1 00:00:00,360 --> 00:00:06,320 Speaker 1: Hi guys, and welcome back to this week's episode of 2 00:00:06,519 --> 00:00:09,119 Speaker 1: Let's Be Real Podcast. As always, my name is Sammy J. 3 00:00:09,360 --> 00:00:12,960 Speaker 1: And I'm so happy you're here. This week's episode is 4 00:00:13,000 --> 00:00:14,960 Speaker 1: with ch O Say Now, you may not know his 5 00:00:15,040 --> 00:00:17,840 Speaker 1: name right now, but trust me you will. He's one 6 00:00:17,880 --> 00:00:21,160 Speaker 1: of the first gen Zers to run for political office. 7 00:00:21,200 --> 00:00:24,680 Speaker 1: He's running for New York City Council in District thirty six, 8 00:00:24,800 --> 00:00:27,639 Speaker 1: which is in New York. We have a great discussion 9 00:00:27,680 --> 00:00:30,640 Speaker 1: on what's happening in society right now, what it's like 10 00:00:30,760 --> 00:00:33,960 Speaker 1: running a political campaign at twenty two, how to be 11 00:00:34,040 --> 00:00:37,360 Speaker 1: taken seriously and not let your age define you, and 12 00:00:37,760 --> 00:00:40,440 Speaker 1: how to get involved in politics and make a difference 13 00:00:40,440 --> 00:00:43,080 Speaker 1: no matter your age. I hope you enjoyed this episode, 14 00:00:43,159 --> 00:00:46,879 Speaker 1: and as always, I'll see you guys next week. I 15 00:00:46,880 --> 00:00:48,880 Speaker 1: am so excited to have you on my podcast because 16 00:00:49,000 --> 00:00:52,680 Speaker 1: I've been so inspired by what you're doing. How did 17 00:00:52,680 --> 00:00:56,279 Speaker 1: you get interested in politics? Yeah, I am the one 18 00:00:56,280 --> 00:00:58,760 Speaker 1: of the first gen Zers to run for city council 19 00:00:58,760 --> 00:01:01,880 Speaker 1: in the city. UM. Never thought I would jump into 20 00:01:01,920 --> 00:01:07,280 Speaker 1: politics ever. UM. I've always been someone that's been politically aware, UM, 21 00:01:07,319 --> 00:01:09,880 Speaker 1: in terms of what's happening on a presidential level. UM, 22 00:01:09,920 --> 00:01:12,400 Speaker 1: but never thought that I would jump into a local 23 00:01:12,520 --> 00:01:15,759 Speaker 1: race before. UM. You know just a little bit about myself. 24 00:01:15,800 --> 00:01:18,440 Speaker 1: I mean, my name is chi O say um. I 25 00:01:18,440 --> 00:01:22,960 Speaker 1: I love everything creative, whether it's movies, art, music. UM. 26 00:01:23,000 --> 00:01:26,640 Speaker 1: I come from a heavy music background family. UM. So 27 00:01:26,720 --> 00:01:30,600 Speaker 1: politics was never in my line of sight. UM until 28 00:01:30,640 --> 00:01:34,080 Speaker 1: this summer. So what got you interested in running for office? Then? 29 00:01:34,720 --> 00:01:38,520 Speaker 1: After the murder of George Floyd, UM, I felt really 30 00:01:38,520 --> 00:01:42,240 Speaker 1: inclined to to leave my quarantine and protest against the 31 00:01:42,280 --> 00:01:45,800 Speaker 1: injustices that be in our country and in our city. UM. 32 00:01:45,840 --> 00:01:49,040 Speaker 1: And through that activism UM and going out every single day, 33 00:01:49,360 --> 00:01:53,160 Speaker 1: I had this growing hunger for for change UM. And 34 00:01:53,480 --> 00:01:56,840 Speaker 1: my feeling UM and strategy in order to achieve that 35 00:01:56,920 --> 00:01:59,720 Speaker 1: change from me was to jump into this political race. 36 00:02:00,080 --> 00:02:02,240 Speaker 1: I took that leap of faith. And it's been a 37 00:02:02,280 --> 00:02:05,600 Speaker 1: crazy six the seven months since we jumped in, and 38 00:02:05,640 --> 00:02:08,640 Speaker 1: I've learned a lot. Yeah, time isn't a thing anymore. 39 00:02:08,720 --> 00:02:13,720 Speaker 1: Those June feels like two years ago. It truly does. 40 00:02:13,880 --> 00:02:17,239 Speaker 1: It's this past year, and I guess this year already 41 00:02:17,280 --> 00:02:20,320 Speaker 1: feels like a whole another year. The past twenty summer 42 00:02:20,520 --> 00:02:24,760 Speaker 1: days of this year also a blur. Yeah, absolutely and 43 00:02:24,880 --> 00:02:28,880 Speaker 1: so chaotic, I know. And I also feel like the 44 00:02:28,960 --> 00:02:32,840 Speaker 1: protesting over the summer. I protested, and it was the 45 00:02:32,880 --> 00:02:37,160 Speaker 1: most surreal experience because you felt like you were making 46 00:02:37,200 --> 00:02:41,480 Speaker 1: a difference by just being there. Um, what was your 47 00:02:41,520 --> 00:02:43,800 Speaker 1: first experience when you went, because I know you like 48 00:02:44,360 --> 00:02:48,600 Speaker 1: lead a lot of protests. Your first protest? Were you underprepared? 49 00:02:48,720 --> 00:02:51,960 Speaker 1: Were you ready? Was it what you expected? You know? 50 00:02:52,040 --> 00:02:54,360 Speaker 1: I it was like the first time I was around 51 00:02:54,360 --> 00:02:57,160 Speaker 1: a lot of people ever since, you know, being in quarantine, 52 00:02:57,360 --> 00:03:00,840 Speaker 1: since what it was at the end of March, earliest 53 00:03:00,960 --> 00:03:05,000 Speaker 1: year a year. I think that's absolutely nuts. Um, the 54 00:03:05,000 --> 00:03:08,760 Speaker 1: first protest, I was extremely under prepared, um for what happened, 55 00:03:08,880 --> 00:03:12,120 Speaker 1: you know. I I came in shorts and doc Martins 56 00:03:12,160 --> 00:03:15,200 Speaker 1: and had a topebag of water and chapstick. And it 57 00:03:15,240 --> 00:03:17,960 Speaker 1: was a non violent protest, and um, I expected it 58 00:03:18,000 --> 00:03:21,240 Speaker 1: to be that way. But the police lashed out, you know, 59 00:03:21,320 --> 00:03:23,600 Speaker 1: at at many of the people that were there by 60 00:03:23,639 --> 00:03:28,200 Speaker 1: myself was pepper sprayed. Um. Other people around me were 61 00:03:28,360 --> 00:03:32,399 Speaker 1: injured by the barricades and by police batons, and many 62 00:03:32,400 --> 00:03:35,920 Speaker 1: people were arrested as well. Um. So I was prepared 63 00:03:36,040 --> 00:03:39,920 Speaker 1: for that first protest, but Um, I came prepared every 64 00:03:39,920 --> 00:03:42,760 Speaker 1: single day after that. So how do you face that 65 00:03:42,840 --> 00:03:45,560 Speaker 1: fear after getting pepper sprayed, which I can only imagine 66 00:03:45,640 --> 00:03:49,920 Speaker 1: is the most unpleasant, painful feeling, And then how do 67 00:03:49,960 --> 00:03:53,360 Speaker 1: you get that courage to go again even though you're 68 00:03:53,840 --> 00:03:58,200 Speaker 1: being targeted for peacefully protesting. I overcame that fear with 69 00:03:58,280 --> 00:04:02,560 Speaker 1: my passion for change. M hmm. I wanted the police 70 00:04:02,600 --> 00:04:04,720 Speaker 1: to be held accountable for what they were doing. I 71 00:04:04,760 --> 00:04:08,520 Speaker 1: wanted uh we as as non violent protesters and its 72 00:04:08,560 --> 00:04:11,600 Speaker 1: black and brown folks in this country who achieved the 73 00:04:11,680 --> 00:04:14,160 Speaker 1: change that our people have been fighting for for decades. 74 00:04:14,400 --> 00:04:17,400 Speaker 1: And I think that's what helped me overcome the sphere 75 00:04:17,440 --> 00:04:19,599 Speaker 1: of being purper sprayed again. I did wear my my 76 00:04:19,680 --> 00:04:24,640 Speaker 1: safety goggles the next day. UM, but you know I smart, right, UM. 77 00:04:24,680 --> 00:04:28,320 Speaker 1: But it was this yearning for change, in this passion 78 00:04:28,400 --> 00:04:32,680 Speaker 1: for um, you know, justice, that that helped me overcome 79 00:04:32,839 --> 00:04:35,080 Speaker 1: that fear of being preper sprayed again. It did not 80 00:04:35,200 --> 00:04:38,240 Speaker 1: happen again to me at least, but UM, you know 81 00:04:38,400 --> 00:04:41,960 Speaker 1: I was very careful in those in those following weeks 82 00:04:42,000 --> 00:04:45,200 Speaker 1: after that. Um. But yeah, I had this this this 83 00:04:45,320 --> 00:04:48,240 Speaker 1: strive to to to make real change in our city 84 00:04:48,640 --> 00:04:52,400 Speaker 1: and something that I've noticed. I really got into activism 85 00:04:52,440 --> 00:04:55,880 Speaker 1: over the past few years, just after the election and 86 00:04:55,920 --> 00:04:59,280 Speaker 1: how to really make a difference. But people don't realize 87 00:04:59,320 --> 00:05:01,919 Speaker 1: how important look elections are. That they think it's just 88 00:05:01,960 --> 00:05:05,440 Speaker 1: the midterms and the presidential elections. But what really changes, 89 00:05:05,760 --> 00:05:08,240 Speaker 1: you know, the country are these local elections. So for 90 00:05:08,240 --> 00:05:11,960 Speaker 1: those who don't understand, why can you explain it? Absolutely? 91 00:05:12,000 --> 00:05:15,520 Speaker 1: I mean, please do vote in every presidential election. Vote 92 00:05:15,520 --> 00:05:18,719 Speaker 1: in every single election. Um. But you know, when you 93 00:05:18,760 --> 00:05:21,680 Speaker 1: think about our our day to day and what we 94 00:05:21,760 --> 00:05:25,080 Speaker 1: truly complain about. Especially as a New Yorker do you 95 00:05:25,080 --> 00:05:28,480 Speaker 1: live in New York? Yes? Do you know? Okay, amazing 96 00:05:28,520 --> 00:05:31,240 Speaker 1: me too. Um So as a New Yorker and as 97 00:05:31,279 --> 00:05:34,560 Speaker 1: someone that was protesting this summer, you and I both um, 98 00:05:34,680 --> 00:05:37,960 Speaker 1: many people were chanting for change within the the NYPD. 99 00:05:38,640 --> 00:05:41,440 Speaker 1: Trump is not responsible for that, Our new president Biden 100 00:05:41,520 --> 00:05:44,440 Speaker 1: is not responsible for that. M Our Senate's not responsible 101 00:05:44,480 --> 00:05:47,359 Speaker 1: for that. Are our House is not responsible for that. 102 00:05:47,600 --> 00:05:50,280 Speaker 1: Our local electives are responsible for that. So if we're 103 00:05:50,279 --> 00:05:53,279 Speaker 1: spending our energy and time to protests in the streets, 104 00:05:53,600 --> 00:05:57,760 Speaker 1: um demanding change and reimagining of the NYPD, then we 105 00:05:57,800 --> 00:06:01,400 Speaker 1: need to be going to the polls and voting in individuals, UM, 106 00:06:01,480 --> 00:06:04,560 Speaker 1: in our own neighborhoods, in our own districts, that will 107 00:06:04,680 --> 00:06:07,400 Speaker 1: will respond to the values in the demands that we 108 00:06:07,400 --> 00:06:10,599 Speaker 1: are asking for. UM. For an example, you know, a 109 00:06:10,640 --> 00:06:13,440 Speaker 1: piece on my platform is I'm fighting for a green 110 00:06:13,480 --> 00:06:16,159 Speaker 1: new Deal for New York City. UM. We need to 111 00:06:16,200 --> 00:06:19,400 Speaker 1: start making those movements and putting people in office on 112 00:06:19,440 --> 00:06:22,000 Speaker 1: a local level that will be demanding that so that 113 00:06:22,040 --> 00:06:23,800 Speaker 1: we can fight for that on the top and that 114 00:06:23,880 --> 00:06:26,160 Speaker 1: happens in our local elections. You know, we can't wait 115 00:06:26,640 --> 00:06:29,680 Speaker 1: UM for Biden. UM. We can't wait for for Congress. 116 00:06:29,680 --> 00:06:32,160 Speaker 1: We can't wait for the Senate. UM to get things done. 117 00:06:32,200 --> 00:06:36,359 Speaker 1: We need to to act locally, UM, in every single election. 118 00:06:36,920 --> 00:06:39,720 Speaker 1: I'm very passionate about the education system, and I've noticed 119 00:06:39,760 --> 00:06:42,920 Speaker 1: that in a lot of low income neighborhoods, schools are 120 00:06:43,000 --> 00:06:46,560 Speaker 1: often underfunded. Why is that and what can we do 121 00:06:46,600 --> 00:06:50,080 Speaker 1: about it? Many of the people that it is affecting 122 00:06:50,520 --> 00:06:52,680 Speaker 1: don't really have a voice, don't really have a platform 123 00:06:52,720 --> 00:06:55,719 Speaker 1: to be able to speak up. And it's not coincidental 124 00:06:56,040 --> 00:06:59,040 Speaker 1: why our schools, I mean, in predominantly black neighborhoods are 125 00:06:59,080 --> 00:07:03,480 Speaker 1: underfunded it's not coincidental that because you're you're illiterate, I 126 00:07:03,600 --> 00:07:06,960 Speaker 1: your higher chance of going to prison. That's a poll, 127 00:07:07,040 --> 00:07:09,600 Speaker 1: a part of the large system. UM. You know, many 128 00:07:09,600 --> 00:07:12,640 Speaker 1: people I think black lives matter only pertains to law 129 00:07:12,760 --> 00:07:16,240 Speaker 1: enforcement UM killing black and brown men and women. But 130 00:07:16,280 --> 00:07:18,280 Speaker 1: that is not true, you know. And in many of 131 00:07:18,400 --> 00:07:21,680 Speaker 1: the parts of this country, nonetheless, New York City, predominantly 132 00:07:21,720 --> 00:07:25,720 Speaker 1: black neighborhoods are red lines and districts where are people 133 00:07:25,920 --> 00:07:29,400 Speaker 1: you know, live in conditions with underfunded public housing, underfunded 134 00:07:29,440 --> 00:07:32,920 Speaker 1: public education, underfunded healthcare. So in a way, we are 135 00:07:32,960 --> 00:07:36,800 Speaker 1: set up in these environments where we're supposed to fail, 136 00:07:36,960 --> 00:07:38,840 Speaker 1: you know, we're set up to fail. We're set up 137 00:07:38,880 --> 00:07:42,840 Speaker 1: to to go into the carcelrol U system. And and 138 00:07:43,280 --> 00:07:46,200 Speaker 1: the reason that that is is because are are elected 139 00:07:46,720 --> 00:07:49,000 Speaker 1: UM and those that are in power are accepting money 140 00:07:49,080 --> 00:07:51,960 Speaker 1: from police unions, are accepting money from real estate developers. 141 00:07:51,960 --> 00:07:55,240 Speaker 1: So rather than fulfilling the promises of their constituency or 142 00:07:55,280 --> 00:07:58,520 Speaker 1: the people, UH, they're fulfilling the promises of their donors 143 00:07:58,520 --> 00:08:01,440 Speaker 1: and people with money UM that that are are putting 144 00:08:01,440 --> 00:08:05,240 Speaker 1: their ideas forward. And that's why, you know, with cases 145 00:08:05,280 --> 00:08:07,360 Speaker 1: like that, and with a lot of v the action. 146 00:08:07,440 --> 00:08:09,840 Speaker 1: A lot of the individuals that I'm talking about now, 147 00:08:10,200 --> 00:08:13,200 Speaker 1: UM are are able to to hide under the radar, 148 00:08:13,440 --> 00:08:15,840 Speaker 1: and that's why it's not a public conversation. But people 149 00:08:15,880 --> 00:08:18,680 Speaker 1: are talking about it, and the conversation is getting louder. 150 00:08:19,280 --> 00:08:21,480 Speaker 1: What's it like running for office? I mean, you said 151 00:08:21,520 --> 00:08:24,200 Speaker 1: yourself you weren't as interested in politics a year ago. 152 00:08:24,240 --> 00:08:26,000 Speaker 1: And what advice do you have for young people who 153 00:08:26,120 --> 00:08:28,680 Speaker 1: also want to run for office? How do you get 154 00:08:28,720 --> 00:08:32,080 Speaker 1: started with it? I had a voice, and I have 155 00:08:32,160 --> 00:08:34,600 Speaker 1: a voice, and I have a vision, and I think 156 00:08:34,600 --> 00:08:37,960 Speaker 1: that's all that it takes. Obviously there are multiple multiple 157 00:08:38,000 --> 00:08:40,480 Speaker 1: parts that that go into it, UM. But if you 158 00:08:40,559 --> 00:08:43,640 Speaker 1: have a voice and you have UM something to say 159 00:08:43,760 --> 00:08:46,680 Speaker 1: that is important and that will will will conjure change 160 00:08:46,679 --> 00:08:49,520 Speaker 1: in your community, in your neighborhood, UM for the people 161 00:08:49,559 --> 00:08:52,240 Speaker 1: around you, then use that voice. UM. I happen to 162 00:08:52,320 --> 00:08:55,000 Speaker 1: use that voice to jump into this race, UM because 163 00:08:55,040 --> 00:08:57,960 Speaker 1: it was important to me. And you know, there are 164 00:08:58,040 --> 00:09:01,080 Speaker 1: people that that rallied behind me. There are people that 165 00:09:01,400 --> 00:09:03,560 Speaker 1: UM I have been able to grow with throughout these 166 00:09:03,559 --> 00:09:06,480 Speaker 1: past couple of six months, half a year, UM, and 167 00:09:06,920 --> 00:09:08,760 Speaker 1: it's been amazing. I will say it's one of the 168 00:09:08,760 --> 00:09:12,680 Speaker 1: craziest things I have ever done. But it's, um, it's amazing, 169 00:09:12,720 --> 00:09:15,840 Speaker 1: it's a it's a really entertaining experience. And you know, 170 00:09:15,880 --> 00:09:17,880 Speaker 1: throughout all of it, I've I've been bringing me to 171 00:09:17,920 --> 00:09:20,960 Speaker 1: the table. You know, I've never forgotten who I am. Um, 172 00:09:21,000 --> 00:09:25,480 Speaker 1: even though I'm running to be a politician, I'm still cheap. 173 00:09:25,679 --> 00:09:29,080 Speaker 1: You know. If you look at the design behind my campaign, UM, 174 00:09:29,080 --> 00:09:31,880 Speaker 1: it's it's authentically you know, it's it's it's you can 175 00:09:31,920 --> 00:09:33,920 Speaker 1: see my my take on art, you can see my 176 00:09:34,000 --> 00:09:36,760 Speaker 1: take on design, you can see where my references are from. 177 00:09:36,840 --> 00:09:39,000 Speaker 1: Because I want this to be like no other campaign 178 00:09:39,000 --> 00:09:41,080 Speaker 1: that anyone has ever seen before. I want this to 179 00:09:41,120 --> 00:09:44,000 Speaker 1: be the loudest, the coolest, the most stylish so that 180 00:09:44,040 --> 00:09:47,840 Speaker 1: I can engage every single person in local politics. And 181 00:09:47,960 --> 00:09:50,560 Speaker 1: we're doing the damn thing. We have to take a 182 00:09:50,640 --> 00:09:52,520 Speaker 1: quick break, but when we come back, I want to 183 00:09:52,520 --> 00:09:55,280 Speaker 1: find out about what's something unexpected that you've learned through 184 00:09:55,280 --> 00:09:58,920 Speaker 1: this experience and what it's been like being twenty two 185 00:09:58,920 --> 00:10:02,600 Speaker 1: on campaigning again, people who are ten, twent, thirty years older. 186 00:10:02,920 --> 00:10:10,640 Speaker 1: We'll be right back and we're back. You're bringing the 187 00:10:10,679 --> 00:10:13,520 Speaker 1: most gen z to this election. If that makes sense, 188 00:10:13,600 --> 00:10:18,079 Speaker 1: from the style to creativity to it. Local politics hasn't 189 00:10:18,080 --> 00:10:19,880 Speaker 1: been cool before, and I feel like that's what you're doing. 190 00:10:19,960 --> 00:10:23,760 Speaker 1: You're making it cool, which is so important. What's something 191 00:10:23,800 --> 00:10:27,840 Speaker 1: that you didn't expect you to learn past six months running? Hmm, 192 00:10:27,960 --> 00:10:31,760 Speaker 1: that's a that's a good question. Um, how good I 193 00:10:31,800 --> 00:10:34,800 Speaker 1: am at this? I think that's something I did not 194 00:10:34,960 --> 00:10:38,000 Speaker 1: expect that to be the case. I mean, I knew 195 00:10:38,040 --> 00:10:41,120 Speaker 1: that we were going to make noise. But you know, 196 00:10:41,160 --> 00:10:44,520 Speaker 1: this past week in our race of eleven people, I 197 00:10:44,559 --> 00:10:47,400 Speaker 1: found out that I outraised every single person in my race. 198 00:10:47,559 --> 00:10:55,320 Speaker 1: I'm the youngest candidate in my race by twenty years. Um. Yeah. 199 00:10:55,400 --> 00:10:59,600 Speaker 1: So like seeing the grassroots support that we're getting from people, 200 00:11:00,120 --> 00:11:04,200 Speaker 1: um in the neighborhood, UM, you know, on on the internet, UM, 201 00:11:04,240 --> 00:11:07,840 Speaker 1: everywhere is amazing, you know. And seeing how how well 202 00:11:07,920 --> 00:11:11,960 Speaker 1: this is going, um is you're surprised that it's going. 203 00:11:12,760 --> 00:11:16,439 Speaker 1: No I mean, I thought it was going to go well, 204 00:11:16,480 --> 00:11:18,760 Speaker 1: but I didn't know that, you know, it would turn 205 00:11:18,760 --> 00:11:21,360 Speaker 1: into what it is now. And that's what's affirming, like 206 00:11:21,480 --> 00:11:24,360 Speaker 1: my my day one beliefs. Um. I don't know, it's 207 00:11:24,400 --> 00:11:27,760 Speaker 1: still shocking to be doing what I'm doing. Um, obviously 208 00:11:27,800 --> 00:11:30,559 Speaker 1: have to be humble. Uh, but but it's it's it's 209 00:11:30,600 --> 00:11:34,840 Speaker 1: still an amazing, surreal experience. I've been fortunate enough to 210 00:11:34,880 --> 00:11:37,040 Speaker 1: do some really cool stuff at a young age, but 211 00:11:37,120 --> 00:11:40,040 Speaker 1: there have been so many times when adults have told 212 00:11:40,040 --> 00:11:43,160 Speaker 1: me I can't do something because of my age. How 213 00:11:43,160 --> 00:11:45,200 Speaker 1: has it been for you running for office in this 214 00:11:45,280 --> 00:11:48,120 Speaker 1: political climate where the people you're running against are so 215 00:11:48,240 --> 00:11:51,120 Speaker 1: much older has it been hard to be taken seriously? 216 00:11:51,480 --> 00:11:54,719 Speaker 1: Or have you just not cared? Well? I knew that 217 00:11:54,880 --> 00:11:57,599 Speaker 1: going into this that that would be, um, something that 218 00:11:57,640 --> 00:11:59,880 Speaker 1: would be said to me. I mean, I'm asking senior 219 00:12:00,240 --> 00:12:03,120 Speaker 1: to to vote for me and have maybe someone um, 220 00:12:03,160 --> 00:12:05,640 Speaker 1: you know, people three times my age to vote for 221 00:12:05,679 --> 00:12:09,319 Speaker 1: me and have me be someone that leads them. Um. 222 00:12:09,360 --> 00:12:12,240 Speaker 1: So I knew that going into it. UM and vice 223 00:12:12,280 --> 00:12:15,480 Speaker 1: strategy and what my team and I have been working 224 00:12:15,480 --> 00:12:18,480 Speaker 1: on is to just prove everyone wrong. I'm the only 225 00:12:18,480 --> 00:12:20,800 Speaker 1: way to prove people wrong is the show that we 226 00:12:20,880 --> 00:12:24,000 Speaker 1: are creating real change now. Uh. You know, I think 227 00:12:24,120 --> 00:12:27,000 Speaker 1: politicians in general, anyone that's running for office, is always 228 00:12:27,000 --> 00:12:29,920 Speaker 1: promising to get things done when they stepped into office. UM, 229 00:12:29,960 --> 00:12:32,280 Speaker 1: and we wanted to change that dynamic. We are are 230 00:12:32,520 --> 00:12:36,120 Speaker 1: are creating real change on a day to day basis. Um, 231 00:12:36,360 --> 00:12:39,280 Speaker 1: we are starting until you get elected. Exactly. We have 232 00:12:39,320 --> 00:12:42,760 Speaker 1: presented two bills to the city Council, UM amendments for 233 00:12:42,840 --> 00:12:45,960 Speaker 1: one bill that helps our our neighbors in terms of 234 00:12:46,000 --> 00:12:48,360 Speaker 1: those that that own homes in the neighborhood. UM. I'm 235 00:12:48,400 --> 00:12:51,280 Speaker 1: providing food on a weekly basis to one of our 236 00:12:51,679 --> 00:12:54,640 Speaker 1: public housing developments in the neighborhood on a weekly basis 237 00:12:54,679 --> 00:12:57,960 Speaker 1: because they haven't had gas since to lie. Um, We're 238 00:12:57,960 --> 00:13:00,720 Speaker 1: providing food for a senior centers and we've been handing 239 00:13:00,720 --> 00:13:03,720 Speaker 1: out pp on a day to day basis. UM. We're 240 00:13:03,960 --> 00:13:06,760 Speaker 1: we're doing the thing, you know. And I think when 241 00:13:06,800 --> 00:13:10,480 Speaker 1: people see that, UM, they forget about my age, because, 242 00:13:10,600 --> 00:13:13,600 Speaker 1: you know, they just see someone that is helping them, 243 00:13:13,840 --> 00:13:16,480 Speaker 1: you know, and who cares. And I think that's what's 244 00:13:16,480 --> 00:13:19,439 Speaker 1: more important than how long I've been on this earth. 245 00:13:20,000 --> 00:13:23,440 Speaker 1: I completely agree with you, and I feel like people 246 00:13:23,880 --> 00:13:27,000 Speaker 1: underestimate the power of our generation and I think we 247 00:13:27,640 --> 00:13:30,440 Speaker 1: as gen Z. I'm just saying collectively, I feel like 248 00:13:30,440 --> 00:13:32,120 Speaker 1: we want to prove them wrong. And I think you're 249 00:13:32,120 --> 00:13:35,080 Speaker 1: a perfect example of that. Not only can we prove 250 00:13:35,120 --> 00:13:37,880 Speaker 1: them wrong, UM, but we have the tools to do so, 251 00:13:38,120 --> 00:13:43,160 Speaker 1: you know, Uh, there's no better generation that has been 252 00:13:43,200 --> 00:13:46,320 Speaker 1: set up, especially with technology and just everything that we 253 00:13:46,520 --> 00:13:49,760 Speaker 1: know how to do. UM. I think we're we're fit 254 00:13:50,000 --> 00:13:52,839 Speaker 1: to to break through those obstacles that have been placed 255 00:13:52,840 --> 00:13:55,400 Speaker 1: in front of us. Something that I think is really 256 00:13:55,440 --> 00:13:59,559 Speaker 1: interesting is what you your slogan omission statement is reimagined 257 00:13:59,559 --> 00:14:03,360 Speaker 1: re us in renew UM. What do you mean by 258 00:14:03,360 --> 00:14:05,640 Speaker 1: that specifically? Like break that down? How do you did 259 00:14:05,679 --> 00:14:08,840 Speaker 1: you come up with that? M? I think the systems 260 00:14:09,000 --> 00:14:11,839 Speaker 1: and agencies in the way of life that we are 261 00:14:11,880 --> 00:14:14,520 Speaker 1: experiencing it on a day to day basis isn't working 262 00:14:14,520 --> 00:14:17,600 Speaker 1: for the many. I mean, we're in a time where uh, 263 00:14:17,800 --> 00:14:20,480 Speaker 1: people are still dying and losing their jobs from this pandemic. 264 00:14:20,600 --> 00:14:23,920 Speaker 1: We are in time when people are are being oppressed 265 00:14:23,960 --> 00:14:26,560 Speaker 1: by the police UM like they have been for decades, 266 00:14:26,600 --> 00:14:29,800 Speaker 1: but we're seeing a heightened UM or more eyes on 267 00:14:29,880 --> 00:14:32,760 Speaker 1: that right now. Because it's videotaped, people can't deny it 268 00:14:32,800 --> 00:14:37,080 Speaker 1: when they're absolutely UM. So the three RS on my 269 00:14:37,160 --> 00:14:42,320 Speaker 1: platform is a radical UM step to change the broken 270 00:14:42,840 --> 00:14:46,520 Speaker 1: UM systems that we're experiencing. UM. We need to reimagine 271 00:14:46,680 --> 00:14:49,400 Speaker 1: public safety. You know, it's not working for Americans, it's 272 00:14:49,400 --> 00:14:51,880 Speaker 1: not working for black and brown people. And with that 273 00:14:51,960 --> 00:14:54,680 Speaker 1: reimagining of it, we need to divest from the NYPD 274 00:14:55,120 --> 00:14:58,560 Speaker 1: and reallocate funds into c b o s or community 275 00:14:58,600 --> 00:15:02,040 Speaker 1: based organizations. We need to invest into our children, our youth, 276 00:15:02,120 --> 00:15:05,680 Speaker 1: our schools, our public education, our climate, and we need 277 00:15:05,720 --> 00:15:09,360 Speaker 1: to renew trust not only between the people in law enforcement, 278 00:15:09,400 --> 00:15:12,400 Speaker 1: but the people and are elected. You know, if you 279 00:15:12,480 --> 00:15:16,560 Speaker 1: talk to many people, they young or or older. Uh, 280 00:15:16,760 --> 00:15:21,240 Speaker 1: they don't trust politicians. And rightfully so, because politicians don't 281 00:15:21,240 --> 00:15:24,600 Speaker 1: get anything done, um for the most part. You know. 282 00:15:24,680 --> 00:15:27,880 Speaker 1: And now we're seeing a radical change of individuals that 283 00:15:27,920 --> 00:15:31,000 Speaker 1: are running for office, Individuals like myself that that are 284 00:15:31,040 --> 00:15:33,960 Speaker 1: are brand new to this field of politics, that are 285 00:15:33,960 --> 00:15:36,840 Speaker 1: dedicated to change and nothing else rather than a salary 286 00:15:37,160 --> 00:15:40,280 Speaker 1: like many career politicians are looking to do when they 287 00:15:40,280 --> 00:15:43,800 Speaker 1: are running for a seat. So you mentioned passing a bill. 288 00:15:44,080 --> 00:15:47,280 Speaker 1: How do you go about doing that? It's it's a 289 00:15:47,280 --> 00:15:49,880 Speaker 1: lot easier than you think too, to write up a bill. Um. 290 00:15:49,960 --> 00:15:51,720 Speaker 1: So one of the bills that that we are working 291 00:15:51,760 --> 00:15:54,360 Speaker 1: on is a bill called the fair Shop Bill. Um. 292 00:15:54,360 --> 00:15:56,520 Speaker 1: It's a bill that we're working on with the current 293 00:15:56,680 --> 00:16:00,880 Speaker 1: current seated councilwoman um Alika and Frey Sammy els UM. 294 00:16:01,120 --> 00:16:03,840 Speaker 1: And what the bill does in the language that we 295 00:16:03,880 --> 00:16:06,240 Speaker 1: added UM what what it was a bill that would 296 00:16:06,280 --> 00:16:09,760 Speaker 1: ease up diversity in the workplace, especially for city jobs. 297 00:16:09,800 --> 00:16:12,720 Speaker 1: So someone were to apply for a job UM and 298 00:16:12,800 --> 00:16:16,240 Speaker 1: they were black or or trans UM, sometimes they are 299 00:16:16,240 --> 00:16:19,080 Speaker 1: discriminated against solely based off of their name UM. So 300 00:16:19,120 --> 00:16:22,520 Speaker 1: the language that we presented to that bill UM was 301 00:16:22,600 --> 00:16:26,160 Speaker 1: to put an option forward that that let individuals not 302 00:16:26,280 --> 00:16:29,240 Speaker 1: have to put their names UM to apply for a job. 303 00:16:29,320 --> 00:16:32,400 Speaker 1: It would it would just have their resume UM, you 304 00:16:32,440 --> 00:16:34,360 Speaker 1: know where they're from and in the skills that they 305 00:16:34,360 --> 00:16:37,200 Speaker 1: have UH. And this would be an option that would 306 00:16:37,200 --> 00:16:39,960 Speaker 1: be enforced in many of our our our workplaces so 307 00:16:40,080 --> 00:16:43,000 Speaker 1: that individuals that look like me UM or even trans 308 00:16:43,080 --> 00:16:46,680 Speaker 1: people of color aren't discriminated because their name sounds to ghetto, 309 00:16:47,000 --> 00:16:50,200 Speaker 1: which is UH something that that has been picked up 310 00:16:50,280 --> 00:16:53,440 Speaker 1: in in statistics of of applying to jobs over the 311 00:16:53,440 --> 00:16:56,880 Speaker 1: past decade. But you know, we approached the councilwoman, we 312 00:16:56,880 --> 00:16:58,960 Speaker 1: we have this idea for for what we wanted to 313 00:16:59,040 --> 00:17:01,520 Speaker 1: change UM, and she was very receptive to that. So 314 00:17:01,560 --> 00:17:04,920 Speaker 1: we added literature on our own wording, um, and then 315 00:17:04,960 --> 00:17:07,320 Speaker 1: they picked that up and hopefully it does get past 316 00:17:08,280 --> 00:17:12,800 Speaker 1: that's amazing. So because of your initiative, a councilwoman is 317 00:17:12,800 --> 00:17:16,280 Speaker 1: adding some additional language in a bill for our local government. 318 00:17:17,040 --> 00:17:20,280 Speaker 1: All it takes is your willpower, you know, and your voice. 319 00:17:20,320 --> 00:17:24,959 Speaker 1: And I think that's the most the most successful ingredients 320 00:17:25,040 --> 00:17:28,199 Speaker 1: to to getting things done. Um. And that's what I 321 00:17:28,240 --> 00:17:31,280 Speaker 1: have been doing over this past year and then seeing uh, 322 00:17:31,359 --> 00:17:34,680 Speaker 1: my fruits come to labor. Yeah. And I also want 323 00:17:34,680 --> 00:17:36,639 Speaker 1: to talk about Warriors in the Garden because I know 324 00:17:36,720 --> 00:17:41,760 Speaker 1: you co founded this this movement. Can you talk about 325 00:17:41,840 --> 00:17:44,200 Speaker 1: how you started Warriors in the Garden because I think 326 00:17:44,240 --> 00:17:47,280 Speaker 1: it's really interesting what you guys are doing with this. Yes. 327 00:17:47,560 --> 00:17:49,919 Speaker 1: So you know, after that first day of protesting, that 328 00:17:50,000 --> 00:17:53,280 Speaker 1: first week of protesting, UM, I started finding my own 329 00:17:53,359 --> 00:17:56,359 Speaker 1: voice and was you know, chanting a lot and and 330 00:17:56,480 --> 00:17:58,359 Speaker 1: speaking at a lot of these protests. And there were 331 00:17:58,400 --> 00:18:01,119 Speaker 1: other individuals out there that you know, shared some of 332 00:18:01,160 --> 00:18:04,200 Speaker 1: the same messaging that that I was, and we realized 333 00:18:04,240 --> 00:18:06,760 Speaker 1: that you know, our our our power would be really 334 00:18:06,800 --> 00:18:09,400 Speaker 1: stronger and our voices would be louder um if we 335 00:18:09,440 --> 00:18:12,119 Speaker 1: worked together. UM. So we founded Warrior in the garden 336 00:18:12,280 --> 00:18:14,760 Speaker 1: wasn't that first week and a half. Uh. And since 337 00:18:14,800 --> 00:18:18,840 Speaker 1: then we were organizing protests and marches and children's marches, 338 00:18:19,280 --> 00:18:22,639 Speaker 1: um and putting out educational content about what it means 339 00:18:22,640 --> 00:18:25,240 Speaker 1: to be a black person in this country. UM. I 340 00:18:25,280 --> 00:18:29,600 Speaker 1: think yes. I mean we are all relatively uh young 341 00:18:29,800 --> 00:18:33,480 Speaker 1: group of individuals. Um. So the fact that we were 342 00:18:33,520 --> 00:18:36,400 Speaker 1: able to use our phones and and and the internet 343 00:18:36,359 --> 00:18:40,160 Speaker 1: and Instagram was a useful tool and changing our narrative 344 00:18:40,520 --> 00:18:43,520 Speaker 1: um as as the people of the movement um, rather 345 00:18:43,600 --> 00:18:47,440 Speaker 1: than being portrayed as writers and violent individuals, which we 346 00:18:47,440 --> 00:18:50,280 Speaker 1: were not, because we were there on the ground doing 347 00:18:50,320 --> 00:18:54,080 Speaker 1: the work and just peacefully protesting. I like to say 348 00:18:54,119 --> 00:18:57,680 Speaker 1: non violently protesting, because we are still disturbing the piece. 349 00:18:57,880 --> 00:19:01,800 Speaker 1: You know, we we aren't breaking or or hurting anyone, 350 00:19:01,880 --> 00:19:05,240 Speaker 1: so it is non violent, um. But a protest is 351 00:19:05,040 --> 00:19:07,320 Speaker 1: is still disturbing the peace which we want to do. 352 00:19:07,440 --> 00:19:10,960 Speaker 1: We want people to feel uncomfortable, um with the racism 353 00:19:11,040 --> 00:19:13,560 Speaker 1: that that we experience on a day to day basis. 354 00:19:13,840 --> 00:19:16,600 Speaker 1: And I think it's important that you know, I wish 355 00:19:16,760 --> 00:19:19,960 Speaker 1: we had we were having this conversation sooner. And so 356 00:19:20,600 --> 00:19:24,320 Speaker 1: it's frustrating that multiple people have to die for this 357 00:19:24,480 --> 00:19:27,960 Speaker 1: just to be a public conversation. Absolutely, it's it's sad, 358 00:19:28,440 --> 00:19:31,520 Speaker 1: um and so many people have died prior to both 359 00:19:31,560 --> 00:19:34,400 Speaker 1: of us being born. But you know, the work must continue, 360 00:19:34,680 --> 00:19:37,639 Speaker 1: and we know we need to continue putting individuals like 361 00:19:37,640 --> 00:19:41,720 Speaker 1: ourselves UM in office and in those rooms where we're 362 00:19:41,760 --> 00:19:44,400 Speaker 1: part of the conversation, where we're writing the laws, where 363 00:19:44,440 --> 00:19:47,800 Speaker 1: we're presenting legislation, because that's when the real change starts. 364 00:19:47,840 --> 00:19:49,920 Speaker 1: I do believe that there's an in and out strategy. 365 00:19:50,200 --> 00:19:53,600 Speaker 1: I do believe we need protesters and activists in the 366 00:19:53,640 --> 00:19:57,040 Speaker 1: ground as well as like minded individuals in office so 367 00:19:57,080 --> 00:20:00,600 Speaker 1: that there's this synergy of commitment to change. Who are 368 00:20:00,920 --> 00:20:07,000 Speaker 1: your political heroes? I love aoc Um, love Bernie Sanders, 369 00:20:07,119 --> 00:20:11,400 Speaker 1: uh Corey Bush, who's a recent congresswoman, Jamal Bowman, who's 370 00:20:11,440 --> 00:20:15,640 Speaker 1: a recent congressman. UM A lot of these new figures 371 00:20:15,680 --> 00:20:19,600 Speaker 1: that are are coming through in politics today. Shirley Chisholm. 372 00:20:19,640 --> 00:20:22,160 Speaker 1: I guess that's a throwback. She's the first black woman 373 00:20:22,160 --> 00:20:24,120 Speaker 1: to run for president and the first woman to run 374 00:20:24,119 --> 00:20:26,439 Speaker 1: for president. She's from Brooklyn, not too far away from me. 375 00:20:26,920 --> 00:20:29,600 Speaker 1: Um Or was from Brooklyn. UM. But a lot of 376 00:20:29,600 --> 00:20:33,080 Speaker 1: the new faces and figures that we're seeing today. The 377 00:20:33,160 --> 00:20:36,920 Speaker 1: squad as they call themselves, are extremely admirable and they're 378 00:20:36,960 --> 00:20:40,080 Speaker 1: they're doing the work um, and their power is growing 379 00:20:40,359 --> 00:20:43,159 Speaker 1: um and they're inspiring the many. So so they inspired me. 380 00:20:43,720 --> 00:20:46,160 Speaker 1: And I think something that I hope comes is that 381 00:20:46,200 --> 00:20:50,760 Speaker 1: we stop making everything so republican democrat, but more human rights, 382 00:20:51,680 --> 00:20:54,639 Speaker 1: because I feel like this isn't even a political issue. 383 00:20:54,640 --> 00:20:57,399 Speaker 1: It's just a human rights issue at this point. Mm hmmm. 384 00:20:58,040 --> 00:21:02,520 Speaker 1: And you know, completely agree with that, But the nuances 385 00:21:02,560 --> 00:21:06,160 Speaker 1: of politics always confuses that. I mean, the rights so 386 00:21:06,280 --> 00:21:11,480 Speaker 1: politics so political, absolutely, I mean politics is very political. 387 00:21:11,520 --> 00:21:13,920 Speaker 1: The right has their own definition of what human rights 388 00:21:13,920 --> 00:21:17,359 Speaker 1: are compared to the left. So um, that's why there's 389 00:21:17,440 --> 00:21:20,399 Speaker 1: this clear cut line. Maybe sometimes it's not even clear, 390 00:21:20,480 --> 00:21:25,240 Speaker 1: but a difference in thoughts for for many Americans and 391 00:21:25,320 --> 00:21:28,639 Speaker 1: many people in terms of what human rights are. Okay, 392 00:21:28,680 --> 00:21:30,560 Speaker 1: we have to take one more quick break and when 393 00:21:30,560 --> 00:21:32,680 Speaker 1: we come back, I want to dive deeper into your 394 00:21:32,720 --> 00:21:35,199 Speaker 1: passion for art in design and how let's helped you 395 00:21:35,240 --> 00:21:39,040 Speaker 1: in campaigning and how your past experience has helped you 396 00:21:39,160 --> 00:21:46,520 Speaker 1: run for city council. We'll be right back and we're back. 397 00:21:47,200 --> 00:21:49,520 Speaker 1: I find it so interesting that your family is very 398 00:21:49,600 --> 00:21:53,480 Speaker 1: music and art oriented, and get here you are in politics. 399 00:21:54,080 --> 00:21:56,600 Speaker 1: I know you're using art and creativity in your campaign. 400 00:21:56,600 --> 00:21:58,880 Speaker 1: How do you plan to do that when you win? 401 00:21:58,960 --> 00:22:04,040 Speaker 1: Because I'm manifesting, are you to incorporate that within your duties? 402 00:22:04,840 --> 00:22:07,959 Speaker 1: I want to and I'm doing this throughout my campaign 403 00:22:08,040 --> 00:22:11,359 Speaker 1: to check out any of my accounts. But politics is 404 00:22:11,400 --> 00:22:14,720 Speaker 1: so confusing to some people. You know, people don't understand 405 00:22:14,840 --> 00:22:17,399 Speaker 1: certain laws that are getting passed. People don't understand the 406 00:22:17,520 --> 00:22:20,840 Speaker 1: roles that they're electeds do. Um. And in a way 407 00:22:20,880 --> 00:22:24,160 Speaker 1: that we've been trying to connect those thoughts is through art, 408 00:22:24,240 --> 00:22:27,119 Speaker 1: is through graphic design, is through animation, so that we 409 00:22:27,160 --> 00:22:30,600 Speaker 1: can make this more inclusive, so that people can understand 410 00:22:30,880 --> 00:22:33,400 Speaker 1: what the f is going on in their own neighborhoods, 411 00:22:33,440 --> 00:22:35,679 Speaker 1: you know. Um. And and the way to do that 412 00:22:35,800 --> 00:22:39,680 Speaker 1: is the these digestible Instagram posts or this quick one 413 00:22:39,720 --> 00:22:44,120 Speaker 1: minute or two minute animation. UM. I feel like with 414 00:22:44,280 --> 00:22:47,439 Speaker 1: the the the older people that are in politics, UM, 415 00:22:47,480 --> 00:22:51,760 Speaker 1: there's this disconnect and how to communicate UM, ideas and 416 00:22:51,760 --> 00:22:55,000 Speaker 1: and and laws to to the regular person because they've 417 00:22:55,040 --> 00:22:57,560 Speaker 1: been in politics for so long as someone that wasn't 418 00:22:57,600 --> 00:23:00,560 Speaker 1: in politics for so long or even you know, under 419 00:23:00,600 --> 00:23:04,280 Speaker 1: a year. Um, I understand how to communicate with individuals 420 00:23:04,320 --> 00:23:07,119 Speaker 1: like yourself, um or even older than me in a 421 00:23:07,240 --> 00:23:10,760 Speaker 1: quicker way because you get it. You know, it's not 422 00:23:10,960 --> 00:23:15,199 Speaker 1: all like you said. It's making things very digestible and 423 00:23:15,320 --> 00:23:20,560 Speaker 1: interesting content because art is storytelling and you're telling your story, 424 00:23:21,280 --> 00:23:24,000 Speaker 1: h not only connecting a story, but catching the eye, 425 00:23:24,119 --> 00:23:26,520 Speaker 1: you know, making it interesting rather than something that you 426 00:23:26,560 --> 00:23:29,880 Speaker 1: can easily like turn away from because it's a bunch 427 00:23:29,920 --> 00:23:32,960 Speaker 1: of words, um that you don't understand, you know, Section 428 00:23:33,080 --> 00:23:36,560 Speaker 1: one whatever, intro law. UM. We're just trying to get 429 00:23:36,560 --> 00:23:39,800 Speaker 1: straight to the point to educate people about their rights 430 00:23:39,920 --> 00:23:42,959 Speaker 1: and what they can do to to to be active 431 00:23:42,960 --> 00:23:46,439 Speaker 1: in their communities. It's so important. And the other thing 432 00:23:46,520 --> 00:23:50,679 Speaker 1: that I think is really interesting, just the time that 433 00:23:50,720 --> 00:23:54,199 Speaker 1: we're living in, how much social media has played a 434 00:23:54,280 --> 00:23:57,720 Speaker 1: role in everything. Do you plan on continuing to social 435 00:23:57,760 --> 00:24:01,800 Speaker 1: media when you're elected or just focus more are on policies. 436 00:24:02,240 --> 00:24:07,520 Speaker 1: Social media is how I mainly connect to I guess everyone, 437 00:24:07,560 --> 00:24:10,840 Speaker 1: including you know, people in my district. We are living 438 00:24:10,880 --> 00:24:15,600 Speaker 1: in a pandemic still, so conventional campaigning as in door knocking, 439 00:24:16,000 --> 00:24:19,040 Speaker 1: um and speaking to people face to face is somewhat dangerous, 440 00:24:19,080 --> 00:24:22,240 Speaker 1: so uh, connecting to people online and through social media 441 00:24:22,280 --> 00:24:27,199 Speaker 1: has been a large use of our large implementation of 442 00:24:27,240 --> 00:24:30,199 Speaker 1: my campaigning UM during this past year. I mean, I 443 00:24:30,200 --> 00:24:33,520 Speaker 1: also think it's super successful and in terms of getting 444 00:24:33,560 --> 00:24:36,160 Speaker 1: thoughts and ideas the room to the people, and also 445 00:24:36,240 --> 00:24:39,480 Speaker 1: being able to to hear back from from what people 446 00:24:39,520 --> 00:24:41,679 Speaker 1: think about what I'm putting out there. Something that I 447 00:24:41,720 --> 00:24:43,840 Speaker 1: loved that you guys were just getting people to register 448 00:24:43,920 --> 00:24:47,359 Speaker 1: to vote, UM, which is so important. If you aren't 449 00:24:47,359 --> 00:24:51,600 Speaker 1: registered to vote, please registered to vote. UM. Do you 450 00:24:51,720 --> 00:24:55,159 Speaker 1: ever wish because you are twenty two? UM? And I 451 00:24:55,200 --> 00:24:57,480 Speaker 1: know I go through this sometimes, like what it's like 452 00:24:57,480 --> 00:24:59,960 Speaker 1: to be a normal teenager or a normal twenty two 453 00:25:00,000 --> 00:25:02,760 Speaker 1: a year old? How do you balance having a professional 454 00:25:02,760 --> 00:25:06,800 Speaker 1: career but also having a life. You know, it's kind 455 00:25:06,840 --> 00:25:09,280 Speaker 1: of hard to be a teenager or twenty something. Y're 456 00:25:09,320 --> 00:25:12,160 Speaker 1: old right now because we are in a pandemic UM, 457 00:25:12,200 --> 00:25:16,840 Speaker 1: so things are closed and I'm not able to do much. 458 00:25:16,880 --> 00:25:18,240 Speaker 1: I think it would be a little different if it 459 00:25:18,320 --> 00:25:22,439 Speaker 1: we're open UM. But you know, I'm still myself. I 460 00:25:22,560 --> 00:25:24,960 Speaker 1: still where what I want. I still listen to the 461 00:25:24,960 --> 00:25:27,960 Speaker 1: same music that I like. I I still talk to 462 00:25:27,960 --> 00:25:30,560 Speaker 1: the same people that I talked to prior. Um. I 463 00:25:30,600 --> 00:25:32,800 Speaker 1: like your glasses, by the way, thank you, Thank you 464 00:25:33,280 --> 00:25:35,480 Speaker 1: take them off sometimes, but this is when I'm on 465 00:25:35,800 --> 00:25:40,879 Speaker 1: political whatever. You're very business e, but also like thank you. 466 00:25:40,920 --> 00:25:44,480 Speaker 1: I appreciate that I'm still myself. I don't know, you 467 00:25:44,640 --> 00:25:47,280 Speaker 1: just followed me on Instagram, I saw, but you'll see 468 00:25:47,280 --> 00:25:50,680 Speaker 1: that I'm still you know, the same same me. Um. 469 00:25:50,680 --> 00:25:53,320 Speaker 1: Definitely a little more appropriate on on social media now. 470 00:25:53,359 --> 00:25:59,440 Speaker 1: But UM, the balance has been interesting. Yeah, I mean 471 00:25:59,520 --> 00:26:03,600 Speaker 1: it's it's really interesting just to figure it all out. UM. 472 00:26:03,800 --> 00:26:05,280 Speaker 1: Do you think you would even be running if the 473 00:26:05,280 --> 00:26:08,240 Speaker 1: pandemic hadn't happened. I don't think so. I think this 474 00:26:08,320 --> 00:26:12,159 Speaker 1: pandemic was a reset for me to think about what 475 00:26:12,200 --> 00:26:13,959 Speaker 1: I wanted to do next in my life. You know, 476 00:26:14,000 --> 00:26:20,879 Speaker 1: after losing my job, it was working in nightlife and hospitality. UM. 477 00:26:20,960 --> 00:26:25,359 Speaker 1: And you know, obviously that's changed after the pandemic hit. UM. 478 00:26:25,400 --> 00:26:27,439 Speaker 1: And you know a lot of gig workers and hospitality 479 00:26:27,480 --> 00:26:29,280 Speaker 1: workers and a lot of my co workers were out 480 00:26:29,280 --> 00:26:32,320 Speaker 1: of jobs. UM. And I I did not know what 481 00:26:32,400 --> 00:26:35,200 Speaker 1: to do, you know, I was I was really rethinking 482 00:26:35,400 --> 00:26:38,840 Speaker 1: my my my career or whatever. My career would be 483 00:26:38,840 --> 00:26:41,679 Speaker 1: because we had no end sight or end dates of 484 00:26:41,720 --> 00:26:44,720 Speaker 1: when this pandemic would end. Um. But I think one 485 00:26:44,840 --> 00:26:48,639 Speaker 1: event led to another, um, George Floyd. Um, you know 486 00:26:48,720 --> 00:26:52,560 Speaker 1: going out every single day. Uh, you know, diving into 487 00:26:52,800 --> 00:26:55,320 Speaker 1: two local politics, and it got me to this point. 488 00:26:55,400 --> 00:26:57,480 Speaker 1: And I guess to answer your question, I don't think 489 00:26:57,480 --> 00:26:59,879 Speaker 1: I would have been running if it weren't for the pandemic. 490 00:27:00,440 --> 00:27:02,720 Speaker 1: It's crazy how life happens. That's what I realized this 491 00:27:02,760 --> 00:27:05,560 Speaker 1: past year, like we can't control life and what happens 492 00:27:05,640 --> 00:27:10,040 Speaker 1: to us. I ready went to college, but you haven't 493 00:27:10,080 --> 00:27:12,560 Speaker 1: graduated yet. Do you think you'll ever go back and 494 00:27:12,640 --> 00:27:15,000 Speaker 1: finish up or is that not the priority right now? 495 00:27:15,640 --> 00:27:17,240 Speaker 1: I think I'm going to go back to school after 496 00:27:17,280 --> 00:27:20,639 Speaker 1: I finished my terms in the city council, so maybe 497 00:27:21,880 --> 00:27:24,600 Speaker 1: I think that's eight years. So at the end of 498 00:27:24,600 --> 00:27:26,440 Speaker 1: my eight years, I'll go back to school or maybe 499 00:27:26,520 --> 00:27:29,359 Speaker 1: take some night school and during my time on the 500 00:27:29,600 --> 00:27:31,840 Speaker 1: serving on the city council. You can do in part time. 501 00:27:31,880 --> 00:27:34,520 Speaker 1: I know people that do that. Yeah, I might do 502 00:27:34,560 --> 00:27:36,879 Speaker 1: that for sure. UM. I will say that, you know, 503 00:27:37,119 --> 00:27:39,159 Speaker 1: if you are in school, stay in school. Um. But 504 00:27:39,200 --> 00:27:42,000 Speaker 1: if you think you don't need school, to do what 505 00:27:42,080 --> 00:27:44,760 Speaker 1: you want to do. Then either take time off and 506 00:27:44,840 --> 00:27:48,240 Speaker 1: try to do that or um, yeah, just test out 507 00:27:48,280 --> 00:27:52,360 Speaker 1: all your options. I mean when gap years are great, UM, 508 00:27:52,880 --> 00:27:55,640 Speaker 1: test out your options before you get you know, older, 509 00:27:55,640 --> 00:27:58,160 Speaker 1: and even when you're older, you can test out your options. 510 00:27:58,160 --> 00:28:03,160 Speaker 1: But uh yeah, experiment. So what what made you want 511 00:28:03,160 --> 00:28:07,320 Speaker 1: to be like, Okay, I want to take some time off. Well, 512 00:28:07,600 --> 00:28:11,040 Speaker 1: my dad passed away and my dird semester at Chapman. 513 00:28:11,119 --> 00:28:14,240 Speaker 1: So I did move back home from that, UM and 514 00:28:14,480 --> 00:28:16,600 Speaker 1: you know, I was working in New York and I 515 00:28:16,680 --> 00:28:19,840 Speaker 1: just really enjoyed being back home with my my family. UM. 516 00:28:20,119 --> 00:28:23,199 Speaker 1: Insteaded not to go back because of that. UM and 517 00:28:23,240 --> 00:28:26,080 Speaker 1: then obviously one thing let to another. I enjoyed working 518 00:28:26,080 --> 00:28:29,439 Speaker 1: in the city, enjoyed being um back with with with 519 00:28:29,480 --> 00:28:32,280 Speaker 1: my friends and my family. UM. And then that we're here, 520 00:28:32,880 --> 00:28:36,040 Speaker 1: I'm so sorry about your dad. That's never it's terrible, 521 00:28:36,520 --> 00:28:38,640 Speaker 1: It's it's definitely a part of life. It's definitely a 522 00:28:38,680 --> 00:28:41,120 Speaker 1: part of my journey to to be doing what I'm doing. Now. 523 00:28:41,560 --> 00:28:45,560 Speaker 1: Do you think that made you like adult faster? Absolutely, 524 00:28:45,600 --> 00:28:47,720 Speaker 1: that's a really great question. I actually haven't heard that 525 00:28:47,760 --> 00:28:50,880 Speaker 1: one yet, but it's something that I do say a lot. Um. Absolutely. 526 00:28:51,000 --> 00:28:53,160 Speaker 1: I think, you know, losing a parent at a young 527 00:28:53,200 --> 00:28:56,160 Speaker 1: age UM really puts a lot more responsibility on your 528 00:28:56,160 --> 00:29:01,440 Speaker 1: plate and really just reframes your vision what life is, 529 00:29:01,560 --> 00:29:05,480 Speaker 1: especially losing a parent at a young age. UM. And 530 00:29:05,800 --> 00:29:09,400 Speaker 1: it definitely did mature me. I mean I think, uh, 531 00:29:09,520 --> 00:29:12,760 Speaker 1: you know, even speaking to some of my peers after 532 00:29:12,920 --> 00:29:15,320 Speaker 1: the passing of my father, UM, it just you know, 533 00:29:15,400 --> 00:29:18,560 Speaker 1: sometimes they didn't feel like we were mentally in the 534 00:29:18,640 --> 00:29:23,080 Speaker 1: same place because of the experience that I experienced rather 535 00:29:23,160 --> 00:29:25,880 Speaker 1: than you know, the lack of experience that that they had. 536 00:29:25,880 --> 00:29:27,840 Speaker 1: With that. I'm not saying I wished that on anyone else. 537 00:29:29,240 --> 00:29:32,240 Speaker 1: Grow up a lot faster, absolutely, I mean I think 538 00:29:32,280 --> 00:29:36,239 Speaker 1: it really re shapes what problems mean or are in 539 00:29:36,320 --> 00:29:39,000 Speaker 1: your life and what to be grateful for. Um. And 540 00:29:39,400 --> 00:29:41,680 Speaker 1: you know that happened to me, and you know I 541 00:29:41,720 --> 00:29:44,880 Speaker 1: never wish for something not to happen in my past. 542 00:29:44,920 --> 00:29:47,440 Speaker 1: That that makes sense because I think it created the 543 00:29:47,480 --> 00:29:50,360 Speaker 1: person that I am today. It just goes show to 544 00:29:50,400 --> 00:29:52,640 Speaker 1: a testament to your work ethic that you wanted to 545 00:29:53,120 --> 00:29:56,400 Speaker 1: be with your family but also keep working. I find 546 00:29:56,440 --> 00:29:59,080 Speaker 1: it so fascinating because I know you worked at Deepop. 547 00:29:59,200 --> 00:30:01,560 Speaker 1: You said you did some hospitality stuff. Do you think 548 00:30:01,600 --> 00:30:03,840 Speaker 1: any of the skills you learned from that has been 549 00:30:03,880 --> 00:30:07,440 Speaker 1: helpful in running a campaign? Absolutely? So. Like during my 550 00:30:07,560 --> 00:30:11,800 Speaker 1: time at Deep Pop, I was producing events at this 551 00:30:12,240 --> 00:30:15,480 Speaker 1: club called Public Hotels. Um So I worked in nightlife. 552 00:30:15,720 --> 00:30:18,680 Speaker 1: And working in nightlife and getting people to come out, 553 00:30:19,200 --> 00:30:22,280 Speaker 1: um every single night that I went out is a 554 00:30:22,320 --> 00:30:24,840 Speaker 1: part of organizing. You know that that that tool that 555 00:30:24,880 --> 00:30:26,640 Speaker 1: I picked up there is going to be the same 556 00:30:26,680 --> 00:30:28,760 Speaker 1: thing that I'm I'm picking up to get people to 557 00:30:28,800 --> 00:30:30,520 Speaker 1: go to the polls and vote for me, you know. 558 00:30:31,200 --> 00:30:34,840 Speaker 1: Um So that's definitely you know, a tool of organizing 559 00:30:34,880 --> 00:30:39,440 Speaker 1: that um an excitements that that I'm using behind this campaign. 560 00:30:39,920 --> 00:30:42,880 Speaker 1: What is your goal as a politician if you you know, 561 00:30:42,880 --> 00:30:45,560 Speaker 1: when you get elected, do you want to run again? 562 00:30:45,840 --> 00:30:49,760 Speaker 1: Would you want to run um for Congress? What are 563 00:30:49,880 --> 00:30:51,560 Speaker 1: your goals? Do you want to continue in this path 564 00:30:51,760 --> 00:30:54,280 Speaker 1: or do you just don't know? Because that's totally fine 565 00:30:54,280 --> 00:30:57,160 Speaker 1: because you're twenty two. Well, when I get elected, I 566 00:30:57,280 --> 00:31:00,880 Speaker 1: want to help my neighbors and want to help my community. 567 00:31:00,880 --> 00:31:03,120 Speaker 1: I want to ensure that people aren't evicted from their 568 00:31:03,160 --> 00:31:05,960 Speaker 1: homes during this pandemic. I want to ensure that the 569 00:31:06,000 --> 00:31:09,280 Speaker 1: small businesses in my neighborhood receive the grants and the 570 00:31:09,280 --> 00:31:12,080 Speaker 1: fiscal needs that they are able to receive so that 571 00:31:12,120 --> 00:31:15,040 Speaker 1: they don't close during this pandemic. I want to fight 572 00:31:15,200 --> 00:31:18,560 Speaker 1: for for those that have not been vaccinated yet. I 573 00:31:18,600 --> 00:31:22,120 Speaker 1: want to make vaccines more accessible within this district. I 574 00:31:22,200 --> 00:31:27,640 Speaker 1: want to uh nurture or create a community um where 575 00:31:27,800 --> 00:31:30,120 Speaker 1: individuals can feel like they start their own businesses so 576 00:31:30,120 --> 00:31:33,160 Speaker 1: that we can reboot this economy. My entire mission right 577 00:31:33,160 --> 00:31:35,520 Speaker 1: now and what I'm running on in my major priority 578 00:31:35,680 --> 00:31:38,200 Speaker 1: and nothing further than that, is to help my neighbors 579 00:31:38,240 --> 00:31:40,360 Speaker 1: and to help my community, and to help my district. 580 00:31:40,400 --> 00:31:43,040 Speaker 1: And I guess we'll see what happens after that. I 581 00:31:43,080 --> 00:31:45,840 Speaker 1: love what you're doing, and I think it's so important 582 00:31:45,880 --> 00:31:48,719 Speaker 1: to not let age define what you do. And for 583 00:31:48,760 --> 00:31:51,000 Speaker 1: those listening, if anyone ever tries to tell you that 584 00:31:51,680 --> 00:31:55,000 Speaker 1: they're wrong, and prove them wrong. And I'm just so 585 00:31:55,280 --> 00:31:57,720 Speaker 1: honored that you came on my podcast. Yeah, thank you 586 00:31:57,800 --> 00:32:01,000 Speaker 1: so much for having me. It's what a privilege, awesome, 587 00:32:01,040 --> 00:32:03,600 Speaker 1: it was so great to meet you. Congratulations on everything 588 00:32:03,600 --> 00:32:06,840 Speaker 1: you're doing. Thank you, I appreciate you. Congratulations for you too. 589 00:32:09,320 --> 00:32:12,120 Speaker 1: I hope you guys enjoyed this episode. G thank you 590 00:32:12,200 --> 00:32:15,280 Speaker 1: so much for coming on my podcast. I cannot wait 591 00:32:15,320 --> 00:32:17,840 Speaker 1: to see what you do. Go follow him if you 592 00:32:17,880 --> 00:32:20,960 Speaker 1: haven't already, and follow me on Instagram at it Sammy J. 593 00:32:21,120 --> 00:32:23,760 Speaker 1: That's I T S S A M M Y j 594 00:32:23,960 --> 00:32:26,520 Speaker 1: A y E. I hope you're having a great day 595 00:32:26,520 --> 00:32:28,480 Speaker 1: and I hope this episode made it a little bit better. 596 00:32:28,760 --> 00:32:31,760 Speaker 1: I'll see you guys next week. Bye.