Oprah Winfrey portrayed Sofia in the 1985 movie version of Alice Walkers novel The Color Purple. The role was Winfrey’s first venture into film and for many remains her most recognizable role. Winfrey was the high-spirited and independent Sophia who marries Albert’s (Danny Glovers) son Harpo (Willard E. Pugh). Sofia has suffered abuse from the men in her family, but unlike Celie (Whoopie Goldberg), she refuses to tolerate it. This high-spiritedness proves to be her downfall, as a rude remark to the town mayor’s wife and a retaliatory punch to the mayor himself ends with Sofia beaten and jailed. Continue reading
Author: OutandAboutnycmag
8/24/14- O&A Gospel Sunday: Mahalia Jackson- The Queen Of Gospel
Mahalia Jackson, The Queen of Gospel, became one of the most influential gospel singers in the world. She became an internationally acclaimed singer and civil rights activist. Entertainer Harry Belafonte described Jackson as “the single most powerful black woman in the United States”. She recorded about 30 albums. Continue reading
O& A With Walestylez: Lanvin Smooth Drum-Dyed Lambskin Sneaker “Black”
By Adewale Adekanbi
Parisian fashion house Lanvin continue their esoteric collection of Fall/Winter 2014with these smooth, drum-dyed lambskin leather sneakers. Continue reading
Fred Benjamin Memorial Planned for Saturday, August 23, 2014
By Walter Rutledge
There will be a memorial service for dancer, choreographer and teacher Fred Benjamin on Saturday, August 23rd; 6:30pm at Saint Peters Church, 619 Lexington Avenue at the corner of 53rd Street. Friends, colleagues, former students and company members will speak including Gina Ellis, Marilyn Banks and Mercedes Ellington. The memorial will not present Benjamin’s choreograph through live performance, instead film and photos will be presented. Prior to the start of the service there will be a wine toast to Benjamin, who died of organ failure on December 14, 2013 in Manhattan. He was 69. Continue reading
(Repost) 10/9/20 O&A NYC SHALL WE DANCE FRIDAY: Sammy Davis Jr.- The Original Triple Threat
Samuel George “Sammy” Davis, Jr. was born on December 8, 1925. He was an African- American entertainer who broke many barriers and paved the way for entertainers in all disciplines. Davis was primarily a dancer and singer, but he also received acclaim as an actor of stage and screen, musician, and impressionist. Davis died at age 64 in 1990, after spending 61 years in the profession he loved. Continue reading
Throwback Thursday: Destiny’s Child (Repost) Survivor, Bootylicious and bonus- No, No, No Part 1&2

Destiny’s Child was an R&B girl group formed in 1996 and is best known as a trio comprised of Beyonce’ Knowles, Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams. Destiny’s Child has sold more than 60 million records worldwide to date, and Billboard magazine ranks the group as one of the greatest musical trios of all time.
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Throwback Thursday: Destiny’s Child- Survivor and Bootylicious

Destiny’s Child was an R&B girl group formed in 1996 and is best known as a trio comprised of Beyonce’ Knowles, Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams. Destiny’s Child has sold more than 60 million records worldwide to date, and Billboard magazine ranks the group as one of the greatest musical trios of all time. Despite critical and commercial success, the group was plagued by internal conflict and legal turmoil, including favoritism towards Beyonce by manage/father Matthew Knowles. Continue reading
Wildin Out Wednesday: Martin- Martin vs Pam
Martin aired on the Fox network from 1992 to 1997. The highly successful series starred Martin Lawrence (Martin) and Tisha Campbell (his girlfriend Gina). His constant mimesis and the target of his best “one liners” was Gina’s friend Pam played by Tichina Arnold.
Summerstage Harlem Dance Caravan: Erasing The Boundaries
By Walter Rutledge
Harlem Dance Caravan: Erasing The Boundaries performances were held on August 15th and 16th at the Richard Rodgers Amphitheater in Marcus Garvey Park. This is the second year SummerStage and the Faison Firehouse has collaborated on the outdoor, free to the public performing arts presentation; and it has already become one the most anticipated and well attended events offered in the summer series. This year the eclectic roster of performers included Baoku & The Image Afro-Beat Band, Cecilia Marta Dance Company, George Faison Universal Dance Experience, Jamel Gaines’ Creative Outlet, and Lotus Music & Dance Multicultural Artists. The well curated production lived up to its title offering a diverse and well-paced program with an international flavor. Continue reading
Inspirational Tuesday: Jim Carrey- Secret of Life
Maharishi University of Management granted degrees to 285 students representing 54 countries. Jim Carrey gave the commencement address to Maharishi University of Management’s class of 2014. The University Board of Trustees also presented Mr. Carrey with the honorary degree of Doctor of Fine Arts Honoris Causa, in recognition of his significant lifetime achievements as a world-renowned comedian and actor, artist, author and philanthropist. Continue reading


















