscar Romero's Political Vision and Challenges05:54 Community Engagement and Civic Responsibility08:46 Addressing Systemic Issues in the 13th Congressional District11:22 Youth Movement and Political Change13:54 The Role of Corporations in Politics16:56 Healthcare, Education, and Housing Challenges19:28 Building a Better Future Together22:08 Campaign Strategies and Community Involvement29:27 Reflections on Community Engagement29:47 Connecting with Local Leadership30:49 Cultural Connections and Family Traditions33:47 Introducing Maria Perez-Brown34:27 The Importance of Latino Leadership36:11 Personal Stories of Struggle and Triumph39:39 Lessons in Leadership41:15 Navigating Latino Identity47:00 The Need for Latino Unity48:29 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.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Welcome01:08 Carmen De La Rosa's New Role and Responsibilities02:35 Addressing ICE and Community Safety05:37 Community Rapid Response Networks07:51 Protecting Journalists and Freedom of the Press11:10 Budget Challenges and City Management15:09 Community Wins and Park Developments19:38 Future Priorities and Community Engagement22:54 Warming Centers and Community Support26:41 Closing Remarks and Future ConversationsTakeawaysCarmen 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.TakeawaysWord 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.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Word Up Books and Its Impact02:05 The Genesis of Word Up Books09:28 Veronica's Journey with Books and Writing17:06 The Evolution of Word Up's Volunteer Structure28:31 Funding and Sustainability of Word Up Books36:22 The Magic of Unexpected Connections38:42 Creating a Space for Surprises42:01 Democratic Decision-Making in a Collective51:19 The Birth of Recirculation01:01:06 Neighborhood Changes and Bookstore Collaborations01:06:00 Upcoming Events and Community Engagement01:11:43 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.TakeawaysThe 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.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction03:01 The Genesis of the Uptown Community Democrats Club05:40 Community Engagement and Political Education08:49 Diversity and Inclusion in Political Activism11:41 The Importance of Local Political Engagement14:50 Addressing Community Issues and Political Representation17:36 Judicial Elections and Community Impact20:40 The Role of Community in Politics23:52 How to Get Involved with the Uptown Community Democrats26:34 Final Thoughts and Call to Action39:52 Awakening and Solidarity in America44:34 Political Accountability and the Role of Democrats49:24 The Influence of Money in Politics54:32 Community Engagement and Local Activism59:24 The Importance of Art and Joy in Activism01:04:34 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.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Amanda Septimo and Her Campaign03:31 The Bronx: A Community Worth Fighting For06:06 Understanding the Role of State Assembly08:46 The Journey into Public Service11:31 Challenges Facing Vulnerable Communities14:16 Fighting for Immigrant Rights17:15 The Need for Unity Against Division21:09 Engaging with the Latino Community23:57 Navigating the MAGA Latino Phenomenon28:47 The Impact of Substance Abuse on Communities34:39 Equity in Housing and Community Development38:08 The Role of Local Government in Addressing Community Needs43:11 Leadership and Political Responsibility46:37 A Vision for the Future of the Bronx50:37 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.TakeawaysJackie 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.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Chamber of Commerce03:09 The Role of the Chamber in the Community06:01 Membership and Benefits08:59 Challenges Faced by Local Businesses11:40 Networking and Community Events14:58 Innovative Initiatives and Collaborations17:46 Embracing Diversity and Inclusion20:50 The Evolution of the Chamber23:49 Future Plans and Exciting Developments