Hermene D. Hartman (Finding Aid)

Hermene D. Hartman

1947 -

Favorite Color: Lilac

Favorite Food: Shrimp

Favorite Time of Year: Spring and Fall

Favorite Vacation Spot: Italy

Interview Length: 132 minutes

Interview Date(s): April 4, 2001

Interview Location(s): Chicago, Illinois

Abstract

Hermene Hartman begins with a discussion about family members and her family background. She describes her mother's and father's personalities, and sketches their travels from the South to Chicago, where they eventually met. Hartman then describes her childhood, recalling her neighborhood on Chicago's South Side, her favorite activities and recreations, and her experience in grammar school. Hartman says she grew up in a middle-class household, and recalls the first time she became aware of class differences. Part of Hartman's lifestyle was her frequent interactions with celebrities like Bill Cosby, thanks to her uncle, jazz singer Johnny Hartman, whom Hermene Hartman describes as being devoted to family despite his fame. Hermene Hartman has a detailed discussion about her experience at Jones Commercial High School in Chicago, recalling the challenges she faced in adjusting to an all-white environment and dealing with both overt and discreet racism by teachers and students. She describes some of her encounters with racism, but concludes that her high school days had a positive influence on her life, and gave her the skills necessary to succeed. She also details her involvement in the Civil Rights Movement as a teenager, describing how she began to work for Rev. Jesse Jackson at Operation Breadbasket. Hartman then describes her college education, starting at junior college and eventually studying sociology at Roosevelt University. After college, Hartman launched two separate careers--one with the City Colleges of Chicago, and the other as a television producer with Chicago's CBS affiliate. She discusses her time at both of these jobs. Hermene Hartman talks about her time working at Operation Breadbasket, explaining her role in planning the first Black Expo, and discussing the overall success of the organization. Hartman then talks about her time working for the City Colleges of Chicago, where she taught classes and created an external affairs department. In this discussion, she explains the importance of the City College system and her efforts to clear up public misconceptions about community colleges in general. Hartman then moves into a discussion about the origins of 'N'DIGO,' the newspaper she founded and for which she is editor-in-chief. Hartman recalls that 'N'DIGO' stemmed from the need to improve media coverage of Black History Month, saying she created 'N'DIGO' when she couldn't find a vehicle for proper coverage. Hartman also explains that 'N'DIGO' filled a need in the black community, and outlines the strategies she implemented in order to make the paper successful. Hermene Hartman talks about with the early days of the 'N'DIGO' newspaper, explaining her commitment to building a team mentality amongst the staff, and 'N'DIGO's' association with the 'Chicago Sun-Times.' She also talks about issues surrounding the distribution of the paper, including an unsuccessful change in distribution companies, which prevented 'N'DIGO' from remaining free of charge. Hartman explains why she quickly changed her distribution strategy so that 'N'DIGO' could stay free. Hartman also discusses the paper's partnership with the 'Chicago Tribune,' which she says helped her as a journalist and helped her publication expand its audience. Hartman then tells the story behind 'N'DIGO's' name, crediting her mother with helping to avert a copyright dispute. Hartman also talks about some of 'N'DIGO's' other projects, including the 'N'DIGO Profiles' business magazine and the 'N'DIGO' Gala fundraisers. Hartman then outlines her publication's future plans to address the needs of the black community. Hermene Hartman goes over the many mentors who have influenced her, and whom she credits for having a part in her success. Hartman talks about her parents, her uncle, Rev. Jesse Jackson, Rev. Dr. Johnnie Colemon, and Etta Moten Barnett, even devoting time to the racist teachers she had in high school, saying they motivated her to become a success. Hartman then discusses her editorial stances as the editor-in-chief of 'N'DIGO' newspaper. In particular, the discussion focuses on her views regarding former U.S. Congressman Mel Reynolds, a convicted sex offender. Hartman defends her views and believes that by dissenting from popular opinion, she does a service to the black community and to the community as a whole. After discussing her legacy, Hartman describes several photos she brought to the interview that portray her family and career. Hermene Hartman describes photos she has brought to the interview, which portray her family and career.

77 Stories (See Ordered Story Set)