N'DIGO STUDIO

Vanessa Williams, the first black woman to be crowned Miss America, joins us on N'DIGO Studio. With a career spanning singing, acting, and even producing, Vanessa is a true multi-talent. Hailing from a musical family in New York, she excels in classical and jazz music, as well as various instruments. Vanessa's versatility is evident in her award-winning projects, from jazz and R&B to starring...

In a city plagued by a cycle of educational inequality, one man dared to challenge the status quo. Tim King founded Urban Prep with a vision to uplift Black male teens, and against all odds, he succeeded. But just when the school seemed invincible, a storm threatened to shatter their dreams. Join us as we delve into the heart-wrenching battle to keep Urban Prep open and provide a glimmer of hope f...

Does this sound familiar? Have you been told that just reading a few articles or watching a documentary will give you a complete understanding of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s life and activism? But here's the painful truth: those limited sources can only scratch the surface of his incredible journey. To truly appreciate and comprehend the depth of Dr. King's unwavering commitment to justice and eq...

Do you want to empower yourself as a black actor and navigate complex portrayals of characters involved in slavery with authenticity? Look no further! Join host Hermene Hartman and guest, Dewitt Fleming Jr., along with Deon'te Goodman, as they share the ultimate solution that will help you achieve this desired outcome. They will guide you through the role of black actors in reconciling their portr...

Do you want to understand the lasting impact of Reverend Jesse Jackson's rule-breaking approach to leadership? Are you seeking insights into how challenging the status quo can truly transform society? Join us as Bishop Tavis Grant shares the solution to achieving this transformative result by diving into Reverend Jackson's enduring message and the power of his rule-breaking leadership. Discover th...

This episode dives into the complex issue of racial equality and inequality within the United States. The discussion explores the historical context of racial disparities among the black community, along with persistent frustrations due to perceived inequalities in allocating resources. It underscores the necessity for change while acknowledging the struggle for fairness and equity within the fram...

It's time to dig deeper, to uncover the untold narratives that shaped the music industry. Join us as we peel back the layers and gain profound insights into Lloyd Price's extraordinary life and the groundbreaking impact he had as a black artist.  My special guests are Saint Aubyn and Shelton Becton. Saint Aubyn is an artist who has an extraordinary talent for transforming into character on stage....

If you're feeling frustrated and discouraged in your social justice advocacy efforts, despite your hard work and dedication, then you are not alone! Despite our best intentions, sometimes our actions aren't producing the desired results. It's easy to feel overwhelmed and hopeless in the face of systemic injustice, but there are always new perspectives and approaches to explore. One such perspectiv...

Rev. Dr. Otis Moss III's inspiring journey of faith and justice was marked by powerful moments of transformation - from advocating for a young woman facing expulsion to dancing with his daughter in the darkness. But despite the adversity, he found a way to use his filmmaking background to bring joy and resilience to his church in the midst of the pandemic - uncovering an unexpected twist to his po...

In this episode, we talk with author Pepper Miller about her new book, "Let Me Explain Black Again," as well as the importance of understanding Black culture and perspectives. We investigate racial erasure and how it affects Black people and society as a whole. We hope that our discussion will shed light on the need for greater awareness and appreciation of diverse cultures and perspectives. Hoste...

Attorney April Preyar embarks on a mission to uncover the devastating consequences of hair relaxers on black women, fighting a powerful and toxic industry to seek justice and compensation for the thousands of women whose health has been irreparably harmed. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Join us to learn the powerful story of how a band of brothers, formed in community, fought for economic equity and racial harmony in the civil rights movement. Here's what I cover with Brian Smith in this episode: 1. Uncovering the Unsung Heroes of the Civil Rights Movement: Discover the civil rights activists who were instrumental in the movement but often overlooked due to the "stars" of the mov...

Abu Ali is a financier and investor who has been empowering people to make money work for them since his teenage years. He is an annuity specialist and helps people of all ages to understand the stock market and how to make wise investments. "Invest in your future: start today and let your money work for you!" Here's what I cover with Abu Ali in this episode: 1. Learn how to start investing with j...

The internet has not only enabled Black people to come together, but it has also brought love over 50 within reach. For many of us, the ‘traditional’ dating route is a minefield of discomfort and frustration. The enforced social niceties and the ever-present repudiation of sexual desire make for an awkward ride and by following some of the suggestions of our guests Cheryl & AL Grace you can be...

Carlissa V. Pierre, Brandi Shantele, and Danielle McConnell dig deep to debunk the myth of beauty standards in America for women, challenging perceptions of body positivity and health for plus-size bodies with grace and grit in "The Lizzo Effect". Brandi Shantele is a public school dance instructor and freelance choreographer, Clarissa V. Pierre is an entrepreneur, shoe designer, and member of the...

In this episode of N'DIGO Studio, Hermene Hartman chats with black men about manhood , intergenerational mentoring , and what it means to be your best self. You will learn: 1. The journey to manhood for black men in America 2. The challenges black men face in today's society 3. The importance of mentorship for black men Louis Carr is the president of media sales at BET Networks and the founder of...

Mentorship can be a powerful tool for young women, providing them with guidance, support, and advice as they navigate their way through life. The amazing Dr. Cheryl Green, Eva Kennedy, Peri Small, Kelly Fair, Afrika Porter, and Domynique Thompson Smith joined me for this week's episode on Mentorship & Sisterhood for young women. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information...

Follow Jean de St. Aubin, Margaret Caples, Amir George, Jacqueline Stewart and Carl Seaton as they explore the remarkable success of the 28-year-old Black Harvest Film Festival, dedicated to the late Sergio Mims and his vision of empowering Black filmmakers to tell their own stories. Jean de St. Aubin is the executive director of the School of the Art Institute's Gene Siskel Film Center and the di...

"Join us as we discuss restoring justice and equity in the cannabis industry and beyond, with N'DIGO Studio." Rickey Hendon is a former Illinois Senator and the founder of West Side Visionaries, a cannabis license holder in the state. Tyronne Muhammad is the Executive Director of Ex-Cons for Community and Social Change who advocates for cannabis social equity. Representative LaShawn Ford is a stat...

Discover the value of community engagement and explore financial literacy at AARP's Maximizing Your Money Summit in Chicago. The goal is to be a source for 50 plus. Chartay Robinson is the Associate State Director for Advocacy and Outreach at AARP, having previously worked in the medical community at the University of Chicago, Northwestern, and Rush. She also previously worked with Michelle Obama...

This is the story of how African American theater professionals are working to preserve the legacy of black performance art and create generational wealth in their community. In this episode, you will learn: 1. The importance of community theater as a starting point for careers in the arts 2. The plans for the African American Museum of the Performing Arts (AMPA) and the Lillian Marcy Center for t...

Join us as we find out how one family created an empire and changed the Chicago community of Bronzeville during the Depression. Our guests Harriett Marin Jones and Nate Thompson share the story of the King of Kings: Ed Jones.  In this episode, you will learn the following: 1. How Ed Jones built an empire from a small operation  2. What the policy game is and how it works  3. How the Jones brothers...

As Chicago's skyline continues to evolve, what new developments will shape its future? In this episode you will learn:  1) How the Burnham Plan of 1909 continues to shape Chicago's skyline and development today  2) The potential impacts of the One Central and Woodlawn Central developments on Chicago's social, economic, and cultural landscape  3) How Equity Works is aimed at addressing the shortcom...

In this podcast episode, black men discuss the discrimination young black boys face in society and the programs they've created to combat it. In this episode, you will learn:  1. The story of Jet Hawkins, a four-year-old who was sent home from school because of his hairstyle  2. The Crown Act, a national movement to ban the discrimination of braids, dreadlocks, and protected hairstyles  3. The pro...

In this episode with host Hermene Hartman, Tracy Baim Baim discusses her career in media and her upcoming departure as editor-in-chief of The Chicago Reader. "I think alternative really is the new mainstream to me. Like alternative media is where you're going to be really local. "- Tracy Baim Tracy Baim is a publisher and journalist who has been at the forefront of Chicago media for over three dec...