N'DIGO STUDIO

Join your host Hermene Hartman as we talk with two women who bought and rebranded two companies, Black Opal & Fashion Fair. These are makeup companies with a full line of products for people with dark skin tones. Cheryl Mayberry McKissack & Desiree Rogers are the entrepreneurs behind this venture and they join us to teach us how to rebrand a brand!

Tune in as they explain how the idea to buy these companies came about, how they acquired the companies and their vision for the future. Cheryl & Desiree explain how they've refreshed and revitalised the brands from the ground up in order to resonate with modern customers. They talk about the challenges of building a fashion business in 2021 & how to create a new digital shopping experience for consumers. This episode is packed full of useful advice and insight for any aspiring entrepreneur or business person.

Guests

Cheryl Mayberry McKissack

https://cherylmayberrymckissack.com/bio2

Desiree Rogers

https://www.linkedin.com/in/desiree-rogers-b2a5b8b

N'DIGO Studio Supported by

The Chicago Community Trust

MacArthur Foundation

The Field Foundation Of Illinois

Special Thanks

Hyatt

Tyronne Stoudemire

Credits

Host/Executive Producer

Hermene Hartman

Technical Producer/Editor

Erik Hammond

Film Company

Clear Vision Multimedia

Associate Producer

Joi Mitchell

Administration

Sylvester Cosby

Sound Editor

Scott Stronach

Intro/Outro Music

Christian Standring - Is There A Doctor In The House

Song is published by Mr.Christian Music (BMI)

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Join your host Hermene Hartman as we talk about a very heavy topic today, sex trafficking. Sex trafficking is a form of modern day slavery, and occurs when a trafficker exploits individuals through fraud, force and bullying to put them on the streets for forced sex work. Today our guest is Brenda Myers Powell, Co-Founder & Executive Director of The Dreamcatcher Foundation . The Dreamcatcher Foundation fights human trafficking in Chicago.

Brenda takes us back and tells the story of how she came to be a sex worker for many years. She talks about how her grandmother raised her in a rough environment that lead to Brenda being repeatedly molested from the age of 4. Brenda explains what drew her to prostitution as a young impressionable girl who was living with a lot of pain that she didn’t know how to handle. Ultimately, Brenda spent 25 years working on the streets. She has been shot 5 times, stabbed over 13 times and otherwise abused. She tells the horrific story of the incident that caused her to walk away from prostitution for good.

Brenda explains how young girls today are manipulated and led into becoming prostitutes. How they are corrupted by gangs, their apparent friends and boyfriends and even their own parents to turn a profit from their exploitation. Brenda explains the function of The Dreamcatcher Foundation and how they are working to help young prostitutes realize that they are being victimized and to help them get out of that world and on a safer, healthier and happier life path.

Finally we discuss how Dreamcatcher came to be, why it came to be and what services the foundation provides to help young girls find support and work towards a better life.

Join us for this confronting and important episode.

Guest

Brenda Myers Powell

Co-Founder & Executive Director The Dreamcatcher Foundation 

https://thedreamcatcherfoundation.org/

Credits

Host/Executive Producer

Hermene Hartman

N'DIGO STUDIO Supported By The Chicago Community Trust 

Special Thanks To The Swissotel Chicago 

Closed Caption Sponsored By Illinois Lottery 

Technical Producer/Editor

Erik Hammond

Film Company

Clear Vision Multimedia 

Associate Producer

Joi Mitchell

Administration

Sylvester Cosby

Music

Christian Standring - Is There A Doctor In The House

song is published by Mr.Christian Music (BMI)

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Join your host Hermene Hartman as she talks with Dion Dawson, CEO & founder of Project Dream Fridge , a group focused on distributing fresh food and water to the Inglewood community, for free. We are talking to Dion today because he is young, gifted, black and serving his community by solving problems for the betterment of the people in that community.

Dion’s foundation has literally placed a fridge on Chicago's south side Englewood community (corner of Rancine & 57th street), and along with his fellow volunteers, fill it with fruits, vegetables and water on a daily basis. Dion describes the origins of Project Dream Fridge and how he was inspired by similar projects that operate in other communities. Dion explains how the initiative works on an honor basis, that everyone will respect others and only take what they need each day.

Dion lays out why he chose to design the project around him having to physically be there everyday rather than simply leaving the fridge and relying on the generosity of others to help fill it. He talks about why it is so important for him to help out directly and personally interact with the people who are struggling in his community.

Dion outlines what is meant by the term “food insecurity” and how it affects peoples lives throughout many black and brown communities. He states that food insecurity is related to many other issues including unemployment, drugs and of course the ongoing pandemic.

For Dion, Project Dream Fridge is just the beginning of the conversation. He outlines several other initiatives he is involved with. Moving forward, Dion plans to open the Dream Centre of Englewood. A community centre complete with multiple donation fridges, work stations and other facilities to assist the people of Englewood to feel empowered and know they can do anything!

We cover all this and more. Join us today to hear this inspiring story from this amazing and motivated young man.

Guest

Dion Dawson 

https://www.dionschicagodream.com/

Credits

Host/Executive Producer

Hermene Hartman 

N'DIGO STUDIO Supported By The Chicago Community Trust 

Special Thanks To The Swissotel Chicago 

Closed Caption Sponsored By Illinois Lottery 

Technical Producer/Editor

Erik Hammond

Film Company

Clear Vision Multimedia 

Associate Producer

Joi Mitchell

Administration

Sylvester Cosby

Music

Christian Standring - Is There A Doctor In The House

song is published by Mr. Christian Music (BMI)

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Join your host Hermene Hartman as she discusses the presidential election of 2020, the most historical election in living memory. We are joined today by Erick Johnson, Journalist for The Chicago Crusader ; Kimberley Egonmwan, Host of The Talk Of Chicago Afternoon Show on WVON 1690AM; and finally by Rev. Dr. Jannette Wilson, who is an aid to Reverend Jesse Jackson and is also National Director at Push Excel.  

Today we explore the factors that have contributed to this election playing out the way it has. The influence of the pandemic to the state of the racial justice movement and how these events have affected the minds and actions of young people in particular, to take action and let their voices be heard through their votes and political action.

We discuss what it means for women, particularly women of colour, to see Kamala Harris elected as the first women Vice President of the United States. Kamala’s election gives hope for our young girls that there is potentially no glass ceiling and that anything is possible regardless of your gender or race.

We discuss the way that Trump has redefined the republican party and how he has created a dedicated base of committed followers. We talk about what might happen if he actually refuses to concede or to leave the White House. We explore how Trump has used his power and influence to tear our nation apart and change the face of politics as we know it. We note the effect this has had on politics in the United States and how Trump may continue to influence politics moving forward.

We also discuss the public perception of Kamala Harris and the contributing factors that ultimately lead to her being elected as Vice President. We also cover the possibility of prison time for Trump, the deceptive nature of the polls, modernizing the voting system, the influence of mail-in ballots and much more.

Guests

Journalist Erick Johnson The Chicago Crusader 

Kimberley Egonmwan, Esq
The Talk Of Chicago Afternoon Show Host WVON 1690AM 

Rev. Dr. Janette C. Wilson, Esq
National Director, Push Excel 

Credits

Host/Executive Producer

Hermene Hartman 

N'DIGO STUDIO Supported By The Chicago Community Trust 

Special Thanks To The Swissotel Chicago 

Closed Caption Sponsored By Illinois Lottery 

Technical Producer/Editor

Erik Hammond

Film Company

Clear Vision Multimedia 

Associate Producer

Joi Mitchell

Administration

Sylvester Cosby

Music

Christian Standring - Is There A Doctor In The House

song is published by Mr.Christian Music (BMI)

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Join your host Hermene Hartman as she talks with David Masciotra , Author of the new book “I Am Somebody, Why Jesse Jackson Matters”. We are honored to also be joined by the legend himself, Reverend Jesse Jackson Sr. Today we discuss the life of Reverend Jackson and the impact his work has had on civil rights and the fight for equality for black people and others.

David explains why Reverend Jackson is one of the most important civil rights figures of the 20th century. From his work with Dr. Martin Luther King, to his work to import the civil rights movement from the south to the northern states, to his many other pursuits that have lead to improved rights and equality for black people and other underrepresented groups in America.

We talk about how Reverend Jackson’s work enhanced the influence and prevalence of the Democratic party and how his work, which David Masciotra calls “the sociology of equality”, was decades ahead of the party. David explains how Reverend Jackson transformed the demography and ideology of the Democratic party.

Finally we talk to the legend himself. Reverend Jackson explains the influence he had when he ran for president and changed the democratic party forever. He talks about why he ran for president, in order to sew seeds of hope and inspiration for black people in America, to show them that black people had the power to influence real systemic change in this country.

We talk about how Reverend Jackson's work has always involved two key factors. To call out injustices against black people and others, and also to work within the political system to change laws in order to create equality and inclusion for all people.

Tune in to hear this important discussion with a living legend as we discuss all this and much more.

Guests

Reverend Jesse Jackson Sr. 

https://rainbowpush.org/

David Masciotra- Author 

"I Am Somebody" - Why Jesse Jackson Matters

Credits

Host/Executive Producer

Hermene Hartman

N'DIGO STUDIO Supported By The Chicago Community Trust 

Special Thanks To The Swissotel Chicago 

Closed Caption Sponsored By Illinois Lottery 

Technical Producer/Editor

Erik Hammond

Film Company

Clear Vision Multimedia 

Associate Producer

Joi Mitchell

Administration

Sylvester Cosby

Music

Christian Standring - Is There A Doctor In The House

song is published by Mr.Christian Music (BMI)

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Join your host Hermene Hartman as she sits down with Ja’Mal Green, Entreprene ur and activist, Clifton Pierce, entrepreneur and podcaster from the Nick Cannon Media group, and Carl West, publisher of TBT News. Today we discuss why black men are being killed every day in America by police and by each other.

Hermene opens today's conversation by asking what it is like being a black man in America today. We also touch on the importance of raising our kids to know the reality of the world they live in, to be respectful at all times and to understand who they are and where they come from.

Our guests recount their own experiences with racist policeman in the past including one particular story of how Mr Pierce was arrested as a young man and handcuffed for hours for no reason whatsoever. We also discuss what ‘the talk’ that black people have traditionally had with their kids to prepare them for potential interactions with racist police means today and how best to prepare our children for unexpected interactions with racist police.

Heremene asks our guests about specific recent instances of violence against black men and whether there is anything that these victims could have done to avoid their tragic ends. Ultimately we determine that there is nothing that any of the victims discussed could have done to avoid what happened to them since they were murdered on the basis of racism by corrupt and hateful police officers.

We talk about the changes our guests would like to see to address these issues. Defunding the police and using that money to fund the development of our communities, educational institutions and facilities to enhance the living standards for black people in this country.

Join us as we discuss what it means to be a black man in America today and how we might work together to build a better world in the future.

Guests

Carl West - TBT News

Ja'Mal Green - Entrepren eur and Activist

Clifton Pierce - Host "Justice Chicago" Nick Cannon Media

Credits

Host/Executive Producer

Hermene Hartman

N'DIGO STUDIO Supported By The Chicago Community Trust 

Special Thanks To The Swissotel Chicago 

Closed Caption Sponsored By Illinois Lottery 

Technical Producer/Editor

Erik Hammond

Film Company

Clear Vision Multimedia 

Associate Producer

Joi Mitchell

Administration

Sylvester Cosby

Music

Christian Standring - Is There A Doctor In The House

song is published by Mr.Christian Music (BMI)

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Join your host Hermene Hartman as she discusses images, in particular Black images. There are differences in how Black people see themselves and how white people depict Black people in media through images. Hermene is joined by three of her closest friends Darryl Dennard, host of Chicago Speaks (iheartradio), Dorothy Lavelle, Owner of the Chicago Crusader and Angela Ford, Founder and Executive Director of The Obsidian Collection.

Dorothy kicks off our discussion by outlining why Black media is still necessary in the modern day. She explains that the Black press was founded in 1827 to give a voice to the Black people of our country. Darryl explains that objective news does not differ much between white and Black media outlets but that it will be presented from a Black or white perspective.

Angela explains why she is committed to digitizing the history of Black America through her project, The Obsidian Collective, so that young people now and in the future can learn the true history of Black culture in the United States.

We discuss the use of images such as Aunt Jemima and Uncle Ben on products. Darryl explains how images can and have been manipulated in the past to convey negative stereotypes in order to influence public opinion. We discuss a few magazine covers that are currently out and what message these images convey from a Black perspective. We talk about how it is important for not only other races to appropriately represent Black people and tell their story but that it is imperative that Black people tell our own story.

In our final segment we discuss the fashion runway and the recent offensive use of lips and ears on a white model. Darryl explains that this harkens back to the use of black face and why it is offensive since we are currently in the grips of a battle for the heart of this nation with the Black Lives Matter movement. We talk about cultural appropriation and how it is possible to take inspiration from black culture without being disrespectful.

Guests

Darryl Dennard - Host, Chicago Speaks iheartradio 

Dorothy Lavelle - Owner Chicago Crusader 

Angela Ford - Founder & Executive Director, The Obsidian Collection 

Credits

Host/Executive Producer

Hermene Hartman

N'DIGO STUDIO Supported By The Chicago Community Trust 

Special Thanks To The Swissotel Chicago 

Closed Caption Sponsored By Illinois Lottery 

Technical Producer/Editor

Erik Hammond

Film Company

Clear Vision Multimedia 

Associate Producer

Joi Mitchell

Administration

Sylvester Cosby

Music

Christian Standring - Is There A Doctor In The House

song is published by Mr. Christian Music (BMI)

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Join your host Hermene Hartman as she talks basketball with one of the games greatest living champions, former Chicago Bulls player and the best 3-point shooter ever, Craig Hodges. We are also joined by Dr. Lloyd Walton who had a fantastic basketball career and is one of only three people to ever earn a doctorate degree in the game. Today we discuss champions, the game in general and stopping the game, as the players have done recently.

Craig and Dr Lloyd reminisce about their early days coming up in the game and what that was like. Craig explains how he developed his skill to become the greatest 3-point shooter on the planet. He also explains how the vicious beating of Rodney King affected his life and his mindset moving forward.  

Dr Lloyd explains the difference between the protests of the past and the mass protests we are seeing today. He explains how unification and collective group action on social justice is what leads to real change. In the past individuals have protested or taken a stand against racial and social injustice but today we are seeing mass protests and a coming together of many people, this Dr Lloyd explains, is what is making all the difference.

Dr Lloyd tells the story of what drove him to finally decide to commit to getting good grades after years of only caring about the game. He tells how it was advice that his grandmother had given him as a child that resonated later in life and caused him to shift his focus. He also discusses the NBA bubble and the players that have declined to play as a symbol of solidarity with the fight for racial and social justice in America and across the globe.

In our final segment both Dr Lloyd and Craig deliver their advice to the up and coming players and youngsters of today. They emphasize the importance of understanding that a basketball career is a business and that at best, will only last a few years. They talk about the importance of talking responsibility and cultivating traits like leadership, independence and a strong work ethic.

We discuss all this and more, tune it and enjoy!

Find out more about N'DIGO STUDIO at ndigo.com

Follow Hermene Hartman On Facebook

Guests

Craig Hodges - Retired NBA Chicago Bulls Shooting Guard

Dr. Lloyd Walton - Senior Career Counselor at National Basketball Players Association

Credits

Host/Executive Producer

Hermene Hartman

N'DIGO STUDIO Supported By The Chicago Community Trust

Special Thanks To The Swissotel Chicago

Closed Caption Sponsored By Illinois Lottery

Technical Producer/Editor

Erik Hammond

Film Company

Clear Vision Multimedia

Associate Producer

Joi Mitchell

Administration

Sylvester Cosby

Music

Christian Standring - Is There A Doctor In The House

song is published by Mr.Christian Music (BMI)

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Join your host Hermene Hartman for a special interview with Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot . Mayor Lightfoot is the first openly gay African American mayor in America and only the second woman to be mayor of Chicago.

We discuss segregation and specifically how Chicago, as one of the most segregated cities in America, can address the systemic racism that is present in our society. We explain how we can work to create Black wealth and prosperity and to develop Black neighborhoods in order to make real progress.

Mayor Lightfoot explains what we have learned from the unprecedented civil unrest triggered by the murder of George Floyd and how it relates to Chicago. We discuss how opportunistic groups have taken advantage of peaceful protests and attempted to incite police violence in an effort to purport a narrative that does not align with the goals of the peaceful protesters. We discuss how the same issues have occurred across the nation and why this suggests that the current federal administration is to blame.

Hermene and Mayor Lightfoot discuss how covid has impacted our community in Chicago. Mayor Lightfoot explains that we need effective strategies to monitor and support our most severely affected communities, particularly Black and Latin communities. Strategies include improved testing, education and community support resources.

In our final segment we get political and discuss how Mayor Lightfoot ’s approach to leading differs from previous Chicago Mayors. Mayor Lightfoot explains how her being a Black gay women has affected her efforts to effectively lead. We also talk about the covid induced economic crisis and how our economy may rebound as we overcome the challenges imposed on us by the current pandemic.

Find out more about N'DIGO STUDIO at ndigo.com

Follow Hermene Hartman On Facebook

Guest

Mayor Lori Lightfoot 

Credits

Host/Executive Producer

Hermene Hartman

N'DIGO STUDIO Supported By The Chicago Community Trust 

Special Thanks To The Swissotel Chicago 

Closed Caption Sponsored By Illinois Lottery 

Technical Producer/Editor

Erik Hammond

Film Company

Clear Vision Multimedia 

Associate Producer

Joi Mitchell

Administration

Sylvester Cosby

Music

Christian Standring - Is There A Doct...

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Join your host Hermene Hartman as she discusses politics from a Black woman's perspective with her guests Delmarie Cobb and Morgan Johnson. 

We discuss what is at stake in the 2020 election, an election that is perhaps the most important in living memory. We talk about the nature of political conventions and explore the danger that our current president presents to Black people in America. We cover much more ground including the value of the Black woman's vote, the credibility and controversy of Kanye West's race for the presidency, empowering young Black people to vote and more. 

Morgan Johnson explains the perspective of the Black Lives Matter movement as it relates to the 2020 election. She explains that we have to connect with young people and convince them of the importance of voting. 

Join us on this important episode as we explore many of the important issues and what is at stake in the 2020 election, as it relates to Black people in America. 

Find out more about N'DIGO STUDIO at ndigo.com

Follow Hermene Hartman On Facebook

Guests

Delmarie Cobb 

Verteran Media/political Consultant and Owner of The Publicity Works Delmarie Cobb has owned and operated a boutique media and political consulting firm for over 25 years. In this role, she has utilized her skills and experience as a former television news reporter to contribute to independent politics in Chicago and public policy throughout Illinois. She also assists organizations in strategic planning and development. 

Morgan Johnson 

Co-Founder, Creative Director of The Triibe 

Morgan's purpose is to make and protect Black history, so that future generations will know who we are. She is a filmmaker, publisher and visionary. 

Host/Executive Producer

Hermene Hartman

N'DIGO STUDIO Supported By The Chicago Community Trust 

Special Thanks To The Swissotel Chicago 

Closed Caption Sponsored By Illinois Lottery 

Technical Producer/Editor

Erik Hammond

Film Company

Clear Vision Multimedia 

Associate Producer

Joi Mitchell

Administration

Sylvester Cosby

Music

Christian Standring - Is There A Doctor In The House

Song is published by Mr. Christian Music (BMI)

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.