NDIGO STUDIO

#301 George E. Johnson Sr., part 1
Hermene interviews George Johnson, who wrote the memoir “Afro Sheen: How I Revolutionized an Industry from Soul Train to Wall Street.” Johnson is a titian , iconic business leader, entrepreneur, and founder of Johnson Products Company, a Chicago-based international cosmetics empire known for introducing hair care products like Ultra Sheen and Afro Sheen designed explicitly for Black hair.

#301 George E. Johnson Sr., part 2
The Johnson Story continues with Mr. Johnson discussing the challenges he overcame to grow the business, beginning with securing a $250 loan, and how it became the first African American-owned company to trade on the American Stock Exchange. He reflects on his time as CEO of one of the largest Black-owned businesses and his role as the exclusive sponsor of the hit television show Soul Train. His mantra is to adhere to the Golden Rule.

#303 Harry Lennix, Actor
Hermene goes behind the curtain for an exclusive interview with Harry Lennix, the accomplished film, television, and stage actor raised in Chicago. We discuss his transition from the live stage to the big screen, playing historical figures like former president Barack Obama, Adam Clayton Powell, and Malcolm X, as well as superheroes, villains, and law enforcement officers. Among his credits are “The Blacklist,’ “Commander in Chief,” and “The Blacklist.”

#3044 Jesse Jackson, Jr.
This is an exclusive interview with former Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr., who served as a representative of Illinois's 2nd congressional district for 17 years. He was found guilty of mismanagement of funds and imprisoned. We talked to him about politics, life, and how to restore life.


#305 Stacey Davis Gates, Educator, Union Leader
Hermene and Chicago Teachers Union President Stacy Davis Gates play hardball. Hermene throws “fastballs and curveballs” at Ms. Gates. Hear what she shares about education, her relationship with Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, the school board’s leadership, Chicago Public Schools, and her insights on education and what it’s like to lead a political army of 30,000.

#306 Christ Welch, Speaker of the House, State of Illinois
Hermene chats with Chris Welch, the first African American Speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives, who outlines the dynamics of lawmaking. The exclusive interview traces Welch's career from the assignment desk at television station WGN to lawyer, elected school board member, and then Illinois State Legislator as Speaker of the House. Other African American Speakers who were interviewed at an event during the historic 2024 Democratic National Convention in Chicago are also included in the interview. They are all part of history in the making.

#307 Chicago Fashion
What defines Chicago fashion style? Maggie Gillette, the producer of Chicago Fashion Week, along with participating fashion designers, explored this topic during a roundtable event. The participants included Manny Gentensina from the Cabrera Label, Alex DuMont from AM Studios, and stylist Sal Yvat. The discussion focused on fashion, style, design, and the ideal dress.

#308 Chaz Ebert
The CEO of Ebert Digital shares her experiences and memories as an executive producer of the iconic television program Ebert Presents: At the Movies. The discussion transitions to Chaz’s book, “It’s Time to Give a Feck: Elevating Humanity Through Forgiveness, Empathy, Compassion, and Kindness,” which explores how heartfelt stories are the ones we remember most. Hers is a book about civility and kindness.

#309 Forest Claypool
Forest Claypool is a seasoned bureaucrat, a politician, and a political consultant.
He is the author of Richard Daley, which examines the longest reigning and most significant mayor of the City of Chicago, exploring how he transformed the city over 22 years. This is an exclusive interview. Daley served as the 54th Mayor of Chicago.

#310 Neighborhood Transformation
How do you transform a community? After the riots following, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. ’s death, the west side of Chicago burned and became forgotten. Today, we see new buildings and a revitalization of the community. The guests are Attorney Michael McMurray, Whitney Smith of the Lawndale Christian Development Corporation, and Rev. Martin Hunter, the developer of Grace Manor Apartments.

#311 Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity
This discussion focuses on the status and updates on diversity, inclusion, and equity in America. Does it still exist? We engage in a critical conversation with entrepreneur Robert Blackwell, Jr., the director of EKI Digital, a technology consulting firm, and activist Rev. Gregory Livingston.

#312 Artificial Intelligence
This conversation explores the tool of artificial intelligence, including its development, history, and applications. This is an insightful discussion about the future and how its evolving dynamics will transform the world.