N'DIGO STUDIO

N'DIGO STUDIO

Experience Chicago's Most Influential Voices | N'DIGO STUDIO Immerse yourself in the heart of Chicago's culture, politics, and breaking stories with N'DIGO STUDIO, the premier podcast spotlighting the city's most compelling conversations. Cultural powerhouse Hermene Hartman brings you unfiltered access to Chicago's changemakers, from grassroots activists to bestselling authors and political giants. Each episode cuts through the noise to deliver raw, authentic discussions that matter. Whether we're unpacking the latest political shakeups, celebrating Chicago's vibrant arts scene, or tackling tough conversations about race and culture, N'DIGO STUDIO brings you the stories behind the headlines. What you'll discover: - In-depth interviews with Chicago's most influential voices - Fresh perspectives on politics, culture, and social justice - Exclusive conversations with bestselling authors and artists - Behind-the-scenes insights into Chicago's power players - Candid discussions about issues affecting Black Chicago and beyond Join the conversation as Hermene Hartman delivers thought-provoking dialogue that informs, challenges, and inspires. Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

  1. Erasure of Black History: Museums & the Black Student Success Plan

    3일 전

    Erasure of Black History: Museums & the Black Student Success Plan

    In this compelling episode of N’Digo Studio, host Hermene Hartman leads a powerful cultural conversation on the erasure of Black history in both museums and education, two spaces that shape how we understand identity, progress, and truth in America. From the removal of historic artifacts and exhibits to the political battles over what students are taught, this discussion examines what’s truly at stake when Black America's stories are silenced. The episode begins with the decision to remove key pieces of African American history from national museum collections. These acts of censorship are not mere curatorial choices; they are efforts to rewrite the American narrative and diminish the painful but powerful truth of the Black experience. Hermene is joined by three influential voices who unpack the issue from different lenses. Cline Hedspeth, former Chicago Cultural Commissioner and museum specialist, discusses the danger of erasing artifacts that connect generations to their history. Dr. Brad Braxton, president of the Chicago Theological Seminary and former Smithsonian curator, shares how the spiritual and emotional wounds of lost history weaken our collective identity. And attorney Victor Henderson examines the issue from a legal and political perspective, exposing how the erasure of Black history continues systemic power imbalances that date back centuries. In the second half, the focus turns to education with a deep dive into the Black Student Success Plan, a bold initiative developed within Chicago Public Schools. Educators Dr. Carole Collins, Gerald Murrow, and community advocate Valerie Leonard explore how erasure shows up in classrooms through culturally disconnected curricula, low representation among Black teachers, and policies that ignore community context. Their insights reveal how equity in education is tied to visibility, representation, and self-worth. Together, these leaders highlight how community storytelling, culturally relevant instruction, and civic engagement are vital tools for reversing the erasure of Black history. They stress that Black students thrive when they see themselves reflected in lessons, leadership, and legacy. Throughout the conversation, Hermene and her guests emphasize a profound truth: museums and classrooms are not neutral spaces—they’re battlegrounds for truth. Whether exploring arts and culture, politics in Chicago, or social justice, this episode reveals how cultural erasure is both intentional and political. Protecting history requires vigilance, activism, and everyday participation—from visiting local museums to voting for leaders who value truth in education. This episode goes beyond political commentary; it’s a documentary insight into how history, power, and education collide. It challenges listeners to consider what’s lost when we allow our cultural record to fade—and what’s possible when we reclaim it. From Black storytelling to community impact, N’Digo Studio continues to lead cultural conversations that preserve, protect, and uplift the full story of America.Follow N’Digo Studio for more arts and culture features, interviews with changemakers, and stories that celebrate the vibrant legacy of Black Chicago. Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

    28분
  2. Chicago’s Creative Community Awaits the Opening of the Obama Center | N'Digo Studio

    11월 2일

    Chicago’s Creative Community Awaits the Opening of the Obama Center | N'Digo Studio

    Join host Hermene Hartman on N'Digo Studio for an inspiring conversation about how Chicago's historic Woodlawn neighborhood is experiencing a cultural and economic transformation. This episode explores the powerful intersection of art, entrepreneurship, and community development as the Obama Presidential Center prepares to open its doors in spring 2026. Meet Quandra Speights, CEO/co-owner of the Urban Market Exchange and human resources professional turned community developer, who shares her vision for bringing minority-owned businesses back to the South Side. After experiencing corporate layoffs and completing entrepreneurial training at Sunshine Enterprises, Quandra purchased a building in Woodlawn that will house private studio spaces, a community café with transparent walls showcasing artists at work, retail pop-up stores, and specialty rooms equipped with 3D printers, laser cutters, sewing machines, and podcasting equipment. Fine artist Dana Todd Pope discusses her journey creating paintings that celebrate Black childhood joy on Chicago's South Side. Growing up in Woodlawn with the Museum of Science and Industry nearby, Dana experienced a beautiful childhood that contrasted sharply with negative media portrayals. Her children's series emerged from a desire to paint the joy she knew rather than tragedy. Through Sunshine Enterprises, Dana found mentorship and resources that helped her exhibit at Chicago Public Schools, Gallery Guichard, and Navy Pier. Yohance Lacour brings an extraordinary story of transformation. A Pulitzer Prize and Peabody Award winner for his investigative journalism podcast "You Didn't See Nothing" with the Invisible Institute, Yohance examined the 1997 beating of thirteen-year-old Lenard Clark in Bridgeport. While incarcerated, he taught himself leatherworking, learning from fellow inmates. Today, he creates bespoke leather shoes, purses, and bags. The Urban Market Exchange represents a strategic response to community needs revealed during the pandemic. When Illinois sought 3,000 protective masks for minority communities, Quandra realized local makers lacked equipment and space to scale production. Opening March 2026, concurrent with the Obama Presidential Center, the space will serve artists in painting, jewelry making, cobbling, textile design, and 3D printing while prioritizing community members and youth through workshops and mentorship. This conversation addresses neighborhood transformation realities. While the Obama Presidential Center brings investment and tourism to Woodlawn, the speakers acknowledge displacement concerns. Their response creates economic opportunities and cultural anchors serving existing residents first, building wealth and skills that help people stay in their neighborhoods. The episode captures what Yohance calls a "second Chicago Black renaissance"—artists and makers working in community creating inspiration, camaraderie, and innovation while honoring Woodlawn's rich African-American history. Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

    28분
  3. Black Public Media's Leslie Fields-Cruz | Care Giver Documentary "Finding Your Laughter" with Alieta Hall & Brittany Alsot

    10월 26일

    Black Public Media's Leslie Fields-Cruz | Care Giver Documentary "Finding Your Laughter" with Alieta Hall & Brittany Alsot

    On this episode of N'DIGO Studio with host Hermene Hartman, we shine a light on the fight to keep Black storytelling alive in Chicago and across America. Leslie Fields-Cruz, Executive Director of Black Public Media, joins us to discuss the devastating impact of federal defunding on public media and why preserving authentic Black narratives is essential to America's cultural record. Black Public Media is seeking 1.8 million donors to replace lost federal funding—donate at blackpublicmedia.org to support African American voices in public broadcasting. Then, meet Chicago filmmakers Arlieta Hall and Brittany Alsot, first-time documentary filmmakers behind Finding Your Laughter—a heartfelt film about Alzheimer's caregiver experiences, dementia communication, and finding joy through comedy and improv. As a certified dementia communication specialist and stand-up comedian, Arlieta shares her powerful caregiver journey caring for her father, former Chicago principal Milton Hall Sr., who lived with Alzheimer's disease. Their film, supported by Black Public Media's Pitch Black Incubator, turns pain into purpose and celebrates the love between a father and daughter navigating Alzheimer's with grace and humor. This episode explores the critical intersection of public media funding, African American storytelling, and caregiver advocacy. Leslie Fields-Cruz discusses how the elimination of federal support threatens Black documentaries, independent filmmakers, and the infrastructure that brings diverse stories to audiences nationwide. Without organizations like Black Public Media, films like Finding Your Laughter might never reach the communities that need them most. Arlieta and Brittany share behind-the-scenes insights into their documentary filmmaking process, the challenges of being first-time creators, and how comedy became an unexpected tool for dementia care and communication. Arlieta's unique approach combines her professional comedy skills with dementia care expertise, offering fresh perspectives on Alzheimer's caregiving that prioritize joy, connection, and dignity. Her father's legacy as a respected Chicago educator adds depth to this intimate family story. The conversation also addresses the broader crisis facing public broadcasting and Black media entrepreneurship. As federal funding disappears, grassroots support becomes essential for preserving Black cultural narratives and supporting emerging African American filmmakers who tell stories that mainstream media often overlooks. Tune in for a powerful discussion on the future of Black documentaries, caregiving through comedy, the importance of representation in public broadcasting, community support for independent media, and the healing power of laughter and storytelling in the face of Alzheimer's disease. Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

    28분
  4. Ancestor Echoes: Chicago Stories of Black Ancestry, Genealogy & the Hidden History of the Pope

    10월 19일

    Ancestor Echoes: Chicago Stories of Black Ancestry, Genealogy & the Hidden History of the Pope

    Host: Hermene HartmanGuests: Genealogist Christopher Smothers of Unearthing Your Roots and Dr. Steven Rogers In this compelling N’Digo Studio conversation, host Hermene Hartman explores how discovering your ancestry can rewrite both personal and public history.Recorded in Chicago, this episode dives into African American genealogy, family identity, and a surprising headline story, that the newly appointed Pope Leo XIV, born on the South Side of Chicago, may have African American ancestry traced through New Orleans and Haiti. Genealogist Christopher Smothers breaks down how oral history, DNA testing, and legal records reveal forgotten legacies — from enslaved ancestors to Civil War freedom fighters.Historian Dr. Steven Rogers shares how tracing his family led him to discover a six-year-old enslaved boy named Ishmael Brown, who later fought for the Union Army, transforming grief into pride and giving names to those erased by history. Together, they unpack: How families can start researching their own ancestry Why genealogy matters for identity, healing, and even future reparations A moving exploration of history, heritage, and hope — told through the voices of Chicago’s own storytellers. Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and ndigo.com. 👉🏾 Follow host Hermene Hartman (@iamhermenehartman) and visit ndigo.com for more stories. Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

    28분

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Experience Chicago's Most Influential Voices | N'DIGO STUDIO Immerse yourself in the heart of Chicago's culture, politics, and breaking stories with N'DIGO STUDIO, the premier podcast spotlighting the city's most compelling conversations. Cultural powerhouse Hermene Hartman brings you unfiltered access to Chicago's changemakers, from grassroots activists to bestselling authors and political giants. Each episode cuts through the noise to deliver raw, authentic discussions that matter. Whether we're unpacking the latest political shakeups, celebrating Chicago's vibrant arts scene, or tackling tough conversations about race and culture, N'DIGO STUDIO brings you the stories behind the headlines. What you'll discover: - In-depth interviews with Chicago's most influential voices - Fresh perspectives on politics, culture, and social justice - Exclusive conversations with bestselling authors and artists - Behind-the-scenes insights into Chicago's power players - Candid discussions about issues affecting Black Chicago and beyond Join the conversation as Hermene Hartman delivers thought-provoking dialogue that informs, challenges, and inspires. Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

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