The seventh season of N’digo STUDIO begins with a powerful premiere episode honoring the living legacy of Reverend Jesse L. Jackson, Sr., one of the most influential civil rights leaders of our time.
N’digo STUDIO has been nominated three times for an Emmy Awardfor the best talk show in the Midwest. With this season opener, we live up to our reputation, featuring an exclusive interview. The premiere airs Saturday, Oct. 4, late night (following Saturday Night Live) at 1 a.m. on NBC, Channel 5.
The show is rebroadcast on Chicago’s exclusive Channel 25 on Mondays at 8:00 p.m., Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m., and Saturdays at 11:00 a.m. It streams on VON-TV—podcasts for N’digo STUDIO drop on Sundays at noon on podcast platforms.
This opening sets the tone for the season, highlighting not only Rev. Jesse Jackson’s remarkable career but also how his story continues to influence America’s narrative on justice, equality, and empowerment. It features an exclusive interview with the producers of a new, yet unnamed, documentary that traces Jackson’s journey.
Yusef Jackson, Rev. Jackson’s youngest son, serves as the executive producer of the film, and William Keys is the producer. Bill and Yusef have been friends since their teenage years, when they met on a college football team. The Jackson story begins during his college days, when he was trying to check out a book for a college term paper, but because of segregation, he was not allowed access to the library. His work alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. began while he was a student at Chicago’s Theological Seminary and extends through his presidential campaigns, which changed America’s political landscape.
Hartman says that “Rev. Jackson’s life is more than just history; it’s a guiding map, a genuine Americana story. His activism connected communities, expanded access to opportunities, and gave voice to those who had long been unheard. The documentary highlights his role as both a man of faith and action, as well as a social change agent who transformed grassroots movements into national change. This is a personal story for me, as I have been involved and watched some of this history unfold as it made news.”
In this season premiere, N’digo STUDIO doesn’t just look back. It asks: What does Jackson’s legacy mean today? How can his strategies and sacrifices guide a new generation of activists, leaders, and everyday citizens who seek to build a better America? We look at the man, his message, and his leadership.
The producers share intimate insights into capturing Rev. Jackson’s story on film, revealing behind-the-scenes challenges and triumphs in telling the tale of a man whose influence disrupted America in the arena of sports, economics, civil rights, education and politics The documentary is not just about a public figure who disrupted the American process—it’s about the personal courage, strategic brilliance, and enduring hope of Jesse Jackson, featuring insights and memorable moments.
With this premiere, N’digo STUDIO affirms its role as a platform for meaningful storytelling, offering viewers historical context and inspiration with an authentic voice. Season seven promises more vital conversations, voices that inspire progress, and stories that highlight the strength and resilience of our community.
The rich legacy of Jesse Jackson is still unfolding—and N’digo STUDIO is proud to open its new season by honoring it.
