On this episode of N’DIGO Studio with host Hermene Hartman, we shine a light on the fight to keep Black storytelling alive in Chicago and across America. Leslie Fields-Cruz, Executive Director of Black Public Media, joins us to discuss the devastating impact of federal defunding on public media and why preserving authentic Black narratives is essential to America’s cultural record. Black Public Media is seeking 1.8 million donors to replace lost federal funding—donate at blackpublicmedia.org to support African American voices in public broadcasting.
Then, meet Chicago filmmakers Arlieta Hall and Brittany Alsot, first-time documentary filmmakers behind Finding Your Laughter—a heartfelt film about Alzheimer’s caregiver experiences, dementia communication, and finding joy through comedy and improv. As a certified dementia communication specialist and stand-up comedian, Arlieta shares her powerful caregiver journey caring for her father, former Chicago principal Milton Hall Sr., who lived with Alzheimer’s disease. Their film, supported by Black Public Media’s Pitch Black Incubator, turns pain into purpose and celebrates the love between a father and daughter navigating Alzheimer’s with grace and humor.
This episode explores the critical intersection of public media funding, African American storytelling, and caregiver advocacy. Leslie Fields-Cruz discusses how the elimination of federal support threatens Black documentaries, independent filmmakers, and the infrastructure that brings diverse stories to audiences nationwide. Without organizations like Black Public Media, films like Finding Your Laughter might never reach the communities that need them most.
Arlieta and Brittany share behind-the-scenes insights into their documentary filmmaking process, the challenges of being first-time creators, and how comedy became an unexpected tool for dementia care and communication. Arlieta’s unique approach combines her professional comedy skills with dementia care expertise, offering fresh perspectives on Alzheimer’s caregiving that prioritize joy, connection, and dignity. Her father’s legacy as a respected Chicago educator adds depth to this intimate family story.
The conversation also addresses the broader crisis facing public broadcasting and Black media entrepreneurship. As federal funding disappears, grassroots support becomes essential for preserving Black cultural narratives and supporting emerging African American filmmakers who tell stories that mainstream media often overlooks.
Tune in for a powerful discussion on the future of Black documentaries, caregiving through comedy, the importance of representation in public broadcasting, community support for independent media, and the healing power of laughter and storytelling in the face of Alzheimer’s disease.
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