January 26, 2021 • 32 mins
In this episode, Sammy Jaye talks with Chi Ossé. At 22, Ossé one of the youngest GenZ’ers nationwide to run for public office, focusing his sights on becoming a New York City council member for Brooklyn’s District 36. They talk about not letting your age define you, his love of activism and how his passion for music and art is influencing his campaign.
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Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
Hi guys, and welcome back to this week's episode of
Let's Be Real Podcast. As always, my name is Sammy J.
And I'm so happy you're here. This week's episode is
with ch O Say Now, you may not know his
name right now, but trust me you will. He's one
of the first gen Zers to run for political office.
(00:21):
He's running for New York City Council in District thirty six,
which is in New York. We have a great discussion
on what's happening in society right now, what it's like
running a political campaign at twenty two, how to be
taken seriously and not let your age define you, and
how to get involved in politics and make a difference
no matter your age. I hope you enjoyed this episode,
(00:43):
and as always, I'll see you guys next week. I
am so excited to have you on my podcast because
I've been so inspired by what you're doing. How did
you get interested in politics? Yeah, I am the one
of the first gen Zers to run for city council
in the city. UM. Never thought I would jump into
politics ever. UM. I've always been someone that's been politically aware, UM,
(01:07):
in terms of what's happening on a presidential level. UM,
but never thought that I would jump into a local
race before. UM. You know just a little bit about myself.
I mean, my name is chi O say um. I
I love everything creative, whether it's movies, art, music. UM.
I come from a heavy music background family. UM. So
politics was never in my line of sight. UM until
(01:30):
this summer. So what got you interested in running for office? Then?
After the murder of George Floyd, UM, I felt really
inclined to to leave my quarantine and protest against the
injustices that be in our country and in our city. UM.
And through that activism UM and going out every single day,
I had this growing hunger for for change UM. And
(01:53):
my feeling UM and strategy in order to achieve that
change from me was to jump into this political race.
I took that leap of faith. And it's been a
crazy six the seven months since we jumped in, and
I've learned a lot. Yeah, time isn't a thing anymore.
Those June feels like two years ago. It truly does.
(02:13):
It's this past year, and I guess this year already
feels like a whole another year. The past twenty summer
days of this year also a blur. Yeah, absolutely and
so chaotic, I know. And I also feel like the
protesting over the summer. I protested, and it was the
most surreal experience because you felt like you were making
(02:37):
a difference by just being there. Um, what was your
first experience when you went, because I know you like
lead a lot of protests. Your first protest? Were you underprepared?
Were you ready? Was it what you expected? You know?
I it was like the first time I was around
a lot of people ever since, you know, being in quarantine,
(02:57):
since what it was at the end of March, earliest
year a year. I think that's absolutely nuts. Um, the
first protest, I was extremely under prepared, um for what happened,
you know. I I came in shorts and doc Martins
and had a topebag of water and chapstick. And it
was a non violent protest, and um, I expected it
(03:18):
to be that way. But the police lashed out, you know,
at at many of the people that were there by
myself was pepper sprayed. Um. Other people around me were
injured by the barricades and by police batons, and many
people were arrested as well. Um. So I was prepared
for that first protest, but Um, I came prepared every
(03:39):
single day after that. So how do you face that
fear after getting pepper sprayed, which I can only imagine
is the most unpleasant, painful feeling, And then how do
you get that courage to go again even though you're
being targeted for peacefully protesting. I overcame that fear with
my passion for change. M hmm. I wanted the police
(04:02):
to be held accountable for what they were doing. I
wanted uh we as as non violent protesters and its
black and brown folks in this country who achieved the
change that our people have been fighting for for decades.
And I think that's what helped me overcome the sphere
of being purper sprayed again. I did wear my my
safety goggles the next day. UM, but you know I smart, right, UM.
(04:24):
But it was this yearning for change, in this passion
for um, you know, justice, that that helped me overcome
that fear of being preper sprayed again. It did not
happen again to me at least, but UM, you know
I was very careful in those in those following weeks
after that. Um. But yeah, I had this this this
(04:45):
strive to to to make real change in our city
and something that I've noticed. I really got into activism
over the past few years, just after the election and
how to really make a difference. But people don't realize
how important look elections are. That they think it's just
the midterms and the presidential elections. But what really changes,
(05:05):
you know, the country are these local elections. So for
those who don't understand, why can you explain it? Absolutely?
I mean, please do vote in every presidential election. Vote
in every single election. Um. But you know, when you
think about our our day to day and what we
truly complain about. Especially as a New Yorker do you
live in New York? Yes? Do you know? Okay, amazing
(05:28):
me too. Um So as a New Yorker and as
someone that was protesting this summer, you and I both um,
many people were chanting for change within the the NYPD.
Trump is not responsible for that, Our new president Biden
is not responsible for that. M Our Senate's not responsible
for that. Are our House is not responsible for that.
Our local electives are responsible for that. So if we're
(05:50):
spending our energy and time to protests in the streets,
um demanding change and reimagining of the NYPD, then we
need to be going to the polls and voting in individuals, UM,
in our own neighborhoods, in our own districts, that will
will respond to the values in the demands that we
are asking for. UM. For an example, you know, a
(06:10):
piece on my platform is I'm fighting for a green
new Deal for New York City. UM. We need to
start making those movements and putting people in office on
a local level that will be demanding that so that
we can fight for that on the top and that
happens in our local elections. You know, we can't wait
UM for Biden. UM. We can't wait for for Congress.
We can't wait for the Senate. UM to get things done.
(06:32):
We need to to act locally, UM, in every single election.
I'm very passionate about the education system, and I've noticed
that in a lot of low income neighborhoods, schools are
often underfunded. Why is that and what can we do
about it? Many of the people that it is affecting
don't really have a voice, don't really have a platform
(06:52):
to be able to speak up. And it's not coincidental
why our schools, I mean, in predominantly black neighborhoods are
underfunded it's not coincidental that because you're you're illiterate, I
your higher chance of going to prison. That's a poll,
a part of the large system. UM. You know, many
people I think black lives matter only pertains to law
(07:12):
enforcement UM killing black and brown men and women. But
that is not true, you know. And in many of
the parts of this country, nonetheless, New York City, predominantly
black neighborhoods are red lines and districts where are people
you know, live in conditions with underfunded public housing, underfunded
public education, underfunded healthcare. So in a way, we are
(07:32):
set up in these environments where we're supposed to fail,
you know, we're set up to fail. We're set up
to to go into the carcelrol U system. And and
the reason that that is is because are are elected
UM and those that are in power are accepting money
from police unions, are accepting money from real estate developers.
So rather than fulfilling the promises of their constituency or
(07:55):
the people, UH, they're fulfilling the promises of their donors
and people with money UM that that are are putting
their ideas forward. And that's why, you know, with cases
like that, and with a lot of v the action.
A lot of the individuals that I'm talking about now,
UM are are able to to hide under the radar,
and that's why it's not a public conversation. But people
(08:15):
are talking about it, and the conversation is getting louder.
What's it like running for office? I mean, you said
yourself you weren't as interested in politics a year ago.
And what advice do you have for young people who
also want to run for office? How do you get
started with it? I had a voice, and I have
a voice, and I have a vision, and I think
that's all that it takes. Obviously there are multiple multiple
(08:38):
parts that that go into it, UM. But if you
have a voice and you have UM something to say
that is important and that will will will conjure change
in your community, in your neighborhood, UM for the people
around you, then use that voice. UM. I happen to
use that voice to jump into this race, UM because
it was important to me. And you know, there are
(08:58):
people that that rallied behind me. There are people that
UM I have been able to grow with throughout these
past couple of six months, half a year, UM, and
it's been amazing. I will say it's one of the
craziest things I have ever done. But it's, um, it's amazing,
it's a it's a really entertaining experience. And you know,
throughout all of it, I've I've been bringing me to
the table. You know, I've never forgotten who I am. Um,
(09:21):
even though I'm running to be a politician, I'm still cheap.
You know. If you look at the design behind my campaign, UM,
it's it's authentically you know, it's it's it's you can
see my my take on art, you can see my
take on design, you can see where my references are from.
Because I want this to be like no other campaign
that anyone has ever seen before. I want this to
(09:41):
be the loudest, the coolest, the most stylish so that
I can engage every single person in local politics. And
we're doing the damn thing. We have to take a
quick break, but when we come back, I want to
find out about what's something unexpected that you've learned through
this experience and what it's been like being twenty two
on campaigning again, people who are ten, twent, thirty years older.
(10:02):
We'll be right back and we're back. You're bringing the
most gen z to this election. If that makes sense,
from the style to creativity to it. Local politics hasn't
been cool before, and I feel like that's what you're doing.
You're making it cool, which is so important. What's something
(10:23):
that you didn't expect you to learn past six months running? Hmm,
that's a that's a good question. Um, how good I
am at this? I think that's something I did not
expect that to be the case. I mean, I knew
that we were going to make noise. But you know,
this past week in our race of eleven people, I
(10:44):
found out that I outraised every single person in my race.
I'm the youngest candidate in my race by twenty years. Um. Yeah.
So like seeing the grassroots support that we're getting from people,
um in the neighborhood, UM, you know, on on the internet, UM,
everywhere is amazing, you know. And seeing how how well
(11:07):
this is going, um is you're surprised that it's going.
No I mean, I thought it was going to go well,
but I didn't know that, you know, it would turn
into what it is now. And that's what's affirming, like
my my day one beliefs. Um. I don't know, it's
still shocking to be doing what I'm doing. Um, obviously
have to be humble. Uh, but but it's it's it's
(11:30):
still an amazing, surreal experience. I've been fortunate enough to
do some really cool stuff at a young age, but
there have been so many times when adults have told
me I can't do something because of my age. How
has it been for you running for office in this
political climate where the people you're running against are so
much older has it been hard to be taken seriously?
(11:51):
Or have you just not cared? Well? I knew that
going into this that that would be, um, something that
would be said to me. I mean, I'm asking senior
to to vote for me and have maybe someone um,
you know, people three times my age to vote for
me and have me be someone that leads them. Um.
So I knew that going into it. UM and vice
(12:12):
strategy and what my team and I have been working
on is to just prove everyone wrong. I'm the only
way to prove people wrong is the show that we
are creating real change now. Uh. You know, I think
politicians in general, anyone that's running for office, is always
promising to get things done when they stepped into office. UM,
and we wanted to change that dynamic. We are are
(12:32):
are creating real change on a day to day basis. Um,
we are starting until you get elected. Exactly. We have
presented two bills to the city Council, UM amendments for
one bill that helps our our neighbors in terms of
those that that own homes in the neighborhood. UM. I'm
providing food on a weekly basis to one of our
public housing developments in the neighborhood on a weekly basis
(12:54):
because they haven't had gas since to lie. Um, We're
providing food for a senior centers and we've been handing
out pp on a day to day basis. UM. We're
we're doing the thing, you know. And I think when
people see that, UM, they forget about my age, because,
you know, they just see someone that is helping them,
you know, and who cares. And I think that's what's
(13:16):
more important than how long I've been on this earth.
I completely agree with you, and I feel like people
underestimate the power of our generation and I think we
as gen Z. I'm just saying collectively, I feel like
we want to prove them wrong. And I think you're
a perfect example of that. Not only can we prove
them wrong, UM, but we have the tools to do so,
(13:38):
you know, Uh, there's no better generation that has been
set up, especially with technology and just everything that we
know how to do. UM. I think we're we're fit
to to break through those obstacles that have been placed
in front of us. Something that I think is really
interesting is what you your slogan omission statement is reimagined
(13:59):
re us in renew UM. What do you mean by
that specifically? Like break that down? How do you did
you come up with that? M? I think the systems
and agencies in the way of life that we are
experiencing it on a day to day basis isn't working
for the many. I mean, we're in a time where uh,
people are still dying and losing their jobs from this pandemic.
(14:20):
We are in time when people are are being oppressed
by the police UM like they have been for decades,
but we're seeing a heightened UM or more eyes on
that right now. Because it's videotaped, people can't deny it
when they're absolutely UM. So the three RS on my
platform is a radical UM step to change the broken
(14:42):
UM systems that we're experiencing. UM. We need to reimagine
public safety. You know, it's not working for Americans, it's
not working for black and brown people. And with that
reimagining of it, we need to divest from the NYPD
and reallocate funds into c b o s or community
based organizations. We need to invest into our children, our youth,
our schools, our public education, our climate, and we need
(15:05):
to renew trust not only between the people in law enforcement,
but the people and are elected. You know, if you
talk to many people, they young or or older. Uh,
they don't trust politicians. And rightfully so, because politicians don't
get anything done, um for the most part. You know.
And now we're seeing a radical change of individuals that
(15:27):
are running for office, Individuals like myself that that are
are brand new to this field of politics, that are
dedicated to change and nothing else rather than a salary
like many career politicians are looking to do when they
are running for a seat. So you mentioned passing a bill.
How do you go about doing that? It's it's a
lot easier than you think too, to write up a bill. Um.
(15:49):
So one of the bills that that we are working
on is a bill called the fair Shop Bill. Um.
It's a bill that we're working on with the current
current seated councilwoman um Alika and Frey Sammy els UM.
And what the bill does in the language that we
added UM what what it was a bill that would
ease up diversity in the workplace, especially for city jobs.
So someone were to apply for a job UM and
(16:12):
they were black or or trans UM, sometimes they are
discriminated against solely based off of their name UM. So
the language that we presented to that bill UM was
to put an option forward that that let individuals not
have to put their names UM to apply for a job.
It would it would just have their resume UM, you
know where they're from and in the skills that they
(16:34):
have UH. And this would be an option that would
be enforced in many of our our our workplaces so
that individuals that look like me UM or even trans
people of color aren't discriminated because their name sounds to ghetto,
which is UH something that that has been picked up
in in statistics of of applying to jobs over the
past decade. But you know, we approached the councilwoman, we
(16:56):
we have this idea for for what we wanted to
change UM, and she was very receptive to that. So
we added literature on our own wording, um, and then
they picked that up and hopefully it does get past
that's amazing. So because of your initiative, a councilwoman is
adding some additional language in a bill for our local government.
(17:17):
All it takes is your willpower, you know, and your voice.
And I think that's the most the most successful ingredients
to to getting things done. Um. And that's what I
have been doing over this past year and then seeing uh,
my fruits come to labor. Yeah. And I also want
to talk about Warriors in the Garden because I know
you co founded this this movement. Can you talk about
(17:41):
how you started Warriors in the Garden because I think
it's really interesting what you guys are doing with this. Yes.
So you know, after that first day of protesting, that
first week of protesting, UM, I started finding my own
voice and was you know, chanting a lot and and
speaking at a lot of these protests. And there were
other individuals out there that you know, shared some of
the same messaging that that I was, and we realized
(18:04):
that you know, our our our power would be really
stronger and our voices would be louder um if we
worked together. UM. So we founded Warrior in the garden
wasn't that first week and a half. Uh. And since
then we were organizing protests and marches and children's marches,
um and putting out educational content about what it means
to be a black person in this country. UM. I
(18:25):
think yes. I mean we are all relatively uh young
group of individuals. Um. So the fact that we were
able to use our phones and and and the internet
and Instagram was a useful tool and changing our narrative
um as as the people of the movement um, rather
than being portrayed as writers and violent individuals, which we
(18:47):
were not, because we were there on the ground doing
the work and just peacefully protesting. I like to say
non violently protesting, because we are still disturbing the piece.
You know, we we aren't breaking or or hurting anyone,
so it is non violent, um. But a protest is
is still disturbing the peace which we want to do.
We want people to feel uncomfortable, um with the racism
(19:11):
that that we experience on a day to day basis.
And I think it's important that you know, I wish
we had we were having this conversation sooner. And so
it's frustrating that multiple people have to die for this
just to be a public conversation. Absolutely, it's it's sad,
um and so many people have died prior to both
(19:31):
of us being born. But you know, the work must continue,
and we know we need to continue putting individuals like
ourselves UM in office and in those rooms where we're
part of the conversation, where we're writing the laws, where
we're presenting legislation, because that's when the real change starts.
I do believe that there's an in and out strategy.
I do believe we need protesters and activists in the
(19:53):
ground as well as like minded individuals in office so
that there's this synergy of commitment to change. Who are
your political heroes? I love aoc Um, love Bernie Sanders,
uh Corey Bush, who's a recent congresswoman, Jamal Bowman, who's
a recent congressman. UM A lot of these new figures
(20:15):
that are are coming through in politics today. Shirley Chisholm.
I guess that's a throwback. She's the first black woman
to run for president and the first woman to run
for president. She's from Brooklyn, not too far away from me.
Um Or was from Brooklyn. UM. But a lot of
the new faces and figures that we're seeing today. The
squad as they call themselves, are extremely admirable and they're
(20:36):
they're doing the work um, and their power is growing
um and they're inspiring the many. So so they inspired me.
And I think something that I hope comes is that
we stop making everything so republican democrat, but more human rights,
because I feel like this isn't even a political issue.
It's just a human rights issue at this point. Mm hmmm.
(20:58):
And you know, completely agree with that, But the nuances
of politics always confuses that. I mean, the rights so
politics so political, absolutely, I mean politics is very political.
The right has their own definition of what human rights
are compared to the left. So um, that's why there's
this clear cut line. Maybe sometimes it's not even clear,
(21:20):
but a difference in thoughts for for many Americans and
many people in terms of what human rights are. Okay,
we have to take one more quick break and when
we come back, I want to dive deeper into your
passion for art in design and how let's helped you
in campaigning and how your past experience has helped you
run for city council. We'll be right back and we're back.
(21:47):
I find it so interesting that your family is very
music and art oriented, and get here you are in politics.
I know you're using art and creativity in your campaign.
How do you plan to do that when you win?
Because I'm manifesting, are you to incorporate that within your duties?
I want to and I'm doing this throughout my campaign
(22:08):
to check out any of my accounts. But politics is
so confusing to some people. You know, people don't understand
certain laws that are getting passed. People don't understand the
roles that they're electeds do. Um. And in a way
that we've been trying to connect those thoughts is through art,
is through graphic design, is through animation, so that we
can make this more inclusive, so that people can understand
(22:30):
what the f is going on in their own neighborhoods,
you know. Um. And and the way to do that
is the these digestible Instagram posts or this quick one
minute or two minute animation. UM. I feel like with
the the the older people that are in politics, UM,
there's this disconnect and how to communicate UM, ideas and
(22:51):
and and laws to to the regular person because they've
been in politics for so long as someone that wasn't
in politics for so long or even you know, under
a year. Um, I understand how to communicate with individuals
like yourself, um or even older than me in a
quicker way because you get it. You know, it's not
all like you said. It's making things very digestible and
(23:15):
interesting content because art is storytelling and you're telling your story,
h not only connecting a story, but catching the eye,
you know, making it interesting rather than something that you
can easily like turn away from because it's a bunch
of words, um that you don't understand, you know, Section
one whatever, intro law. UM. We're just trying to get
(23:36):
straight to the point to educate people about their rights
and what they can do to to to be active
in their communities. It's so important. And the other thing
that I think is really interesting, just the time that
we're living in, how much social media has played a
role in everything. Do you plan on continuing to social
(23:57):
media when you're elected or just focus more are on policies.
Social media is how I mainly connect to I guess everyone,
including you know, people in my district. We are living
in a pandemic still, so conventional campaigning as in door knocking,
um and speaking to people face to face is somewhat dangerous,
(24:19):
so uh, connecting to people online and through social media
has been a large use of our large implementation of
my campaigning UM during this past year. I mean, I
also think it's super successful and in terms of getting
thoughts and ideas the room to the people, and also
being able to to hear back from from what people
(24:39):
think about what I'm putting out there. Something that I
loved that you guys were just getting people to register
to vote, UM, which is so important. If you aren't
registered to vote, please registered to vote. UM. Do you
ever wish because you are twenty two? UM? And I
know I go through this sometimes, like what it's like
to be a normal teenager or a normal twenty two
(25:00):
a year old? How do you balance having a professional
career but also having a life. You know, it's kind
of hard to be a teenager or twenty something. Y're
old right now because we are in a pandemic UM,
so things are closed and I'm not able to do much.
I think it would be a little different if it
we're open UM. But you know, I'm still myself. I
(25:22):
still where what I want. I still listen to the
same music that I like. I I still talk to
the same people that I talked to prior. Um. I
like your glasses, by the way, thank you, Thank you
take them off sometimes, but this is when I'm on
political whatever. You're very business e, but also like thank you.
I appreciate that I'm still myself. I don't know, you
(25:44):
just followed me on Instagram, I saw, but you'll see
that I'm still you know, the same same me. Um.
Definitely a little more appropriate on on social media now.
But UM, the balance has been interesting. Yeah, I mean
it's it's really interesting just to figure it all out. UM.
Do you think you would even be running if the
(26:05):
pandemic hadn't happened. I don't think so. I think this
pandemic was a reset for me to think about what
I wanted to do next in my life. You know,
after losing my job, it was working in nightlife and hospitality. UM.
And you know, obviously that's changed after the pandemic hit. UM.
(26:25):
And you know a lot of gig workers and hospitality
workers and a lot of my co workers were out
of jobs. UM. And I I did not know what
to do, you know, I was I was really rethinking
my my my career or whatever. My career would be
because we had no end sight or end dates of
when this pandemic would end. Um. But I think one
event led to another, um, George Floyd. Um, you know
(26:48):
going out every single day. Uh, you know, diving into
two local politics, and it got me to this point.
And I guess to answer your question, I don't think
I would have been running if it weren't for the pandemic.
It's crazy how life happens. That's what I realized this
past year, like we can't control life and what happens
to us. I ready went to college, but you haven't
(27:10):
graduated yet. Do you think you'll ever go back and
finish up or is that not the priority right now?
I think I'm going to go back to school after
I finished my terms in the city council, so maybe
I think that's eight years. So at the end of
my eight years, I'll go back to school or maybe
take some night school and during my time on the
serving on the city council. You can do in part time.
(27:31):
I know people that do that. Yeah, I might do
that for sure. UM. I will say that, you know,
if you are in school, stay in school. Um. But
if you think you don't need school, to do what
you want to do. Then either take time off and
try to do that or um, yeah, just test out
all your options. I mean when gap years are great, UM,
(27:52):
test out your options before you get you know, older,
and even when you're older, you can test out your options.
But uh yeah, experiment. So what what made you want
to be like, Okay, I want to take some time off. Well,
my dad passed away and my dird semester at Chapman.
So I did move back home from that, UM and
(28:14):
you know, I was working in New York and I
just really enjoyed being back home with my my family. UM.
Insteaded not to go back because of that. UM and
then obviously one thing let to another. I enjoyed working
in the city, enjoyed being um back with with with
my friends and my family. UM. And then that we're here,
I'm so sorry about your dad. That's never it's terrible,
(28:36):
It's it's definitely a part of life. It's definitely a
part of my journey to to be doing what I'm doing. Now.
Do you think that made you like adult faster? Absolutely,
that's a really great question. I actually haven't heard that
one yet, but it's something that I do say a lot. Um. Absolutely.
I think, you know, losing a parent at a young
age UM really puts a lot more responsibility on your
plate and really just reframes your vision what life is,
(29:01):
especially losing a parent at a young age. UM. And
it definitely did mature me. I mean I think, uh,
you know, even speaking to some of my peers after
the passing of my father, UM, it just you know,
sometimes they didn't feel like we were mentally in the
same place because of the experience that I experienced rather
(29:23):
than you know, the lack of experience that that they had.
With that. I'm not saying I wished that on anyone else.
Grow up a lot faster, absolutely, I mean I think
it really re shapes what problems mean or are in
your life and what to be grateful for. Um. And
you know that happened to me, and you know I
never wish for something not to happen in my past.
(29:44):
That that makes sense because I think it created the
person that I am today. It just goes show to
a testament to your work ethic that you wanted to
be with your family but also keep working. I find
it so fascinating because I know you worked at Deepop.
You said you did some hospitality stuff. Do you think
any of the skills you learned from that has been
helpful in running a campaign? Absolutely? So. Like during my
(30:07):
time at Deep Pop, I was producing events at this
club called Public Hotels. Um So I worked in nightlife.
And working in nightlife and getting people to come out,
um every single night that I went out is a
part of organizing. You know that that that tool that
I picked up there is going to be the same
thing that I'm I'm picking up to get people to
(30:28):
go to the polls and vote for me, you know.
Um So that's definitely you know, a tool of organizing
that um an excitements that that I'm using behind this campaign.
What is your goal as a politician if you you know,
when you get elected, do you want to run again?
Would you want to run um for Congress? What are
(30:49):
your goals? Do you want to continue in this path
or do you just don't know? Because that's totally fine
because you're twenty two. Well, when I get elected, I
want to help my neighbors and want to help my community.
I want to ensure that people aren't evicted from their
homes during this pandemic. I want to ensure that the
small businesses in my neighborhood receive the grants and the
fiscal needs that they are able to receive so that
(31:12):
they don't close during this pandemic. I want to fight
for for those that have not been vaccinated yet. I
want to make vaccines more accessible within this district. I
want to uh nurture or create a community um where
individuals can feel like they start their own businesses so
that we can reboot this economy. My entire mission right
(31:33):
now and what I'm running on in my major priority
and nothing further than that, is to help my neighbors
and to help my community, and to help my district.
And I guess we'll see what happens after that. I
love what you're doing, and I think it's so important
to not let age define what you do. And for
those listening, if anyone ever tries to tell you that
they're wrong, and prove them wrong. And I'm just so
(31:55):
honored that you came on my podcast. Yeah, thank you
so much for having me. It's what a privilege, awesome,
it was so great to meet you. Congratulations on everything
you're doing. Thank you, I appreciate you. Congratulations for you too.
I hope you guys enjoyed this episode. G thank you
so much for coming on my podcast. I cannot wait
(32:15):
to see what you do. Go follow him if you
haven't already, and follow me on Instagram at it Sammy J.
That's I T S S A M M Y j
A y E. I hope you're having a great day
and I hope this episode made it a little bit better.
I'll see you guys next week. Bye.
Hi guys, and welcome back to this week's episode of
Let's Be Real Podcast. As always, my name is Sammy J.
And I'm so happy you're here. This week's episode is
with ch O Say Now, you may not know his
name right now, but trust me you will. He's one
of the first gen Zers to run for political office.
(00:21):
He's running for New York City Council in District thirty six,
which is in New York. We have a great discussion
on what's happening in society right now, what it's like
running a political campaign at twenty two, how to be
taken seriously and not let your age define you, and
how to get involved in politics and make a difference
no matter your age. I hope you enjoyed this episode,
(00:43):
and as always, I'll see you guys next week. I
am so excited to have you on my podcast because
I've been so inspired by what you're doing. How did
you get interested in politics? Yeah, I am the one
of the first gen Zers to run for city council
in the city. UM. Never thought I would jump into
politics ever. UM. I've always been someone that's been politically aware, UM,
(01:07):
in terms of what's happening on a presidential level. UM,
but never thought that I would jump into a local
race before. UM. You know just a little bit about myself.
I mean, my name is chi O say um. I
I love everything creative, whether it's movies, art, music. UM.
I come from a heavy music background family. UM. So
politics was never in my line of sight. UM until
(01:30):
this summer. So what got you interested in running for office? Then?
After the murder of George Floyd, UM, I felt really
inclined to to leave my quarantine and protest against the
injustices that be in our country and in our city. UM.
And through that activism UM and going out every single day,
I had this growing hunger for for change UM. And
(01:53):
my feeling UM and strategy in order to achieve that
change from me was to jump into this political race.
I took that leap of faith. And it's been a
crazy six the seven months since we jumped in, and
I've learned a lot. Yeah, time isn't a thing anymore.
Those June feels like two years ago. It truly does.
(02:13):
It's this past year, and I guess this year already
feels like a whole another year. The past twenty summer
days of this year also a blur. Yeah, absolutely and
so chaotic, I know. And I also feel like the
protesting over the summer. I protested, and it was the
most surreal experience because you felt like you were making
(02:37):
a difference by just being there. Um, what was your
first experience when you went, because I know you like
lead a lot of protests. Your first protest? Were you underprepared?
Were you ready? Was it what you expected? You know?
I it was like the first time I was around
a lot of people ever since, you know, being in quarantine,
(02:57):
since what it was at the end of March, earliest
year a year. I think that's absolutely nuts. Um, the
first protest, I was extremely under prepared, um for what happened,
you know. I I came in shorts and doc Martins
and had a topebag of water and chapstick. And it
was a non violent protest, and um, I expected it
(03:18):
to be that way. But the police lashed out, you know,
at at many of the people that were there by
myself was pepper sprayed. Um. Other people around me were
injured by the barricades and by police batons, and many
people were arrested as well. Um. So I was prepared
for that first protest, but Um, I came prepared every
(03:39):
single day after that. So how do you face that
fear after getting pepper sprayed, which I can only imagine
is the most unpleasant, painful feeling, And then how do
you get that courage to go again even though you're
being targeted for peacefully protesting. I overcame that fear with
my passion for change. M hmm. I wanted the police
(04:02):
to be held accountable for what they were doing. I
wanted uh we as as non violent protesters and its
black and brown folks in this country who achieved the
change that our people have been fighting for for decades.
And I think that's what helped me overcome the sphere
of being purper sprayed again. I did wear my my
safety goggles the next day. UM, but you know I smart, right, UM.
(04:24):
But it was this yearning for change, in this passion
for um, you know, justice, that that helped me overcome
that fear of being preper sprayed again. It did not
happen again to me at least, but UM, you know
I was very careful in those in those following weeks
after that. Um. But yeah, I had this this this
(04:45):
strive to to to make real change in our city
and something that I've noticed. I really got into activism
over the past few years, just after the election and
how to really make a difference. But people don't realize
how important look elections are. That they think it's just
the midterms and the presidential elections. But what really changes,
(05:05):
you know, the country are these local elections. So for
those who don't understand, why can you explain it? Absolutely?
I mean, please do vote in every presidential election. Vote
in every single election. Um. But you know, when you
think about our our day to day and what we
truly complain about. Especially as a New Yorker do you
live in New York? Yes? Do you know? Okay, amazing
(05:28):
me too. Um So as a New Yorker and as
someone that was protesting this summer, you and I both um,
many people were chanting for change within the the NYPD.
Trump is not responsible for that, Our new president Biden
is not responsible for that. M Our Senate's not responsible
for that. Are our House is not responsible for that.
Our local electives are responsible for that. So if we're
(05:50):
spending our energy and time to protests in the streets,
um demanding change and reimagining of the NYPD, then we
need to be going to the polls and voting in individuals, UM,
in our own neighborhoods, in our own districts, that will
will respond to the values in the demands that we
are asking for. UM. For an example, you know, a
(06:10):
piece on my platform is I'm fighting for a green
new Deal for New York City. UM. We need to
start making those movements and putting people in office on
a local level that will be demanding that so that
we can fight for that on the top and that
happens in our local elections. You know, we can't wait
UM for Biden. UM. We can't wait for for Congress.
We can't wait for the Senate. UM to get things done.
(06:32):
We need to to act locally, UM, in every single election.
I'm very passionate about the education system, and I've noticed
that in a lot of low income neighborhoods, schools are
often underfunded. Why is that and what can we do
about it? Many of the people that it is affecting
don't really have a voice, don't really have a platform
(06:52):
to be able to speak up. And it's not coincidental
why our schools, I mean, in predominantly black neighborhoods are
underfunded it's not coincidental that because you're you're illiterate, I
your higher chance of going to prison. That's a poll,
a part of the large system. UM. You know, many
people I think black lives matter only pertains to law
(07:12):
enforcement UM killing black and brown men and women. But
that is not true, you know. And in many of
the parts of this country, nonetheless, New York City, predominantly
black neighborhoods are red lines and districts where are people
you know, live in conditions with underfunded public housing, underfunded
public education, underfunded healthcare. So in a way, we are
(07:32):
set up in these environments where we're supposed to fail,
you know, we're set up to fail. We're set up
to to go into the carcelrol U system. And and
the reason that that is is because are are elected
UM and those that are in power are accepting money
from police unions, are accepting money from real estate developers.
So rather than fulfilling the promises of their constituency or
(07:55):
the people, UH, they're fulfilling the promises of their donors
and people with money UM that that are are putting
their ideas forward. And that's why, you know, with cases
like that, and with a lot of v the action.
A lot of the individuals that I'm talking about now,
UM are are able to to hide under the radar,
and that's why it's not a public conversation. But people
(08:15):
are talking about it, and the conversation is getting louder.
What's it like running for office? I mean, you said
yourself you weren't as interested in politics a year ago.
And what advice do you have for young people who
also want to run for office? How do you get
started with it? I had a voice, and I have
a voice, and I have a vision, and I think
that's all that it takes. Obviously there are multiple multiple
(08:38):
parts that that go into it, UM. But if you
have a voice and you have UM something to say
that is important and that will will will conjure change
in your community, in your neighborhood, UM for the people
around you, then use that voice. UM. I happen to
use that voice to jump into this race, UM because
it was important to me. And you know, there are
(08:58):
people that that rallied behind me. There are people that
UM I have been able to grow with throughout these
past couple of six months, half a year, UM, and
it's been amazing. I will say it's one of the
craziest things I have ever done. But it's, um, it's amazing,
it's a it's a really entertaining experience. And you know,
throughout all of it, I've I've been bringing me to
the table. You know, I've never forgotten who I am. Um,
(09:21):
even though I'm running to be a politician, I'm still cheap.
You know. If you look at the design behind my campaign, UM,
it's it's authentically you know, it's it's it's you can
see my my take on art, you can see my
take on design, you can see where my references are from.
Because I want this to be like no other campaign
that anyone has ever seen before. I want this to
(09:41):
be the loudest, the coolest, the most stylish so that
I can engage every single person in local politics. And
we're doing the damn thing. We have to take a
quick break, but when we come back, I want to
find out about what's something unexpected that you've learned through
this experience and what it's been like being twenty two
on campaigning again, people who are ten, twent, thirty years older.
(10:02):
We'll be right back and we're back. You're bringing the
most gen z to this election. If that makes sense,
from the style to creativity to it. Local politics hasn't
been cool before, and I feel like that's what you're doing.
You're making it cool, which is so important. What's something
(10:23):
that you didn't expect you to learn past six months running? Hmm,
that's a that's a good question. Um, how good I
am at this? I think that's something I did not
expect that to be the case. I mean, I knew
that we were going to make noise. But you know,
this past week in our race of eleven people, I
(10:44):
found out that I outraised every single person in my race.
I'm the youngest candidate in my race by twenty years. Um. Yeah.
So like seeing the grassroots support that we're getting from people,
um in the neighborhood, UM, you know, on on the internet, UM,
everywhere is amazing, you know. And seeing how how well
(11:07):
this is going, um is you're surprised that it's going.
No I mean, I thought it was going to go well,
but I didn't know that, you know, it would turn
into what it is now. And that's what's affirming, like
my my day one beliefs. Um. I don't know, it's
still shocking to be doing what I'm doing. Um, obviously
have to be humble. Uh, but but it's it's it's
(11:30):
still an amazing, surreal experience. I've been fortunate enough to
do some really cool stuff at a young age, but
there have been so many times when adults have told
me I can't do something because of my age. How
has it been for you running for office in this
political climate where the people you're running against are so
much older has it been hard to be taken seriously?
(11:51):
Or have you just not cared? Well? I knew that
going into this that that would be, um, something that
would be said to me. I mean, I'm asking senior
to to vote for me and have maybe someone um,
you know, people three times my age to vote for
me and have me be someone that leads them. Um.
So I knew that going into it. UM and vice
(12:12):
strategy and what my team and I have been working
on is to just prove everyone wrong. I'm the only
way to prove people wrong is the show that we
are creating real change now. Uh. You know, I think
politicians in general, anyone that's running for office, is always
promising to get things done when they stepped into office. UM,
and we wanted to change that dynamic. We are are
(12:32):
are creating real change on a day to day basis. Um,
we are starting until you get elected. Exactly. We have
presented two bills to the city Council, UM amendments for
one bill that helps our our neighbors in terms of
those that that own homes in the neighborhood. UM. I'm
providing food on a weekly basis to one of our
public housing developments in the neighborhood on a weekly basis
(12:54):
because they haven't had gas since to lie. Um, We're
providing food for a senior centers and we've been handing
out pp on a day to day basis. UM. We're
we're doing the thing, you know. And I think when
people see that, UM, they forget about my age, because,
you know, they just see someone that is helping them,
you know, and who cares. And I think that's what's
(13:16):
more important than how long I've been on this earth.
I completely agree with you, and I feel like people
underestimate the power of our generation and I think we
as gen Z. I'm just saying collectively, I feel like
we want to prove them wrong. And I think you're
a perfect example of that. Not only can we prove
them wrong, UM, but we have the tools to do so,
(13:38):
you know, Uh, there's no better generation that has been
set up, especially with technology and just everything that we
know how to do. UM. I think we're we're fit
to to break through those obstacles that have been placed
in front of us. Something that I think is really
interesting is what you your slogan omission statement is reimagined
(13:59):
re us in renew UM. What do you mean by
that specifically? Like break that down? How do you did
you come up with that? M? I think the systems
and agencies in the way of life that we are
experiencing it on a day to day basis isn't working
for the many. I mean, we're in a time where uh,
people are still dying and losing their jobs from this pandemic.
(14:20):
We are in time when people are are being oppressed
by the police UM like they have been for decades,
but we're seeing a heightened UM or more eyes on
that right now. Because it's videotaped, people can't deny it
when they're absolutely UM. So the three RS on my
platform is a radical UM step to change the broken
(14:42):
UM systems that we're experiencing. UM. We need to reimagine
public safety. You know, it's not working for Americans, it's
not working for black and brown people. And with that
reimagining of it, we need to divest from the NYPD
and reallocate funds into c b o s or community
based organizations. We need to invest into our children, our youth,
our schools, our public education, our climate, and we need
(15:05):
to renew trust not only between the people in law enforcement,
but the people and are elected. You know, if you
talk to many people, they young or or older. Uh,
they don't trust politicians. And rightfully so, because politicians don't
get anything done, um for the most part. You know.
And now we're seeing a radical change of individuals that
(15:27):
are running for office, Individuals like myself that that are
are brand new to this field of politics, that are
dedicated to change and nothing else rather than a salary
like many career politicians are looking to do when they
are running for a seat. So you mentioned passing a bill.
How do you go about doing that? It's it's a
lot easier than you think too, to write up a bill. Um.
(15:49):
So one of the bills that that we are working
on is a bill called the fair Shop Bill. Um.
It's a bill that we're working on with the current
current seated councilwoman um Alika and Frey Sammy els UM.
And what the bill does in the language that we
added UM what what it was a bill that would
ease up diversity in the workplace, especially for city jobs.
So someone were to apply for a job UM and
(16:12):
they were black or or trans UM, sometimes they are
discriminated against solely based off of their name UM. So
the language that we presented to that bill UM was
to put an option forward that that let individuals not
have to put their names UM to apply for a job.
It would it would just have their resume UM, you
know where they're from and in the skills that they
(16:34):
have UH. And this would be an option that would
be enforced in many of our our our workplaces so
that individuals that look like me UM or even trans
people of color aren't discriminated because their name sounds to ghetto,
which is UH something that that has been picked up
in in statistics of of applying to jobs over the
past decade. But you know, we approached the councilwoman, we
(16:56):
we have this idea for for what we wanted to
change UM, and she was very receptive to that. So
we added literature on our own wording, um, and then
they picked that up and hopefully it does get past
that's amazing. So because of your initiative, a councilwoman is
adding some additional language in a bill for our local government.
(17:17):
All it takes is your willpower, you know, and your voice.
And I think that's the most the most successful ingredients
to to getting things done. Um. And that's what I
have been doing over this past year and then seeing uh,
my fruits come to labor. Yeah. And I also want
to talk about Warriors in the Garden because I know
you co founded this this movement. Can you talk about
(17:41):
how you started Warriors in the Garden because I think
it's really interesting what you guys are doing with this. Yes.
So you know, after that first day of protesting, that
first week of protesting, UM, I started finding my own
voice and was you know, chanting a lot and and
speaking at a lot of these protests. And there were
other individuals out there that you know, shared some of
the same messaging that that I was, and we realized
(18:04):
that you know, our our our power would be really
stronger and our voices would be louder um if we
worked together. UM. So we founded Warrior in the garden
wasn't that first week and a half. Uh. And since
then we were organizing protests and marches and children's marches,
um and putting out educational content about what it means
to be a black person in this country. UM. I
(18:25):
think yes. I mean we are all relatively uh young
group of individuals. Um. So the fact that we were
able to use our phones and and and the internet
and Instagram was a useful tool and changing our narrative
um as as the people of the movement um, rather
than being portrayed as writers and violent individuals, which we
(18:47):
were not, because we were there on the ground doing
the work and just peacefully protesting. I like to say
non violently protesting, because we are still disturbing the piece.
You know, we we aren't breaking or or hurting anyone,
so it is non violent, um. But a protest is
is still disturbing the peace which we want to do.
We want people to feel uncomfortable, um with the racism
(19:11):
that that we experience on a day to day basis.
And I think it's important that you know, I wish
we had we were having this conversation sooner. And so
it's frustrating that multiple people have to die for this
just to be a public conversation. Absolutely, it's it's sad,
um and so many people have died prior to both
(19:31):
of us being born. But you know, the work must continue,
and we know we need to continue putting individuals like
ourselves UM in office and in those rooms where we're
part of the conversation, where we're writing the laws, where
we're presenting legislation, because that's when the real change starts.
I do believe that there's an in and out strategy.
I do believe we need protesters and activists in the
(19:53):
ground as well as like minded individuals in office so
that there's this synergy of commitment to change. Who are
your political heroes? I love aoc Um, love Bernie Sanders,
uh Corey Bush, who's a recent congresswoman, Jamal Bowman, who's
a recent congressman. UM A lot of these new figures
(20:15):
that are are coming through in politics today. Shirley Chisholm.
I guess that's a throwback. She's the first black woman
to run for president and the first woman to run
for president. She's from Brooklyn, not too far away from me.
Um Or was from Brooklyn. UM. But a lot of
the new faces and figures that we're seeing today. The
squad as they call themselves, are extremely admirable and they're
(20:36):
they're doing the work um, and their power is growing
um and they're inspiring the many. So so they inspired me.
And I think something that I hope comes is that
we stop making everything so republican democrat, but more human rights,
because I feel like this isn't even a political issue.
It's just a human rights issue at this point. Mm hmmm.
(20:58):
And you know, completely agree with that, But the nuances
of politics always confuses that. I mean, the rights so
politics so political, absolutely, I mean politics is very political.
The right has their own definition of what human rights
are compared to the left. So um, that's why there's
this clear cut line. Maybe sometimes it's not even clear,
(21:20):
but a difference in thoughts for for many Americans and
many people in terms of what human rights are. Okay,
we have to take one more quick break and when
we come back, I want to dive deeper into your
passion for art in design and how let's helped you
in campaigning and how your past experience has helped you
run for city council. We'll be right back and we're back.
(21:47):
I find it so interesting that your family is very
music and art oriented, and get here you are in politics.
I know you're using art and creativity in your campaign.
How do you plan to do that when you win?
Because I'm manifesting, are you to incorporate that within your duties?
I want to and I'm doing this throughout my campaign
(22:08):
to check out any of my accounts. But politics is
so confusing to some people. You know, people don't understand
certain laws that are getting passed. People don't understand the
roles that they're electeds do. Um. And in a way
that we've been trying to connect those thoughts is through art,
is through graphic design, is through animation, so that we
can make this more inclusive, so that people can understand
(22:30):
what the f is going on in their own neighborhoods,
you know. Um. And and the way to do that
is the these digestible Instagram posts or this quick one
minute or two minute animation. UM. I feel like with
the the the older people that are in politics, UM,
there's this disconnect and how to communicate UM, ideas and
(22:51):
and and laws to to the regular person because they've
been in politics for so long as someone that wasn't
in politics for so long or even you know, under
a year. Um, I understand how to communicate with individuals
like yourself, um or even older than me in a
quicker way because you get it. You know, it's not
all like you said. It's making things very digestible and
(23:15):
interesting content because art is storytelling and you're telling your story,
h not only connecting a story, but catching the eye,
you know, making it interesting rather than something that you
can easily like turn away from because it's a bunch
of words, um that you don't understand, you know, Section
one whatever, intro law. UM. We're just trying to get
(23:36):
straight to the point to educate people about their rights
and what they can do to to to be active
in their communities. It's so important. And the other thing
that I think is really interesting, just the time that
we're living in, how much social media has played a
role in everything. Do you plan on continuing to social
(23:57):
media when you're elected or just focus more are on policies.
Social media is how I mainly connect to I guess everyone,
including you know, people in my district. We are living
in a pandemic still, so conventional campaigning as in door knocking,
um and speaking to people face to face is somewhat dangerous,
(24:19):
so uh, connecting to people online and through social media
has been a large use of our large implementation of
my campaigning UM during this past year. I mean, I
also think it's super successful and in terms of getting
thoughts and ideas the room to the people, and also
being able to to hear back from from what people
(24:39):
think about what I'm putting out there. Something that I
loved that you guys were just getting people to register
to vote, UM, which is so important. If you aren't
registered to vote, please registered to vote. UM. Do you
ever wish because you are twenty two? UM? And I
know I go through this sometimes, like what it's like
to be a normal teenager or a normal twenty two
(25:00):
a year old? How do you balance having a professional
career but also having a life. You know, it's kind
of hard to be a teenager or twenty something. Y're
old right now because we are in a pandemic UM,
so things are closed and I'm not able to do much.
I think it would be a little different if it
we're open UM. But you know, I'm still myself. I
(25:22):
still where what I want. I still listen to the
same music that I like. I I still talk to
the same people that I talked to prior. Um. I
like your glasses, by the way, thank you, Thank you
take them off sometimes, but this is when I'm on
political whatever. You're very business e, but also like thank you.
I appreciate that I'm still myself. I don't know, you
(25:44):
just followed me on Instagram, I saw, but you'll see
that I'm still you know, the same same me. Um.
Definitely a little more appropriate on on social media now.
But UM, the balance has been interesting. Yeah, I mean
it's it's really interesting just to figure it all out. UM.
Do you think you would even be running if the
(26:05):
pandemic hadn't happened. I don't think so. I think this
pandemic was a reset for me to think about what
I wanted to do next in my life. You know,
after losing my job, it was working in nightlife and hospitality. UM.
And you know, obviously that's changed after the pandemic hit. UM.
(26:25):
And you know a lot of gig workers and hospitality
workers and a lot of my co workers were out
of jobs. UM. And I I did not know what
to do, you know, I was I was really rethinking
my my my career or whatever. My career would be
because we had no end sight or end dates of
when this pandemic would end. Um. But I think one
event led to another, um, George Floyd. Um, you know
(26:48):
going out every single day. Uh, you know, diving into
two local politics, and it got me to this point.
And I guess to answer your question, I don't think
I would have been running if it weren't for the pandemic.
It's crazy how life happens. That's what I realized this
past year, like we can't control life and what happens
to us. I ready went to college, but you haven't
(27:10):
graduated yet. Do you think you'll ever go back and
finish up or is that not the priority right now?
I think I'm going to go back to school after
I finished my terms in the city council, so maybe
I think that's eight years. So at the end of
my eight years, I'll go back to school or maybe
take some night school and during my time on the
serving on the city council. You can do in part time.
(27:31):
I know people that do that. Yeah, I might do
that for sure. UM. I will say that, you know,
if you are in school, stay in school. Um. But
if you think you don't need school, to do what
you want to do. Then either take time off and
try to do that or um, yeah, just test out
all your options. I mean when gap years are great, UM,
(27:52):
test out your options before you get you know, older,
and even when you're older, you can test out your options.
But uh yeah, experiment. So what what made you want
to be like, Okay, I want to take some time off. Well,
my dad passed away and my dird semester at Chapman.
So I did move back home from that, UM and
(28:14):
you know, I was working in New York and I
just really enjoyed being back home with my my family. UM.
Insteaded not to go back because of that. UM and
then obviously one thing let to another. I enjoyed working
in the city, enjoyed being um back with with with
my friends and my family. UM. And then that we're here,
I'm so sorry about your dad. That's never it's terrible,
(28:36):
It's it's definitely a part of life. It's definitely a
part of my journey to to be doing what I'm doing. Now.
Do you think that made you like adult faster? Absolutely,
that's a really great question. I actually haven't heard that
one yet, but it's something that I do say a lot. Um. Absolutely.
I think, you know, losing a parent at a young
age UM really puts a lot more responsibility on your
plate and really just reframes your vision what life is,
(29:01):
especially losing a parent at a young age. UM. And
it definitely did mature me. I mean I think, uh,
you know, even speaking to some of my peers after
the passing of my father, UM, it just you know,
sometimes they didn't feel like we were mentally in the
same place because of the experience that I experienced rather
(29:23):
than you know, the lack of experience that that they had.
With that. I'm not saying I wished that on anyone else.
Grow up a lot faster, absolutely, I mean I think
it really re shapes what problems mean or are in
your life and what to be grateful for. Um. And
you know that happened to me, and you know I
never wish for something not to happen in my past.
(29:44):
That that makes sense because I think it created the
person that I am today. It just goes show to
a testament to your work ethic that you wanted to
be with your family but also keep working. I find
it so fascinating because I know you worked at Deepop.
You said you did some hospitality stuff. Do you think
any of the skills you learned from that has been
helpful in running a campaign? Absolutely? So. Like during my
(30:07):
time at Deep Pop, I was producing events at this
club called Public Hotels. Um So I worked in nightlife.
And working in nightlife and getting people to come out,
um every single night that I went out is a
part of organizing. You know that that that tool that
I picked up there is going to be the same
thing that I'm I'm picking up to get people to
(30:28):
go to the polls and vote for me, you know.
Um So that's definitely you know, a tool of organizing
that um an excitements that that I'm using behind this campaign.
What is your goal as a politician if you you know,
when you get elected, do you want to run again?
Would you want to run um for Congress? What are
(30:49):
your goals? Do you want to continue in this path
or do you just don't know? Because that's totally fine
because you're twenty two. Well, when I get elected, I
want to help my neighbors and want to help my community.
I want to ensure that people aren't evicted from their
homes during this pandemic. I want to ensure that the
small businesses in my neighborhood receive the grants and the
fiscal needs that they are able to receive so that
(31:12):
they don't close during this pandemic. I want to fight
for for those that have not been vaccinated yet. I
want to make vaccines more accessible within this district. I
want to uh nurture or create a community um where
individuals can feel like they start their own businesses so
that we can reboot this economy. My entire mission right
(31:33):
now and what I'm running on in my major priority
and nothing further than that, is to help my neighbors
and to help my community, and to help my district.
And I guess we'll see what happens after that. I
love what you're doing, and I think it's so important
to not let age define what you do. And for
those listening, if anyone ever tries to tell you that
they're wrong, and prove them wrong. And I'm just so
(31:55):
honored that you came on my podcast. Yeah, thank you
so much for having me. It's what a privilege, awesome,
it was so great to meet you. Congratulations on everything
you're doing. Thank you, I appreciate you. Congratulations for you too.
I hope you guys enjoyed this episode. G thank you
so much for coming on my podcast. I cannot wait
(32:15):
to see what you do. Go follow him if you
haven't already, and follow me on Instagram at it Sammy J.
That's I T S S A M M Y j
A y E. I hope you're having a great day
and I hope this episode made it a little bit better.
I'll see you guys next week. Bye.
Host
Sammy Jaye
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