Hermene Hartman
(BA, 70; MA, ’74; MPH, ’74)
Mrs. Hermene D. Hartman, welcome to Inspiring Conversations. Thank you for sharing your time with us. I commend you for your excellent work with N’DIGO and for inspiring so many women. As an editor full of passion to inform, you also have a remarkable character, with an unshakable and determined spirit to make a difference in the community. Your publisher’s page in N’DIGO is always interesting, thought-provoking and informative on up-to-date topics that breathes fresh air into many homes, workplace and throughout our communities.
EW: Your wisdom and knowledge is outstanding. Do you have a story to tell of an awe-inspiring God moment?
HH: God is your guide, your counselor in life. It is for you to meet him, know him, love him and follow him. Listen to the small voice within; it is God talking to you. God has always been present in my life, particularly with N’DIGO.
EW: What is a “ friend”?
HH: A friend is a person you have much in common with and who is committed to your life and you are committed to theirs. A friend is one who goes through life with you and you go through life with them. I take friendship very seriously, being an only child.
EW: To “love thy neighbor as thyself”, is this possible today?
HH: It is possible. It is often difficult. It is a growing process.
EW: Women have always found ways to communicate as far back as I can remember for sharing, giving and receiving. As a young girl I remember my grandmother would always have family, neighbors and friends over for quilting, canning and gatherings and they would work and talk for hours. Seemingly today, older women are taking a drawback position in communicating and presenting illustrations for younger women. What are your thoughts on cross-generational communication today?
HH: There has always been cross generation communication. It is imperative that you reach back and give of yourself to the next group. You do so, whether you realize it or not, because you live by example, with the people you work with, go to church with, friends, neighbors, school, family, etc. You are always on in some form. The thing is to realize it and always put your best foot forward.
EW: What can we do to close the gap that separates women today in a world that is moving at a fast pace?
HH: Do your best, be your best and keep yourself in a constant state of learning and receiving new information. Learning is a habit.
EW: What is the one lesson in living you have learned that has had a great impact in your life that you would like to share with other women?
HH: Be conscious about who you are and how you influence others.
EW: Wow! That is thought provoking. Mrs. Hartman, significantly and comprehensively you are doing remarkable work. What has been a most rewarding experience that has given your life and work meaning?
HH: As a writer, I am very sincere about words. I have tried to make my words have meaning. I communicate meaning and thoughts and establish opinion. I try to use words that analyze, tell the truth and uplift. I want people to think about what I say, not necessarily agree but hopefully I provide a unique viewpoint and have been provocative.
EW: What do you want people to know about you?
HH: “Integrity”.
EW: Hmmmm… you are remarkable. Is there anything you would like to share that I may have missed through this inspiring conversation?
HH: The questions are thoughtful and have covered the subject well.
Mrs. Hermene Hartman “thank you” for your good works, your candidness, respect, kindness and love for humankind.. This conversation has been gratifying, inspiring and enjoyable.
“Be conscious
about who you are
and how you influence others”.
ABOUT MRS. HERMAN D. HARTMAN:
As President and CEO of the Chicago-based Hartman Publishing Inc., Hermene Hartman is one of the most significant and influential Black women in American publishing.
Her flagship publication, N’DIGO, was founded in 1989, has the largest African-American newspaper circulation in the nation and the largest alternative newspaper circulation in Chicago. The weekly publication has an audited circulation of 150,000 and a readership of 600,000.
In 1995, N’DIGO PROFILES was established as a special annual publication, with a targeted insert in the Chicago Tribune and Crain’s Chicago Business Magazine with a circulation of 325,000.
Ms. Hartman is Founder and President of N’DIGO Foundation, a 501c3 not-for-profit organization, which began in 1995. It sponsors an annual Black Tie Gala, for the sole purpose of raising funds for educational purposes.
In 2004 Ms. Hartman became the President of the Alliance of Business Leaders and Entrepreneurs (ABLE), a business group, dedicated to entrepreneurial pursuits with 70 members with revenues of nearly one billion in collective annual revenues.
She has received over 200 awards for outstanding achievement in media, business, community services, education, and communication.
Mrs. Hermene D. Hartman, may be contacted at the N’DIGO Newspaper, 19 South Sangamon, Chicago, IL 60607-2613.