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In this engaging podcast episode, Senator Robert Jackson discusses his journey into public service, emphasizing the importance of education, community safety, and affordable housing. He shares insights on the challenges faced by his constituents, particularly in immigrant communities, and highlights the need for legislative efforts to address these issues. The conversation also touches on the significance of Black History Month and the ongoing drug crisis in the community, advocating for a balanced approach to harm reduction and rehabilitation. Senator Jackson encourages listeners to get involved in their communities and make their voices heard.
Chapters
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Senator Robert Jackson
03:10 Senator Jackson's Journey into Public Service
10:00 The Importance of Education in Community Upliftment
16:31 Addressing Housing Issues in the Community
20:48 Preparing for Immigration Challenges
23:07 Healthcare and Community Safety
28:29 The Role of Local Government in Community Issues
31:35 The Significance of Black History Month
36:34 Addressing Drug Addiction in the Community
43:59 Support for Local Leadership and Initiatives
Creators and Guests
What is Uptown Voices?
A podcast focused on the Uptown neighborhoods of Inwood, Washington Heights and Harlem. Our neighborhoods have a voice and we want to be heard and felt. We love Uptown.
Each episode will elevate the people here who are making a difference in the life of this community. We’re also committed to “real talk” that seeks solutions that improve the quality of life in our beautiful Uptown neighborhoods.
Senator Robert Jackson (00:00)
we have a bill, a Keep Our Civilians Safe Act, okay, which basically would prohibit immigrant arrests within a thousand feet of sensitive location. Such as schools, shelters, houses of worship,
Led Black (00:03)
Hmm.
Senator Robert Jackson (00:14)
and government offices unless backed by a judicial warrant because no one should have to choose between seeking safety and risking detention. people ask me so all the time, Senator Jackson, what is your top priority? What are your priorities? top priority for me
is knowing that my constituents are in their housing and in our community are safe and sound. That's number one. If we're not safe in our homes, in our community, we're all in trouble.
Octavio Blanco (01:19)
Hello, everybody. Welcome to Uptem Voices. Today is a big day for us because we have the one and only state senator, Robert Jackson, joining us on the podcast. Mr. Senator, how are you today? Welcome to the podcast.
Senator Robert Jackson (01:22)
Bye.
Thank you, thank you, thank you. That means that I'm home now because I was up in Albany and so I came in the office nice and warm, you know, in order to do this podcast and I'm ready for it.
Octavio Blanco (01:41)
You ⁓
I really appreciate that you tripped it all the way down from Albany. there's budgets, there's politics, And so we really appreciate that you're down here. ⁓
Senator Robert Jackson (01:58)
And you know what the budget
is? The $260 billion.
Octavio Blanco (02:05)
man, that's like a large country's budget. That's huge.
My brother from another mother led black of the executive editor of Uptown collective He is the voice of uptown I am always so honored that I get to work with this man and and so I am feeling I I'm just very happy to be here with the both of you. So so lead. How are you doing?
Led Black (02:27)
brother. Thanks likewise.
Senator Robert Jackson (02:29)
Hahaha
Octavio Blanco (02:36)
Let the audience know how you're doing and let's kick this off.
Led Black (02:37)
I'm doing good.
Let's go, let's go. Thank you, my brother, Mad Love, always. I'm super excited for our guest, Senator Robert Jackson. But before we get to it, make sure you subscribe to the podcast, spread that uptown love, it shows that love, right, y'all? But Senator Robert Jackson is so interesting, because you're a staple in this community. I've seen you for so long running or tending to your constituents for so long. You've been in public service for so long. But what I want to learn, start off like,
What's your origin story? What drew you to public service? Why does this mean something to you? Why not go make millions of dollars somewhere else? And why is this important to you?
Senator Robert Jackson (03:20)
Well, that story goes back to me graduating from college when my family and I lived in the Bronx, right across the 181st Street Bridge on Montgomery Avenue. my wife and I, I got married and so my wife and I moved across the bridge and to 180th and Pinehurst Avenue. And so that's where I've been basically in Northern Manhattan, not 180th and Pinehurst, but I'm on Fort Washington Avenue.
So, and it's been like 50 years. So it's not just new, you know. The most important thing is that I had the opportunity to go to college through the Upward Bound program. Upward Bound program, if you don't know, it's a program where children like myself needed some assistance and getting into college and help and basically had the opportunity to go to college and graduate.
and then moved on with getting employment, a job, in order to basically support myself and my wife. so basically that was the start of my involvement here in Northern Manhattan. And the bottom line with that is that my wife and I, had our first child. We have three children right now, but my children are now young adults. As I said,
moved over here straight from college was over 50 years ago. And my oldest daughter is now 50 years of age. My middle one is 45 and the youngest one is 39. And they all went to school right here at our local school. And the bottom line is that's how I got involved in the political process through education. I've said loud and clear, education is the key to uplift all people.
nor families. It doesn't matter if you're black, if you're white, if you're Hispanic, if you're Asian, whether you're rich or you're poor, that's the equalizer. And you know one thing? If you, when I say you, whoever I'm talking to, basically if you focus on what you're trying to do and work hard at it, then 95 % of the time you will be effective in that. And you had, one of you led you to
that you're from, you your brother's from another mother. I said that many years ago when Bill Perkins, who was a state senator, who was a city council member in Harlem, and he used to say, you know, we're brothers from another mother. And so that's what it was about. And he said, your health is your wealth, because basically if you don't have your health, we're in trouble. But unfortunately he passed away.
but he was like a brother to me because when we were both in the city council, we would go to events in Harlem and Northern Manhattan together because I had the car. So if we had to drive, we would do that. And so he was like my brother. And they have named the street after him on 110th street and Fifth Avenue, Senator Bill Perkins. But the bottom line is that my involvement
in our kids' school was a tipping point. Why do I say that? Because there were around 33 people active on the Parents Association. And of those 33 people, majority of them were women. And it was only about three or four men. And I was one of those men. And they edumacated me. Did I say edumacated? Yeah, they edumacated me and helped me to learn.
Octavio Blanco (06:49)
Yeah.
Senator Robert Jackson (06:53)
the process as far as, you as a Parents Association. And so I went through the ranks of being ⁓ elected to the Parents Association, Vice President, President of the Parents Association. And I was on the Parents Association at PSI 187 for 19 continuous years. So, okay, that's what, because my kids were in school there. So I had to work at it. And we used to say to the people that were
Octavio Blanco (07:12)
Whoa!
Senator Robert Jackson (07:23)
of the treasurers that no gets to say that you have to be reimbursed unless they have a receipt. No receipt, you don't get reimbursed. You know, that's to keep some structure in that. And then obviously, when the school board was there, we had someone representing our school, PSIS 187 on 187th Street and Pinehurst Avenue on the school board.
And when that person did not run again, they said, why don't you run? We will support you. And I ran and they supported me basically, not only PSI 187, but others that knew about me as an individual working as a parents association. And I ran and I won with others on the school board. And I was on the school board for I think like 15 years.
elected to time again. And so that was important overall. And then obviously, when elections came and they said, why don't you run for the election for the New York City Council? And I did. So it came from like a plant. You plant the plant in the dirt and you take care of it and then it will grow.
And so I grew with the Parents Association of PSIS 187 and the Parents Association for Washingtonite and Inwood. So that's what it was about. And so one thing led to the other. And obviously I was elected to the city council. And what committees was I on? They put me on the education committee where then I subsequently, I
I chaired the education committee for, think, about eight years out of the 12 years that I served in the New York City Council. And then elected, obviously, I ran for office and did not win for both president of Manhattan. But subsequently, I was elected a couple of years later for the New York State Senate and won overall. Bottom line is I'm on all three committees.
Because I said before, education is the key to uplift our families and children. So I'm on the New York City Education Committee, which is New York City. I'm on the State Education Committee. Let me see that, everyone, please. And I'm on higher education. And so here's one example of the things that I have in my office about education.
And the AQE, Alliance for Quality Education, Tax-A-Rich Food Fund, our schools is so important because, and this one here, Child Care Now. This is what they're talking about right now, that we want our kids to have childcare from birth until they're adolescents, like 13 years of age. And that's what our mayor is fighting for also. So these are...
And even though these here are things about education, that's how important education is in the lives of our children. And so I've been involved with that and I continue to be involved with that. But my kids now are all young adults. One's a doctor, one's a math specialist for a school district in Virginia, and the other one works for Alvin Ailey Company as the company manager for Alvin Ailey too.
So they're on their road for doing, taking care of business. And I am just trying to continue to represent the 31st Senatorial District of the State Senate. And you may see as people, when I'm talking to them, when I tell them I represent the 31st Senatorial District, and then I said, well, where's that at? Because most people don't know where that is. Yeah. Most people don't know where it is. ⁓
Octavio Blanco (11:14)
Hahaha
Led Black (11:14)
Hahaha
Octavio Blanco (11:18)
Well, that's... Yeah.
Led Black (11:19)
So where's it at? I don't know where
Senator Robert Jackson (11:21)
where it is, is that
Led Black (11:21)
it's at, tell me.
Senator Robert Jackson (11:23)
from 155th Street, Washington, all of Washington Heights, all of Inwood, and all of Marble Hill, which is 225th Street area. It used to be I only had part of it, but I have all of it now. And then one third of my district is in the Northwest Bronx. And people say, where's that at? You go across the 181st Street Bridge, which is a Washington Bridge.
not the George Washington Bridge, the Washington Bridge. So, and then area there that gets towards Jerome Avenue where the number four train is. And then you go across the 207th Street Bridge. These are bridges that people in Washington, I can name where they're very much aware of. And then the 225th Street Bridge. So those are the bridges that connect me to the Northwest Bronx. And I've been there now for about two years and I'm working on my...
Led Black (11:49)
watching it right. ⁓
Senator Robert Jackson (12:16)
eighth year overall as a representative representing the 31st Senatorial District. And the struggle continues. You know, I sued the state of New York with Michael Revelle, who was an attorney at
Octavio Blanco (12:22)
That's
Senator Robert Jackson (12:30)
with CFE, the Campaign for Fiscal Equity. You can't see this, but I have my big walking mile for your child. Because I walked all the way to Albany, 150 miles, to fight a system that basically say, no, you don't deserve any more money in order to make sure your kids get a sound basic education. And so I said, then if in fact they won't give it to us, then we will sue them. And we sued the Department of Education.
⁓ for not providing, giving our children the opportunity to learn and reach out to what the highest court said that our children need to graduate from high school knowing how to read, knowing how to write, knowing how to serve on a jury and being able to hold competitive employment. That's the minimum standard that they're entitled to. And that's what that lawsuit was about. And that's why I walked in 2003, 150 miles.
of from the court of the First Department Appeal Division, like I think of 25th Street and Fifth Avenue. And also I worked again with AQE, the Alliance for Quality Education in 2016. So it's about willing to do the work in order to basically give the people that we represent every opportunity in order to do right, in order to, you know.
to have your kids grow up and having the opportunity to go to college, you know, and do, you know, from a point of view of working, you know, now you have your college degree, now you can get a job and work. And the first type of work that I got involved with was I worked for the state of New York as an unemployment insurance investigator, investigating fraud. And that's big job, a big job as far as work.
Not how much they paid me though, I'm telling you. But it was good. And I went to go work for the union thereafter, the New York State Public Employees Federation. That's a statewide union of state of New York representing professional, scientific and technical employees. And those are all the people, doctors, lawyers, engineers, all the people that over 55,000 people have New York State Public Employees Federation represents right now.
Led Black (14:27)
Hahaha
Octavio Blanco (14:27)
Yeah
Senator Robert Jackson (14:54)
And so that's what my life was about. And from that point, I was elected to the position that I talked about earlier, as far as city council and other positions in which, you know, right now you may say, well, what's the salary? Right now, the salary that I earn with every state assembly member and every state senator, the same thing. If you're working full time, you're ⁓ earning $142,000. And some people may think that's a lot of money.
And it is a lot of money if you don't have that much. But I think that, you know, quite frankly, we need a raise
Octavio Blanco (15:30)
Yeah, I mean, for sure in New York City, 142,000 is not exactly, you know, you're not Daddy Warbucks.
Senator Robert Jackson (15:39)
And I don't own my own home. I'm a renter. And I raised three girls.
Octavio Blanco (15:42)
You're a renter. ⁓ okay. Well,
Led Black (15:47)
I got three girls
as well. I got three girls as well.
Octavio Blanco (15:50)
And I have a 16 year old son. So, you know, we have a community here that is very interesting. They have a lot of issues. And I think there's a little bit of sometimes, because there's so many different people that are working at different levels of politics. I'm curious to know like,
What is it that your office, what are the issues that your office is seeing most? how does your office sort of help local, how does your office best help locals?
Senator Robert Jackson (16:31)
constituents.
Yeah. So the the issue that comes into our office right here at an up and Inwood 50 30 Broadway is about housing, affordable housing number one. And I would say this to you that if you go ask the other elected representatives that represent the area also, they're going to say is housing, affordable housing is number one.
And so that's the main thing. Obviously there's other things such as education, such as Medicaid and Medicare and things like that. That's normal. But the main thing is housing because the needs are great there. And that's why that the mayor under Eric Adams, there was a city of yes in order to build affordable housing.
And look at 207th Street, if you know, look at these developments that went up right there. It looks good to me, but how much is it going to cost? Can the people that we represent whose average salary is not $142,000 or it may be, let's say, 65, 70,000 or 100,000 if two people are working, can we afford to live there?
And so that's what we try help people do to find out whether or not. And so we have we have seven people in the office that works for the constituents. I have two people up in ⁓ my Albany office that work from a legislative point of view. And so that's what basically is my workload as far as my staff are concerned. And all of the staff
Octavio Blanco (18:16)
I see it.
Senator Robert Jackson (18:17)
all of the staff here speaks English and Spanish.
Octavio Blanco (18:22)
Yeah. so when...
Senator Robert Jackson (18:23)
Up in Albany,
I'm sorry, they don't speak Spanish, but if we need to have our staff, Joanna comes up, our Chief of Staff, or Dario Kwinczak, who's our Director of Operations, they speak Spanish.
Octavio Blanco (18:40)
Yeah, and so in what ways do you help locals when they come in with housing issues? are they coming in because they can't find affordable housing and you help them to find a house or do they come in when their rent has been raised and they are challenging it? Like so how do you help them? What can they expect if they come to the office?
Senator Robert Jackson (19:04)
Yeah, the first thing what we do is when people say, listen, I need I'm looking for a place to live. I need something that's affordable. We ask them, please come in. We want to do an assessment, an assessment on what you know, what are you looking for? What's the quality? How many people in your family? All of the nitty gritty stuff we need to know. So if you're talking about yourself.
or versus you and your sp children? Uh, and what ty do you have? Do you have, uh, far as your age or your d of things that you ne to to refocus on the
What have you done in order to look for affordable housing? Because it's not like, okay, we're here, now you have it, so please you go and find me a place. No, it's about working together with constituents in order to try to get them into the type of affordable housing that they can afford. That's what it
Led Black (20:18)
And
Senator Jackson, I wanted to ask you about taking it little further up in terms of what's happening federally with Trump's war on immigrants. How is your office preparing for the onslaught that's most likely gonna come like it came to Minnesota, especially since your district is a front lines immigrant community. What are your thoughts on what's happening and how can your office and other people
and regular citizens get involved and help out.
Senator Robert Jackson (20:49)
Well, it's important that has happened where people in our community have organized themselves with respects to whistles and other pieces of material that they have
Let's talk on the ground now. It's important that we do what we have to do in order to be safe and know that if something happens to me, my wife, then we have to look for them. We have to find out, you know, where they disappeared from and wherever they disappeared from.
What happens if, for example, basically shoots someone on the corner, what do the police do? They look at what? What do they look at? They look at the videos in the neighborhood. So if in fact ICE was involved in something, look at the videos in the area to see exactly what happened. It's important because we have to be able to determine something happened to them.
you know, whether or not it's your brother, your mother, your sister, your children, all of that's extremely important overall. But also, you know, we have a bill, a Keep Our Civilians Safe Act, okay, which basically would prohibit civic and immigrant arrests within a thousand feet of sensitive location. And what sensitive location? Such as schools, shelters, houses of worship,
Led Black (21:59)
Hmm.
Senator Robert Jackson (22:13)
and government offices unless backed by a judicial warrant because no one should have to choose between seeking safety and risking detention. so, you know, keeping our family safe is number one. And people ask me so all the time, Senator Jackson, what is your top priority? What are your priorities? And I would say to you and to them, top priority for me
is knowing that my constituents are in their housing and in our community are safe and sound. That's number one. If we're not safe in our homes, in our community, we're all in trouble. And so number two, then, to the issue you asked me, was number one, affordable housing, healthcare. Healthcare is so important.
A lot of stuff right now on Medicaid that's happening and Medicare for seniors and people with special needs, all of that's so important. Labor, people looking for jobs. And with the state of New York, we're working on improving that the state is now you can go online and look on a computer and see if there are job opportunities that you may qualify for. And if you don't have a community.
a computer at home, they come to my office and say, I'm looking for a job. I need help looking for a job. Can you help me? So here we can sit down at a computer, see what jobs are available based on what type of experience they have. And so it's about opening up our office to the constituents that we represent. And that's us doing our job overall. And so there's many things such as
the Senate bill number S-176. And people give me numbers. I said, so what is that bill? The legislation to end qualified immunity. Whereas what's happening in Minneapolis, Minnesota is people are being killed. And so, and when you look at the pictures that they showed on TV, but that's the only way I can see them. Cause as I said before,
Led Black (24:15)
Mmm.
Senator Robert Jackson (24:32)
of what people really do if there's something that happens. They're looking at the videos in all of the stores and what have you in order to see who was involved, who's running and all of that type. That's important in the process to determine. And that's why the governor of Minnesota, they found out that that person
Led Black (24:43)
Bye.
Senator Robert Jackson (24:56)
the nurse was shot about eight times.
Led Black (25:00)
Yeah, there was 11 altogether. Yeah
Senator Robert Jackson (25:02)
11. So that's a type of, I security that you need to have with yourself and your family. Because even for myself, I am not an immigrant. I was born in Harlem Hospital, raised in Harlem, grew up in New York City, my entire family. So for family members of mine going back toward slavery was, you here. But
it's important that you a proper ID. And so the ID that I carry is the state ID that the state of New York gives me as an elected public official. But also I was concerned going back when they first started to do this, whereas I carried my passport ID card. So I had two solid pieces of evidence of who I am.
But you know one thing? The way that they were acting, when I say they, the ICE officers, they weren't, in my opinion, caring about this. And in fact, it's been said, and I don't know the accuracy of it, but it's been said that they are stopping more people of color than anywhere else. And so right now, I heard that
Our president basically is slowing down and pulling back because the negative stuff that's happening to all of the people that are listening and see what's going on. And they said, this is not right. This is not how we should behave to people that come here looking for the affordability to work and raise their family here. That shouldn't happen. So.
But educating ourselves to these particular things and knowing about social justice and knowing about the bills about ending qualified immunity where if those people that shot and killed those people and you got proof that it was not in order to save someone else's life, then you need to be held accountable for killing someone or shooting someone.
Octavio Blanco (26:47)
up.
Senator Robert Jackson (27:14)
because that's not right.
Led Black (27:15)
That's right.
Octavio Blanco (27:15)
Yeah, yeah, absolutely. And, you know, I think that the two bills that you're talking about are New York for all and the other one to end qualified immunity. Unfortunately, we live in a country right now where the Supreme Court has said that it's okay to stop individuals if they
speak with an accent or if they're a little bit more melatonin than somebody else. So it's a very dangerous place. I don't know if carrying an ID, you know, I think that that's, you know, if we can, we can, but I feel that our rights are being eroded when we can be just stopped on the street because of the way we look or the way we sound. And for no other reason than that. And then we have to, we are asked for
for our papers. I think that's absolutely wrong. It sounds terrible. yeah, think how has the, you know, I think that the governor has been sort of tiptoeing the line and sort of moving a little bit more towards the left in terms of her stance on protecting immigrants. But,
But I think that the bill that you're referencing, New York for all goes further than what the governor has indicated that she wants to go. When are we gonna know whether or not New York for all has passed? When does that vote happen?
Senator Robert Jackson (28:50)
The vote happened when you have two houses of the legislative body. You have the state Senate, which I'm a member of, where there's 63 members in the New York state Senate. And so we have to pass that bill. And then in the house, meaning the New York state assembly, there's 150 members on the New York state assembly. Remember I said before, the assembly represents give or take.
about 165,000, where I represent in most state senators, about 330 to 340,000 constituents. So we have to pass it by a majority in both. And then it goes to, it has to be the same bill, but one in the name of the person from the assembly who the lead sponsor and the person who is in the Senate, the lead sponsor, those bills come together.
And it's the same bill, right? And it goes to the governor for approval to become the law. So that's the process. And that can happen as quickly as you can come together in order to make it like that. Whereas they can't be different. They have to be the same. So like I put my two hands together and as you see, it looks like one, but when it goes like that, it doesn't work that
Octavio Blanco (29:57)
Yeah.
Senator Robert Jackson (30:15)
So that's what has to happen in order for the bill to be made into the law. And I agree with you that she is attempting to, you know, this is an electoral process, not only for me, not only for the assembly, but for her as the governor and others also. And so the question is, are you going to stand up and fight back from a legislative point of view by passing the law? I say yes.
Octavio Blanco (30:15)
Yeah.
Senator Robert Jackson (30:43)
And most people would say yes to that also. I'm talking about not even people that are running for office, but I'm talking about the average New Yorker. When I say New Yorker, New York state person as far as because this way it's happening is not acceptable. And in fact, you hear on the news that even Republicans believe that it's gone too far. So we have to put it all in the right perspective.
Octavio Blanco (31:10)
Yeah, yeah, think, yeah, go ahead, Liv.
Led Black (31:13)
And Senator Jackson, I mean, I think we have to say, you know, happy Black History Month, right? You know, I think that's super important. And you yourself, you know, an example, a shining example of Black history. And, know, with the tyrant in power and, you know, the hatred of all of us, right? Why is Black History Month still important? Why is it something that we need to, you know, shout from the rooftops?
Senator Robert Jackson (31:36)
Well, it's important because that's part of the history of our country, of our country. Just like the Dominican leadership basically is as a result of, you know, now they're here in this country. So the most important thing for me is knowing where I'm coming from. Me as an individual, my mother was from Georgia and she is a light skinned.
black person. Okay. And so for me, I'm black. doesn't, you know, because the shades of my skin, I was born and raised in English here in the United States in New York. And I've spoken at Black History Month celebrations before in the Senate where so many people speak about it. And so with so many people speaking about how they
of they are black. And when it comes to, let's say, because everybody raised their hand in order to be called on. And I said for two, for two months, not two months, for two hours, everybody has talked about it. But let me just say this, say it now. I'm black and I'm Right. And so that brought people together to be more unified in the things that we do. So that that's what it's about, basically. And just like
Led Black (32:41)
I'm black and I'm proud. I love that.
Senator Robert Jackson (32:53)
Dominican heritage month, you know, and you know, all the others. Now, also people, people don't know that I am the first Muslim in the New York State Senate. Then people say, what? Yeah, I'm a Muslim, but you don't look like a Muslim. And then I say, what does a Muslim look like? Because my wife grew up as a Muslim woman in Tanzania, East Africa. I married her and.
Led Black (32:58)
Yeah.
Senator Robert Jackson (33:19)
I read out of college. And so we have three beautiful girls. And the bottom line is, what does a Muslim look like? You know, it looks like each and every one of us. And in fact, even me being a Muslim, being the first Muslim in the city council of New York, going way back in 2002 when I was elected in the city council. So I don't, I don't run around saying I'm a Muslim, I'm a Muslim.
Led Black (33:27)
Right.
Yeah,
I never knew you were Muslim. I never knew that.
Senator Robert Jackson (33:48)
Do you run around saying, I'm a Christian, I'm a Christian?
Led Black (33:51)
Yeah, no, you're right. It's true. It's
so interesting. Right.
Senator Robert Jackson (33:55)
You know, I'm about peace and unity. That's what it's about, you know? And so that, you know, I guess you got to just do your best in order to be a neighbor to the people in our community. And that's what I've tried to do my entire life. Because I've had some negative situations, you know, my younger sister, not young, one of my younger sister, when she was young, teenager or
Led Black (33:59)
Graduate.
Senator Robert Jackson (34:21)
20 years old, died of an overdose of heroin in Harlem. Her name was Zellma Ann. Named after my mother, who my mother's name was Zellma. That's an old Southern name. Zellma Jackson. So my sister died of OD in an apartment building in Harlem, and my mother and I had to go identify her body. And that's why I try to make sure that people know how important it is.
to education and be involved in improving your outcomes so that you don't have to move in that direction of alcoholism, substance abuse, and things like that. Ideally, what we want to make sure is that people just are aware of who they are
Led Black (35:09)
And if I may Octavio, you know, like heroin in uptown in the Heights is now gotten to, you know, to really epic proportions. And since you brought it up, I think it's something important to talk about because, you know, I feel, and I think you may differ, that the safe injection site on the 180 has caused, has been, I think,
It has worsened the community in so many ways. think it's created like a heroin corridor down 180th. And there's now things you never saw in Fort Washington. I grew up on Wadsworth, on east of Broadway. my mom, because Wadsworth's elevator is the other side of the valley. I remember looking across the Fort Triumph Park in Fort Washington and saying, one day I'm going to make it and live there. And now you go to Fort Washington and there's a lot of...
a lot of heroin addicts, they'll go to the corner and they'll just go like this is the garbage, human feces, all these things. What's happening in town and what are your thoughts on harm reduction? Because one the things I found interesting and we learned from our council member is that those two safe injection sites, they were put in on the last day at midnight of de Blasio's term, right? Without community input.
It feels like an experiment and I always say, think it's like ⁓ a Trojan horse for gentrification. So just want to get your thoughts on that topic.
Senator Robert Jackson (36:34)
sure. Well, endpoint, whi and Amsterdam. I support because what it does, it p place for someone that may it also helps people to re ready to go to rehabilitat
Led Black (36:41)
Mm-hmm.
Senator Robert Jackson (37:02)
It's about the positive aspects. mean, I'm not in favor of them using any drugs, but when the time they're going to use it, when the time comes that they need help in order to get away from that and get to rehabilitation. On Point is there to help them. And that's why I support them. And I told you the story about my younger sister, and that was in the 70s. But On Point
is from a positive point view and not just to give those that may be using heroin or drugs, giving them the opportunity, if they're going to do it, do it in a safe place, like on point. But on point, it was in our community for a long time before, even before it was on 180th and Amsterdam.
Octavio Blanco (37:44)
Yeah.
Led Black (37:54)
It was on Monday first.
And to be honest, if I may, Senator Jackson, that's when they came on, like in the 2018 is when you started seeing the early deterioration, in my opinion. And again, I think there's like other effects, right? Because it tells everyone on 180th, sell heroin, right? You're gonna have dedicated customers, right? And again, I feel like everything that's happened in this community is a direct result. And again, it does feel like...
It really is an experiment, right? If it's so bad, why don't we put one on every 10 blocks, right? Why is it only in Washington Heights and Harlem, right? The only two places that people of have any power in this island of Manhattan is these two places, and that's where you put them. Like, it really does feel to me, you know, like it's an experiment that's on us. And I feel like my kids, if the kids on Park Avenue are not seeing drug addicts laying on the floor doing heroin, my kids shouldn't have to see it either. And that's just my take, respectfully.
Senator Robert Jackson (38:50)
That's the city of New York has to improve the way that they're reaching out to people and using drugs. It's important to ask them, do you want to come inside and what have you? you treat them like they are. They are human beings. They are men and women, young and old. And the thing is that...
We want to treat them with respect and bring them in in order to move towards rehabilitation.
Led Black (39:19)
And
I'm last last thing I want to say about that. I'm sorry, because I totally understand. I totally understand that. But it feels like and I say this all the time, it feels like it's a drug addict centric approach instead of community approach. Right. And I feel that at the end of the day, like, you know, our community loses with this. And again, it's you know, they what they tout all the time is they prevent people from ODing. But they never tout how many people get clean, because I don't think people get clean from on point. If maybe I'm wrong.
Senator Robert Jackson (39:21)
That's a good.
Led Black (39:47)
And maybe you can illuminate on that, but I don't think that's, you know, that's really, they're not producing all these success stories where people get off of heroin, right? I think they continue people from dying. They stop people from dying, which is great, because they are human beings. But I think we're losing a lot. I think the regular people in this community that are not drug addicts are losing because of On Point and that kind of safe injection.
Senator Robert Jackson (40:02)
Yeah.
I,
you know, as I said, back to what I said, my involvement is to try to help them as individuals in order to move towards not using drugs. Obviously, I know that the families of those individuals must be pleased that there's an organization that can help. And obviously, helping the individuals have to be ready to be helped.
Octavio Blanco (40:32)
Yeah, yeah, it's a challenging, it's a challenge, it's a challenge. And my condolences to you for losing your sister to that scourge. And it's not new to Washington Heights and Harlem and to the world. mean, it's a drug that's been around for a long time. unfortunately, these days it's even more.
Senator Robert Jackson (40:33)
Because it's not easy. It's not easy. Yeah.
Octavio Blanco (40:59)
powerful than it was even back in the day. you know, me and lead, we between ourselves, we debate this, because me and lead are kind of I feel, and I think lead also, I don't want to speak for you lead, but, but I feel that it is important to help people who are in the throes of drug addiction. But I also ⁓
you know, let and I live like right around the corner from each other. And it also breaks my heart, number one, to see people on the street using. Number two, I'll tell you, this morning, my wife went down to the lobby to leave my building and there was an addict trying to get into our building, like pulling on the doors. You know, maybe it was cold for, and it was cold and I feel for that person.
Senator Robert Jackson (41:43)
Mmm.
Octavio Blanco (41:50)
But she was terrified. So I had to literally walk her to the train station because she was afraid. where I, where I see, where I really meet with leds viewpoint is that yes, we need to make sure that addicts are getting the care that they need. But I do, I do believe that there needs to be more of a community centric approach. There needs to be more.
Senator Robert Jackson (42:04)
Yeah.
Octavio Blanco (42:19)
that's being done so that the community isn't bearing so much of the brunt of this problem. And I know it's a challenge. So that's where we're at. And I appreciate your position on this, but it's something that I feel that you and your colleagues, the other elected officials need to understand or at least take more into consideration that
Senator Robert Jackson (42:33)
Yeah.
Octavio Blanco (42:47)
The community itself is really, you know, feeling the effects of the addiction scourge and we need help too. You know, we need help too.
Senator Robert Jackson (42:59)
I think also we, people should reach out to their elected representatives. People should reach out to our community board because obviously it's a concern. As I say, going back to the first thing, I talked about the safety and security of the people that we represent in their homes and in our communities and where.
in that example you gave where the individual was trying to get into the building. It may have been because of the weather, but you don't want to take any chances, obviously. So if you don't live here, please move on, okay? That's because I call the police.
Octavio Blanco (43:32)
Yeah.
you
Led Black (43:37)
Hmm?
Senator Jackson, were early supporter of Mamdani when he was running for mayor. I remember the first time that I met him, actually, I met him on Monday first and for Wash because of you, you know what mean? I had him throw the, I said, this this is the W for Washington Heights and this is the for Mamdani. I had him do that that was because of you, because like you were early, you were early supporter of the brother. So what did you see in him and what are your initial thoughts so far?
Senator Robert Jackson (43:45)
Yeah.
Yeah
Hahaha!
Well, thank you. I first of all, I've seen him where he was running in the early parts, even when he finished from New York City, he comes straight back to Albany to work. And I saw him one night up in Albany. This was late at night, maybe 11 o'clock at night. He's on the bench getting back from from New York City. And I've said that he's going to be successful.
The free bus rides in every borough. The one in the Bronx was on Sedwick Avenue is in my district. So basically that's when all of the people riding it was free. One free thing in each borough. So, and I've said that he's gonna be successful, but he's gonna need to help.
of the city council, the city council members and Julie Menon right now, the leader, they're gonna need that. They're gonna need the New York State Assembly, the New York State Senate and the governor's office. And so in essence, when you come together like that, just like it's happening right now, he's still talking about, you know, we have to tax the wealthiest New Yorkers, the rich.
and not a whole lot, just a little bit. A little bit would bring in four to $6 billion, what we need in order to help our neighbors. And so I support him as a result of going back and listening to him and being positive about the fact that we can do it. And that's why, you know, I've supported him. you know, I'm not with him. I'm with the New York State Senate.
Led Black (45:28)
That's right.
Senator Robert Jackson (45:47)
I'm dealing with the constituents that I have and that's what it's about. So I think he's going to be very successful. I think that the relationship that he's having with our governor, Kathy Hupel, is a good one and all the others, but there's other people running also. So you have to be able to listen to other people and what they have to say.
Octavio Blanco (46:07)
Yeah, yeah, we wanna.
Led Black (46:08)
Are you
gonna endorse Governor Hoku on the show or are we gonna say that for another time?
Senator Robert Jackson (46:14)
sure if she's coming, yeah, not a problem with me because my issues and concerns is I chair the Civil Service and Pensions Committee. So I'm dealing with civil service rules and regulations and pensions, people's retirements and, you know, being able to say that I can now retire and stay at home and enjoy my family. So I think that Kathy Hoco is reaching out.
Octavio Blanco (46:18)
You
Senator Robert Jackson (46:41)
to everyone that I know. And I think that she's willing to work hard to become the next governor. But so are other people. The lieutenant governor right now is running to be governor. And you have others also. So we have to see what develops as a result of that. I know that one thing. I know I'm going to be voting. My vote is my vote. And so I will be voting on the primary.
Led Black (46:53)
Garo.
Senator Robert Jackson (47:11)
and I will be voting on the general election.
Led Black (47:14)
And I just want to say that I'm actually kind of excited that she chose Adrienne Adams as a running mate. Like that's historic. Two women on the ballot, New York State. I think that's pretty amazing. Your thoughts?
Senator Robert Jackson (47:24)
Well, Adrian Adams, I thought when she was the speaker in the city council, I thought she was doing a good job. You know, very clear in her decisions, at least from my opinion, as someone that's outside of the circle of 50, 52 or 51 members of the city council. So what I hope for
is I hope that whatever decisions are being made by individuals on an individual basis or collective basis is going to improve the outcomes of the people of our city and our state.
Octavio Blanco (48:00)
That's great. And can I just ask you, did I hear you say, did I hear you correctly? Are you planning on retirement? is this, are you, are you going to, are you continuing in your life of public service or are you, or are you looking at at at a retirement coming soon?
Senator Robert Jackson (48:20)
No, I'm not going to retire. I'm a runner and runners are rough. I've run at least five marathons, three that I ran myself. My brother-in-law is a visually impaired individual, totally blind. I've run two or three marathons with him. And so if I'm ready to run a marathon, you know how easy it is to run when basically no one has announced that this
Octavio Blanco (48:22)
⁓ In all weather.
Led Black (48:24)
Runners don't quit.
Octavio Blanco (48:40)
Wow.
Senator Robert Jackson (48:48)
They're not supporting me, you know? So I'm running for reelection, and that's what it is.
Octavio Blanco (48:50)
Yeah.
Excellent, excellent.
I do want to ask you one last question because we are hitting up on an hour here and we promise to keep it to that. on the corner of 181st Street and Fort Washington Avenue is the church, which is now no longer in use. The congregation was kicked out. I understand that the synagogue is still actually getting
small extensions on their lease, that that's gonna come to an end very, soon because they're gonna be building their own synagogue soon at the Q Mart, where the Q Mart used to be, because that closed down. My question to you is, do you know what's gonna happen to that property? Do we have any insight as to what's gonna be happening there?
Senator Robert Jackson (49:32)
Yeah.
Well, I don't know. And but hope that whatever happens there, that they could one share their vision with the community because what we don't need is we don't need a tall, huge development there. And if it is going to be built for housing, then let's use it for people in the community.
that are needs three and those that need help with you know, disability or t whatever happens and I don' happen, but I know that, that were involved in.
messengers from God. They didn't treat us like that. You know, we were children that needed to help.
Led Black (50:32)
You
Octavio Blanco (50:32)
Hahaha
Yeah.
It was very unfair. It was very unfair.
Led Black (50:40)
Well, yeah,
Senator Jackson, we want to thank you for being on the show. Thank you for not speeding, but making it from all the way from Albany here to be on the show. And we're let you have your dinner, but tell the people, tell our audience how they can reach your office, how they can get in contact, how they can follow what's happening.
Octavio Blanco (50:48)
You
Senator Robert Jackson (50:59)
Sure. Well, if you're interested, here's my card. It says Robert Jackson, state senator, and it's in English and Spanish. But we're at, as I said, we're at 5030 Broadway's. People can come here and if they have a question about housing and stuff like that, can easily call. So I would say call first. And if you want to come by and speak with us about
housing or education, you an appointment. So we have my staff in New York are virtual on Monday and Friday. And they're in the office Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. But on the virtual day, they're working, but they're not in the office. They don't have to be in the office. And say, we also have an office in the Bronx at Bronx Community College. We have one of our members there.
Led Black (51:45)
in the office,
Senator Robert Jackson (51:55)
uh, that works and she's thing on monday and friday and thursday and thursday, there. So people can say, in the Bronx and you can call 212-544-2041. That's our phone number. Again, 212-544-0...
173. 0173 is for 50, 30 Broadway and 5442041 is our legislative office in Albany. So that's what it is.
Octavio Blanco (52:38)
We'll make sure to get those numbers
up on the screen so that everybody has the time to take it down. I appreciate your time.
Senator Robert Jackson (52:45)
The bottom line
is that this is what it takes in order to move a mountain. We have to work together. I tell people that if we want this bill, please call your representatives at every level and ask them, what have you done to help move this bill on behalf of the people of our district?
Octavio Blanco (52:51)
Yeah.
Led Black (52:51)
Right.
Amen.
Octavio Blanco (53:06)
And just like you did, I always tell the audience, please get involved, whether it's a community board, whether it's your school board, whatever the case may be, just get involved, make sure your voice is heard, make sure that you know what's going on, because there's a lot happening. And ignorance and apathy is not a choice anymore. And because even if you don't have an, even if you don't,
Senator Robert Jackson (53:07)
So even if.
Octavio Blanco (53:31)
feel like your political politics is happening to you. So it's not about the politics, it's about getting to know what's happening in your community and having a voice and making sure that what's happening is what you want it to happen. So get involved. That's what I always say.
Led Black (53:46)
Senator Jackson, thank you so much, brother. We really appreciate it. Thank you for watching.
Senator Robert Jackson (53:48)
Thank
you. I hope that I see you soon in person in order to do this again. But finally, if people want to see our weekly update, a weekly update we send out basically to people in the district and it's in English. You say, why isn't it in Spanish? Well, at the top, if you say, Espanol aquí, and you press it and then it turns to Spanish.
Led Black (53:53)
Yes, sir.
Senator Robert Jackson (54:16)
So please, if any one of your constituents that's listening, if they want to get this update, they could email or call the office, but they have to have an email for us in order to make sure that we get it to them. Okay.
Led Black (54:16)
Nice.
Octavio Blanco (54:30)
I
Led Black (54:30)
Awesome.
Octavio Blanco (54:30)
got to say,
receive it. I receive it and it's very comprehensive. So I do encourage everybody. So I'll make sure that we have the email on the screen so that folks who want to receive it can sign up.
Led Black (54:31)
Thank you, sir.
Senator Robert Jackson (54:36)
So.
So many people have
congratulated and they said they appreciate it. And I say, that's my staff that's putting that together. Edwin puts that together and does a great job on behalf of the constituents that we represent.
Octavio Blanco (54:55)
Well, Edwin, it's good. It's good. I got to tell you, Edwin, you're killing it with the newsletter because it's comprehensive and there's so much in there for folks to know about what's going on. So thank you to you, Senator. Thank you to your staff. I really appreciate that you're here with us. Thank you. Have a good night.
Led Black (54:56)
Everyone's the man. Everyone's the man.
Yes, sir.
Senator Robert Jackson (55:15)
Thank you for the podcast. Thank you. I appreciate that. Take care.
Led Black (55:15)
Thank you so much. Have a good day, brother. Thank you, sir. Have a good
day. Bye