Hermene Hartman: Media Pioneer and Founder, Host & Publisher of N’Digo

Traditional media faces adversity on all sides. Younger generations have turned to social media and podcasts, often one-sided, where misinformation can run wild. Everyone feels bombarded, our heads spinning. Given these realities, can America’s media still be a force for truth?

Hermene Hartman, with her decades as a pioneer in Chicago media, will look for signs of hope in a rapidly changing media landscape. How will we recognize truth in this fractured time?

Hermene Hartman is a prominent media executive, educator, and author. She is the founder and CEO of N'DIGO, a leading African American lifestyle publication established in 1989. N'DIGO became known as a “magapaper for the urbane” and grew to be the largest niche publication of its kind in the country. The media motto was to “tell stories untold, mistold, and need to be retold.” Hartman ceased printing N’DIGO when the print industry experienced a downturn and transitioned it into an online publication, NDIGO.com. In 2019, to sustain her media business, she pivoted to NDIGO STUDIO, an interview talk show that airs on NBC and nationally on PBS. She has been nominated three times for Best Talk Show in the Midwest. Hartman also runs an internship program to teach media to students. Additionally, she has served as a guest lecturer at the Chicago Theological Seminary, providing insights on media usage for clergy. Hartman established the NDIGO FOUNDATION and has developed 20 world-class events to showcase talent and pay tribute to notables. The events have been held at Chicago’s cultural institutions, such as the Chicago Symphony Center. The foundation has provided 302 college scholarships.

Hartman’s career began during the civil rights movement as a college student working with Rev. Jesse Jackson's Operation Breadbasket. She later served as Vice Chancellor of External Affairs at the City Colleges of Chicago and taught behavioral sciences at the college level. Hartman holds bachelor's and master's degrees in sociology and education from Roosevelt University and an MBA from the University of Illinois. In addition to her publishing work, she has operated The Hartman Group, a public relations firm, since 1977. Hartman has received over 300 awards for her contributions to media and the African American community.

$50 for Members**

$60 for Non-Members

$600 - Purchase of One Table (Seating for 10 People)

(In order to help First Friday cover increasing expenses, a processing fee will be dded to the price of your ticket(s) at checkout. Thank you)

When checking out, pleased indicate the following in the comments section:

• Any dietary requirements
• A group or person you wish to sit with (all attendees are assigned a seat)
• A request for a hearing assistance kit

For additional information please call (312.466.9610), email or visit our website at

LUNCHEON LOCATION:

All meetings are held at The Union League Club - Presidents Hall on the 2nd floor at 65 West Jackson Blvd (1/2 block east of Clark). Upon entering the ULC, you will be directed to the check-in location.

THE UNION LEAGUE CLUB DRESS CODE:

The Union League Club Dress Code is Smart Casual, a relaxed, well-dressed look which may include jeans with no visible rips or tears, denim, and collared shirts. Athletic wear, tennis shoes, t-shirts or hats are not permitted.

PARKING AT THE UNION LEAGUE CLUB:

Valet Parking is available at Union League's Federal Street Entrance (no discount to attendees).

Discounted parking as low as $10 for All First Friday Club Attendees is available through the in the South Loop Self Park, 318 S. Federal St, Chicago (self parking in the garage on the northwest corner of Federal and Van Buren). For information on this special offer, click the following link: IPARKIT OPTION

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION:

The Club is just two blocks from the LaSalle Street Metra Station, six blocks from Union Metra Station and only blocks away from every EL station.

Info: Elevators are provided along with stairs to reach the 2nd floor venue. Coat check, located on the first floor, is required with no charge. Please note: the coat check line can be long dependent on other events taking place at the Union League Club.

Info: Three course meal is provided. When registering, please specify any dietary restrictions for you and your guests plus any seating requests. Table assignments will be listed outside Presidents Hall.

Info: Speaker will be introduced followed by her presentation.

Info: Questions will be taken from the audience during the last 10 minutes. A roving microphone will be provided. Please keep questions short and to the point.

Info: Tickets for the next month's speaker can be purchased before and after the luncheon at the welcome table, right outside the Presidents Hall. Credit card and checks accepted.

Host or Publisher First Friday Club of Chicago