Black Images

Join your host Hermene Hartman as she discusses images, in particular Black images. There are differences in how Black people see themselves and how white people depict Black people in media through images. Hermene is joined by three of her closest friends Darryl Dennard, host of Chicago Speaks (iheartradio), Dorothy Lavelle, Owner of the Chicago Crusader and Angela Ford, Founder and Executive Director of The Obsidian Collection.

Dorothy kicks off our discussion by outlining why Black media is still necessary in the modern day. She explains that the Black press was founded in 1827 to give a voice to the Black people of our country. Darryl explains that objective news does not differ much between white and Black media outlets but that it will be presented from a Black or white perspective.

Angela explains why she is committed to digitizing the history of Black America through her project, The Obsidian Collective, so that young people now and in the future can learn the true history of Black culture in the United States.

We discuss the use of images such as Aunt Jemima and Uncle Ben on products. Darryl explains how images can and have been manipulated in the past to convey negative stereotypes in order to influence public opinion. We discuss a few magazine covers that are currently out and what message these images convey from a Black perspective. We talk about how it is important for not only other races to appropriately represent Black people and tell their story but that it is imperative that Black people tell our own story.

In our final segment we discuss the fashion runway and the recent offensive use of lips and ears on a white model. Darryl explains that this harkens back to the use of black face and why it is offensive since we are currently in the grips of a battle for the heart of this nation with the Black Lives Matter movement. We talk about cultural appropriation and how it is possible to take inspiration from black culture without being disrespectful.

Guests

Darryl Dennard - Host, Chicago Speaks iheartradio 

Dorothy Lavelle - Owner Chicago Crusader 

Angela Ford - Founder & Executive Director, The Obsidian Collection 

Credits

Host/Executive Producer

Hermene Hartman

N'DIGO STUDIO Supported By The Chicago Community Trust 

Special Thanks To The Swissotel Chicago 

Closed Caption Sponsored By Illinois Lottery 

Technical Producer/Editor

Erik Hammond

Film Company

Clear Vision Multimedia 

Associate Producer

Joi Mitchell

Administration

Sylvester Cosby

Music

Christian Standring - Is There A Doctor In The House

song is published by Mr. Christian Music (BMI)