Characters of the Village

Arnie Segarra: “I Give a Damn” Activist

By Brian and Joy Pape

For many years, Arthur Schwartz, senior editor of the Village View, has worked with Arnie Segarra for the welfare of our city. He introduced us to Segarra whose interview we share with our readers.

Tell us about yourself
My parents migrated to New York from Puerto Rico for a four-letter word ─ work. It’s important to know that Puerto Ricans are not immigrants, but U.S. citizens. I was born and raised in the projects of East Harlem. In 1967, I moved to 18 Christopher Street here in the Village. Although, I’m no longer living on Christopher Street, my home has always been in the Village. I still live here with my beloved bride and best friend, Aedin.

What brought you to the Village?
It was the place to be back then, mostly because of the arts. It has changed dramatically but it is still the place to be. I remember Latin Nights at the Village Gate drew me to the Village to listen to music. I would visit friends and I fell in love with the people, the atmosphere, the politics ─ both back then and now. The Village has its own rhythm. I was very involved during that prominent era of major activism and civil rights, as a leader in East Harlem. This expanded to include my surroundings in Greenwich Village. I was an active witness to the Stonewall riots in 1969. I did not realize then that this was the beginning of the modern gay rights movement and I’m proud to have been a part of it.

Tell us about your public service career.
My passion in life has always been public service for the people of New York City. As a young man, I worked at the East Harlem Tenants Council, where Bobby Kennedy was, as they say, our “godfather.” Because of my activism work, Mayor John Lindsay’s office invited me to meet at Gracie Mansion with other Latino leaders. That was the beginning of my governmental and political career. In 1972, Basil Patterson who was then vice chair of the Democrat National Committee (DNC) approached me to go to Washington, D.C. to establish the Office of Hispanic Affairs ─ located at their headquarters in the Watergate complex. Later, I moved back home to the Village. In 1975 I became part of Jimmy Carter’s presidential campaign and headed the Latino piece in the Northeast. I then worked with my longtime friend, Manhattan Borough President Dave Dinkins, who went on to be New York City’s first Black mayor. I worked with Dave as his special advisor and director of his mayoral advance team.

What is your relationship with the Village?
The Village, like New York City, does not have an intermission. Sixty years later, I’m still in love with its people, its diversity, the atmosphere and its history.

What is your favorite accomplishment in the Village?
In 1977, I co-founded what has since become the world-renowned, West 4th Street Basketball League, otherwise known as “The Cage.” What makes its mission unique ─ like the Village ─ is its diversity. Players of all ages and backgrounds come together from all over the city to play ball. On the court all that is important is basketball and having a good time. Some of the legendary players to come out of the league are: Mario Elie, Anthony Mason, Rod Strickland, Jason Williams, Stephon Marbury and Smush Parker. Some of the best basketball in the world is played right here in Greenwich Village. I’m very proud of its success. Next year will be the 50th anniversary and I highly recommend that everyone check it out.

What is your best memory in the Village?
Wow, I have many memories. Amongst my favorites are meeting my wife for the first time in the middle of West 8th Street. I remember sitting in cafes in the 60s and 70s, talking with my friends about music, politics and life in general ─ at iconic locations such as the Lions Head, Riviera Cafe, Buffalo Roadhouse, Corner Bistro, White Horse Tavern, etc.

What are your favorite things in the Village?
I still love meeting friends old and new at Village cafes to talk about music, politics and life in general. My two favorite cafes are Joe’s and Radiant on Waverly ─ and I have a special shout out to the wonderful people who work at both.

Tell us about your passion.
I give a damn about my city and more importantly, all its people.

Parting words?
My parting words are especially to young people: Stay focused, don’t give up and GIVE A Damn!