Samelys López: “The South Bronx has a spirit of resiliency that defines us as a community”

Samelys López is running to represent New York’s 15th congressional district. Born in Puerto Rico and raised in the South Bronx, Lopez is looking to replace Congressman José Serrano who is retiring due to Parkinson's disease. Endorsed by Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Democratic Socialists of America, the Working Families Party, Sunrise and other progressive organizations – López is consolidating coveted support in this packed primary set to take place on June 23rd. We had the pleasure of sitting down with Samelys López a couple months ago, in a hispanic cafe in the South Bronx. From emphasizing how her lived experience of homelessness has informed her support for a national Homes Guarantee, to the inspiration that she has taken from the “squad” – Lopez discusses why political representation should center those who are most oppressed. openDemocracy is a small non-profit journalism outfit, not funded by dark money or lucrative sponsorship, so we depend on regular donations from our listeners. If you enjoyed this podcast and would like to donate, click here: http://bit.ly/3bb06Os