On this week's show we visit Washington Heights. My guests will be Robert Snyder, Professor Emeritus of American Studies and Journalism at Rutgers University and the Manhattan Borough Historian, and New York City Council Member Mark Levine, representing New York’s 7th District. Tune in for this fascinating conversation at TalkRadio.nyc or watch the Facebook Livestream by clicking here.

Show Notes

Segment 1

Jeff introduces his first guest Robert Snyder a retired professor of history at Rutgers University. Robert begins by going through his New York City upbringing. Jeff then asks how Robert got involved in studying history and how NYC’s history became a focus in his work. Robert goes on to talk about the books he’s written about New York. Jeff asks Robert how he became a Manhattan borough historian. They change topics to the history of Washington heights, beginning with the first native settlers and their customs. They move on to talking about the Dutch farmers who were some of the first English settlers in New York. Then Jeff and Robert start discussing the revolutionary war history in Washington Heights. Jeff moves on to ask Robert what Washington Heights was like in the nineteenth century. 

Segment 2

After the break, Jeff starts by asking Robert the inspiration behind one of his first books published, which covers immigration in New York City. Next, Jeff asks Robert about when the modern Washington Heights began to take shape. Moving on, Robert goes over the first immigrants to move into the neighborhood. While discussing the challenges they faced. He starts by discussing the German-Jewish immigrants who lived in the heights. They then talk about the Dominican immigrants who moved into Washington Heights beginning in the 1960's.  Jeff then brings up a dark time for the neighborhood in the 80s when drug dealing was rampant. Robert then discusses how the neighborhood bounced back and the community’s efforts to change things for the better. After this, Robert talks more about his book Crossing Broadway, and the recent history in Washington Heights.

Segment 3

Jeff introduces his next guest Mark Levine, an NYC council member who represents the 7th district. Mark first speaks about how he came to live in Washington Heights and his first job as a South Bronx teacher. Jeff asks Mark how teaching led him into working as a community activist. This leads to Jeff asking Mark the defining moment that got him to form a credit union for Washington Heights. Mark then talks about how he entered politics, which was born out of frustration at the city’s failure to help economic development in more impoverished communities. Jeff then asks Mark about his responsibilities on the health committee during COVID-19. 

Segment 4

Jeff starts again by asking about Mark’s role in the progressive caucus on the council. Changing topics, Mark talks about the vibe of Washington Heights and what makes it unique. He goes over the storefronts and restaurants and how diverse the community is. Mark then brings up the challenges Washington Heights has faced recently and how they are working to overcome them. Jeff asks Mark what he wishes he could see added to the neighborhood. For his final question, Jeff asks Mark why he decided to run for borough president.