Hey there, Chicago educators and parents! Ever feel like you're advocating for change in public education, but hitting a wall? Maybe you've been told to just keep pushing for traditional solutions, only to see the same old problems persist. It's frustrating, isn't it? Let's talk about the real pain points and find a better way forward. In this episode, you will be able to: Discover new perspectives on Chicago Teachers Union education reforms and their impact on public schools. Explore the implications of school walkouts on contracts and the future of public education. Uncover the influential role of unions in political campaigns and how it affects educational policies. Learn effective strategies for enhancing bilingual education in public schools and promoting inclusivity. Recognize the vital importance of libraries and librarians in shaping the educational experience for students. My special guest is Stacy Davis Gates. Stacy Davis Gates, the president of Chicago Teachers Union, brings a wealth of experience to the table, having started as a social science teacher before taking on various leadership roles. Her notable achievements include successfully negotiating a historic contract for smaller classes and essential resources in Chicago public schools, and raising millions to support teachers entering politics. With a strong focus on advocating for equitable resources and policy reforms, Stacy is a passionate advocate for the education rights of Chicago students, aiming to ensure that every student receives a fully resourced and engaging school experience. Her insights and dedication to improving public education make her a vital voice in the ongoing efforts to enhance the education system. The key moments in this episode are: 00:00:01 - Introduction to Stacy Davis Gates 00:02:14 - The School Chicago Students Deserve 00:04:43 - Types of Schools in Chicago 00:11:38 - Elected School Boards and Budget Challenges 00:13:10 - Changing Culture of Education 00:19:08 - The Diverse Learning Universe on TikTok 00:20:13 - Union Involvement in Politics 00:22:39 - Importance of Libraries in Schools 00:23:44 - Dual Language Academies 00:26:02 - Advocacy for Common Sense Gun Regulation Connect with us. Website N'DIGO – African American Lifestyle . Facebook NDIGOBYHERMENE . Instagram NDIGOBYHERMENE . TikTok HERMENE10 Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

The untold story of how one entrepreneur's vision transformed both the Black hair care industry and American pop culture forever. Meet George Johnson, the visionary behind Johnson Products who turned Ultra Sheen and Afro Sheen into household names while secretly helping launch one of television's most iconic shows – Soul Train. In this powerful conversation with the 97-year-old legend himself, Johnson reveals how he built his hair care empire from scratch, saved Essence magazine from collapse, and became the first Black-owned company on the American Stock Exchange. But beyond the business triumphs, you'll discover the deeply personal story of a man who chose entrepreneurship over ministry and went on to support civil rights organizations when few others would. Key revelations include: - The fascinating connection between Ultra Sheen's success and Soul Train's early days - How Johnson Products became a $100M+ empire while staying true to its community roots - Behind-the-scenes insights into being the first Black-owned company to go public - Johnson's practical wisdom for modern entrepreneurs on building ethical, sustainable businesses - The untold story of his role in establishing Independence Bank and supporting Black media Connect With Us . Website N'DIGO – African American Lifestyle . Facebook NDIGOBYHERMENE (https://www.facebook.com/share/18Kowm29jn/%20%20.) . Instagram NDIGOBYHERMENE (https://www.instagram.com/ndigobyhermene?igsh=MXNybmN5Ym8wNXB2ZQ==) . TikTok HERMENE10 (https://www.tiktok.com/@hermene10?_t=ZT-8tRkaYoQcAQ&_r=1) Episode Timestamps: [00:00] Meet the revolutionary force behind Johnson Products [03:33] From potential minister to beauty industry pioneer [07:37] The Soul Train connection revealed [12:28] Taking Johnson Products public & saving Essence [20:10] Building community through business [24:09] Faith, integrity & entrepreneurship lessons Whether you're an entrepreneur, beauty industry enthusiast, or student of Black history, this episode reveals how one man's commitment to excellence changed American culture forever. Don't miss this rare conversation with a living legend who proves that true success comes from lifting others as you climb. Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this compelling episode, George Johnson, the visionary founder of Afro Sheen, shares the remarkable journey of transforming $250 into a beauty industry empire that revolutionized Black hair care in America. At 97, Johnson sits down with Hermene Hartman in an exclusive N'DIGO Studio interview to reveal the untold story behind one of the most influential beauty brands in history. Listen as Johnson reveals the pivotal moments that shaped his success, from a fateful elevator encounter to pioneering marketing strategies that made Afro Sheen a household name. His innovative approach to customer education and product development didn't just create a successful business—it transformed how Black women approached hair care nationwide. "I just paid no attention to what the competitors were doing. And believe me, that was the right method. Because we taught people how to use our product. They had success using it, and the reputation of our company grew. And it was. In fact, it blossomed." - George Johnson This episode explores: - The entrepreneurial mindset that turned a modest investment into a beauty empire - Revolutionary marketing strategies in the Black hair care industry - How Johnson identified and filled a crucial gap in the beauty market - The business setback that unexpectedly led to greater innovation - Lasting impact on American beauty culture and Black entrepreneurship Join us for an inspiring conversation about innovation, perseverance, and the birth of modern Black hair care products. Discover how one entrepreneur's vision forever changed an industry and created a legacy that continues to influence beauty standards today. Connect With Us . Website N'DIGO – African American Lifestyle (https://ndigo.com/) . Facebook https://www.facebook.com/share/18Kowm29jn/ . Instagram Hermene Hartman | Publisher (@iamhermenehartman) • Instagram photos and videos (https://www.instagram.com/iamhermenehartman/) . TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@hermene10?_t=ZT-8tRkaYoQcAQ&_r=1 Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Discover the surprising journey of the Black Ensemble Theater and how it uses music to attract a diverse audience. But that's just the beginning. Find out the unexpected strategy they employed to ensure the theater's sustainability beyond its founders, and the innovative vision that's shaping the future of this vibrant community. Want to know how they're creating long-term impact and success? Stay tuned for the fascinating details. Special guest is Jackie Taylor. Jackie Taylor, the visionary behind the Black Ensemble Theater, brings a wealth of experience and passion to the theater community. For over 48 years, she has been on a mission to use the arts as a catalyst for societal change, with a particular focus on eradicating racism. Jackie's unique approach to integrating music into theater productions has not only drawn in a diverse audience but has also contributed to the theater's long-term sustainability. Through her dedication to empowering young people and the broader community, she has made a lasting impact, reaching over 100,000 individuals through educational outreach programs. Jackie Taylor's unwavering commitment to fostering inclusive and thriving theater communities has positioned her as a true trailblazer in the industry. Black ensemble theater is like a seed, a seed that grows into a huge tree, and that tree will live on for many, many centuries. - Jackie Taylor N'Digo Gumbo is sponsored by the Field Foundation N'DIGO – African American Lifestyle ( (https://ndigo.com/)ndigo.com (http://ndigo.com)) (https://ndigo.com/) Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Discover how a child prodigy's passion for arts and leadership led to groundbreaking achievements in STEAM education. Uncover the unexpected ways in which creativity and AI intertwine, and the surprising advice that shaped her mindset. Stay tuned for insights that challenge perceptions and inspire entrepreneurial success.Dorothy Jean Tillman, a remarkable academic achiever and CEO of the Dorothy Jean Steam Leadership Institute, has left an indelible mark in the fields of STEAM education and mental health advocacy. With a list of academic accomplishments that include acquiring her associate's degree in psychology at age ten and a doctorate in behavioral health by 18, she is a living testament to the power of early educational interventions. As a passionate advocate for the fusion of arts and STEM disciplines, Dorothy's work emphasizes the crucial role of creativity in shaping young leaders. Her dedication to nurturing future leaders through her camp and her commitment to breaking down mental health stigmas make her a compelling and inspiring figure for aspiring entrepreneurs and emerging leaders.I think any challenges that I may have had being a younger person in a lot of the classes that I was in for a lot of my academic career, it wasn't honestly the biggest challenge in actual class because a lot of them were on zooms or if I was getting a test proctor, it was just me and the proctor that were involved in that. - Dorothy Jean TillmanN'Digo Gumbo is sponsored by the Field FoundationN'Digo Gumbo is like a flavorful pot of community stew, blending together diverse ingredients - from the soulful melodies of musicians to the vibrant colors of artists, and the unique flavors of collectors and modern-day influencers. Just as a good gumbo combines various elements to create a rich and satisfying dish, N'Digo Gumbo celebrates and honors those who add depth and richness to the tapestry of our society.For more information visit : N'DIGO – African American Lifestyle ( (https://ndigo.com/)ndigo.com (http://ndigo.com)) (https://ndigo.com/) Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

The way that we can get well, stay well, and thrive is to eat more things out of God's pharmacy. That is the farm where we have things that are growing from the soil and from the water. And if we did that, we would need less of man's pharmacy. - Dr. Terry MasonDr. Terry Mason, a board-certified urologist with more than 30 years of experience, is a prominent figure in the Chicago health community. His in-depth understanding of the impact of natural nutrition on overall well-being has positioned him as a credible voice in advocating for unprocessed foods from God's pharmacy. Dr. Mason's emphasis on the significance of whole foods and their potential to prevent and reverse diseases underscores his commitment to promoting a holistic approach to health. His extensive background and expertise make him a respected authority in the field, offering valuable insights into the transformative power of incorporating fruits and vegetables into our diet for improved wellness.If you're feeling frustrated with trying to maintain good health through conventional methods, like managing diseases rather than preventing them, then you are not alone! Your efforts to stay healthy may be falling short, leaving you feeling stuck in a cycle of constantly managing symptoms instead of addressing the root cause of the problem. The struggle to find natural, effective solutions can be overwhelming, but there is a better way to take control of your well-being.N'Digo Gumbo is sponsored by the Field FoundationN'Digo Gumbo is like a flavorful pot of community stew, blending together diverse ingredients - from the soulful melodies of musicians to the vibrant colors of artists, and the unique flavors of collectors and modern-day influencers. Just as a good gumbo combines various elements to create a rich and satisfying dish, N'Digo Gumbo celebrates and honors those who add depth and richness to the tapestry of our society.For more information visit : N'DIGO – African American Lifestyle ( (https://ndigo.com/)ndigo.com (http://ndigo.com)) (https://ndigo.com/) Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Unveil the hidden world of antique collecting with Floyd Jones, as he shares the unexpected stories behind black art and historical objects. Discover how he scours the globe for treasures, from Europe to Mexico, and the fascinating tales that accompany each piece. Delve into the surprising origins of dolls, paintings, and even functional items, and how their value transcends monetary worth. Join us as we unravel the mystery behind these antique finds and the untold narratives woven into each artifact. Prepare to be captivated by the unexpected twists and turns in Floyd's journey, and stay tuned to uncover the hidden gems he's encountered along the way. There's so much more to these artifacts than meets the eye, and Floyd's revelations will leave you eager to explore this captivating world of antique mysteries. Get ready to be enthralled by the unexpected tales that lie within these timeless treasures.Floyd Jones is a passionate collector of antique objects, particularly drawn to the representation of black art. His enthusiasm stems from the absence of black culture in the art he encountered as a child. As a seasoned collector, Floyd traverses the world in search of unique pieces, with a keen eye for beauty and quality. His extensive knowledge and experiences, from Europe to the Americas, offer a captivating insight into the world of antique art and its historical significance. Floyd's stories and expertise add a fascinating layer to the world of art collection, making the N'DIGO Studio episode an engaging exploration of antique mysteries.Teaching people to have an interest in something is the basis of galactic. If you have an interest, you meet all different types of people. - Floyd JonesN'Digo Gumbo is sponsored by the Field FoundationN'Digo Gumbo is like a flavorful pot of community stew, blending together diverse ingredients - from the soulful melodies of musicians to the vibrant colors of artists, and the unique flavors of collectors and modern-day influencers. Just as a good gumbo combines various elements to create a rich and satisfying dish, N'Digo Gumbo celebrates and honors those who add depth and richness to the tapestry of our society. Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

If you're feeling overwhelmed by the complexities of leveraging diversity in corporate America, and your efforts to create an inclusive environment are falling short, then you are not alone! The traditional approaches and actions taken may not be yielding the desired results, leaving you frustrated and unsure of how to proceed. The impact of cultural competence on business success is significant, and understanding the nuances of global diversity, equity, and inclusion challenges is crucial for sustainable growth. It's time to overcome biases with cross-cultural understanding and recognize the importance of representation in leadership roles to drive real change in your organization.Tyronne Stoudemire is the author of "Diversity Done Best" and a seasoned expert in the field of diversity, equity, and inclusion. With over 30 years of experience in corporate America, working with both non-profits and Fortune 500 companies, Tyronne has been a driving force in coaching CEOs to navigate the complexities of diversity and inclusion. His extensive knowledge and global perspective make him a trailblazer in understanding the impact of cultural competence on business, the challenges of global diversity equity and inclusion, and the importance of representation in leadership roles. Tyronne's approachable style and wealth of experience make him an invaluable voice in leveraging diversity within corporate environments, offering insights that are both enlightening and actionable.We all benefit by creating what I call mutual adaptation. Learning from one another, growing together. It's all about me. It's all about you. It's all about us. - Tyronne StoudemireVisit N'Digo N'DIGO – African American Lifestyle ( (https://ndigo.com/)ndigo.com (http://ndigo.com)) (https://ndigo.com/)N'Digo Gumbo Sponsored By the Field FoundationNdigo Gumbo is like a flavorful pot of community stew, blending together diverse ingredients - from the soulful melodies of musicians to the vibrant colors of artists, and the unique flavors of collectors and modern-day influencers. Just as a good gumbo combines various elements to create a rich and satisfying dish, Ndigo Gumbo celebrates and honors those who add depth and richness to the tapestry of our society. Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Rob Diggy, a Grammy award-winning music remix producer, has an awe-inspiring journey in the music industry. With a career that has seen him collaborate with notable artists like Beyoncé, Michael Jackson, George Michael, and John Legend, he's also made a significant mark as a film composer, having scored over 100 films. His transition from a talented musician to a renowned film composer is a testament to his versatility and passion for music. Rob's impactful story sheds light on the importance of music education and the profound influence it can have on one's career trajectory. As he shares his experiences, aspiring film composers and music students are sure to find inspiration in his remarkable journey and the behind-the-scenes insights of remixing for Beyoncé.My journey of being a musician has been just upward bound. Learning composing right now is a joy. It's a joy to learn composing. - Rob DiggyN'Digo Gumbo is sponsored by the Field FoundationFor more with N'Digo visit: N'DIGO – African American Lifestyle ( (https://ndigo.com/)ndigo.com (http://ndigo.com)) (https://ndigo.com/)Ndigo Gumbo is like a flavorful pot of community stew, blending together diverse ingredients - from the soulful melodies of musicians to the vibrant colors of artists, and the unique flavors of collectors and modern-day influencers. Just as a good gumbo combines various elements to create a rich and satisfying dish, Ndigo Gumbo celebrates and honors those who add depth and richness to the tapestry of our society. Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Join N'DIGO Studio as host Hermene Hartman interviews Superintendent Larry Snelling, tackling the urgent issue of building relationships between law enforcement and communities.  Superintendent Larry Snelling brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his role as the head of the Chicago Police Department. With a career that spans various positions within the department, Snelling has demonstrated his commitment to serving and protecting the city he calls home. His deep understanding of the communities he serves, particularly his intimate knowledge of Englewood, where he grew up and attended high school, provides him with valuable insights into the challenges and needs of Chicago residents. Snelling's extensive background in counterintelligence and teaching at the police academy has equipped him with the necessary skills to lead and guide his fellow officers. He strongly advocates for community policing, emphasizing the importance of building relationships and fostering trust between law enforcement and the public. Snelling's dedication to fairness, communication, and collaboration will undoubtedly contribute to efforts to improve safety and strengthen the bond between police and communities in Chicago.  "We need fairness. We need them judged fairly. We can hold people accountable, but we have to heal as a community if we're going to stop this cycle of violence." - Superintendent Larry Snelling  Visit Us: NDIGO (https://ndigo.com/new-podcast/)  Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.