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

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

About This Episode:
In this high-stakes episode of Uptown Voices, hosts Octavio Blanco and Led Black sit down with Julien Segura, a Democratic Socialist candidate running for the 71st District of the NY State Assembly. Representing the vibrant neighborhoods of Washington Heights, Inwood, and Manhattanville, Segura doesn't hold back in his critique of the long-standing political establishment.
    
From the housing crisis and rising rents to the controversial OnPoint safe injection sites, we dive deep into the issues that are defining the future of Upper Manhattan. Segura specifically addresses his challenge to incumbent Al Taylor, raising serious questions about residency, representation, and who really "owns" the soul of Harlem and the Heights.
    
Key Topics & Chapters
    00:00 — Welcome to Uptown Voices: Black & Blanco Live
    00:35 — Technical Meltdowns and Equipment Upgrades
    01:50 — Introducing Guest Julien Segura: Candidate for NY Assembly District 71
    03:33 — Julien’s Personal Connection to Uptown & Growing up in Sugar Hill
    06:40 — Critique of the "Political Machine" and Opponent Al Taylor
    08:00 — The 18-40 Voting Block: Why a Generational Shift is Coming
    10:02 — Why Run for Public Office? From Protests to Campaigns
    12:15 — The Housing Crisis: Practical Plans for Resident Retention
    14:30 — AMI, Tax Incentives, and Rethinking Affordable Housing Models
    16:45 — Safe Injection Sites & Harm Reduction: Taking a Village Mentality
    20:55 — Accountability in Community Contracts: The OnPoint Debate
    23:45 — Addressing Quality of Life: Policing, Protests, and the Middle Finger
    25:40 — Respecting First Responders While Challenging Unjust Authority
    29:41 — What Does "Socialism" Mean in Uptown? Universal Healthcare & Education
    31:50 — Campaign Finance: Rejecting PAC Money for Local Support
    33:37 — Post-Interview Debrief: Spitting Fire Against the Machine
    34:06 — Support Local Cinema: "Mad Bills to Pay" Opening Weekend
    36:47 — Authentic Representation: Why Independent Latino Film Matters
    42:16 — Community Shoutouts: Uptown Art Stroll & NOMA Deadlines
    46:25 — Cultural Spotlight: Gustavo Dudamel at United Palace Theater
    49:42 — Good News for Washington Heights: Dolphin Park Reopening
    52:50 — Sports Update: Knicks Victory and Uptown Energy
    54:30 — Final Reminders & Closing: Spread Love the Uptown Way
    
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Uptown 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.
    
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Uptown Voices is a fiscally sponsored project of the Maysles Documentary Center. Make a tax-deductible contribution to our program here: https://bit.ly/4eddiWT
    
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2025