What does it truly mean to represent the marginalized in today’s America?

Congressman Danny Davis joins Hermene Hartman for a raw look at the state of Black politics in Chicago. From his roots in Arkansas to the halls of Congress, Davis connects the dots between the activism of the 1960s and the urgent threats facing democracy today.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The 1960s vs. Now: How the political climate has shifted and what we’ve lost along the way.

• The Power of the Black Vote: Why civic disengagement is the biggest threat to our community.

• Legacy & Leadership: Davis’s direct advice to the next generation of Black politicians.

• Chicago’s Future: Navigating the specific challenges of urban development and education.

Quote of the Week: "Education and community involvement are pivotal in fostering change." — Congressman Danny Davis

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• Website: ndigo.com

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Host Hermene Hartman sits down with veteran journalists Curtis Lawrence and Darcel Rockett to examine how misinformation is reshaping Chicago's political landscape and what it means for local communities.

In This Episode:

• How recent Homeland Security and ICE actions are impacting Chicago's marginalized communities

• The rising pressure on journalists to self-censor and the fight for accurate reporting

• Social media's role in amplifying political narratives, both true and false

• Why Chicago needs new leadership that reflects its diverse voices

Lawrence and Rockett share firsthand accounts of covering politics under intimidation, the critical role of community journalism in documenting this moment, and how grassroots activism is pushing back against fear-driven policies.

This conversation bridges media, power, and community storytelling. It is essential listening for anyone invested in Chicago's future, social justice, and the intersection of race, culture, and politics.

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What does it truly mean to confront the realities of segregation in a city like Chicago?
In this episode of N'DIGO STUDIO, host Hermene Hartman sits down with social justice artist and MacArthur Genius Fellow Tonika Lewis Johnson, whose work continues to reshape how Chicago understands race, place, and community.

Johnson reflects on art as a catalyst for change, sharing how projects like the Folded Map Project build empathy by connecting residents from neighborhoods long divided by policy and perception. She also discusses Unblocked Englewood, her latest initiative, repairing homes in historically disinvested areas and highlighting why ownership and equity are key to a thriving city.

As a bestselling author, Johnson’s book “Don’t Go” amplifies personal stories from Chicago’s South and West Sides, challenging stereotypes and reframing what authentic Black storytelling looks like. Throughout the conversation, she and Hartman explore how creativity, civic engagement, and community memory intersect.

This episode offers a clear, grounded look at how one artist is using her platform to push for a more just and connected Chicago. Tune in for a powerful conversation on belonging, revitalization, and the role of art in shaping the future of our neighborhoods.

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