7/17/26 O&A NYC SHALL WE DANCE FRIDAY: Lindy Hop Swing Dance Scene From Malcolm X (1992)

The Lindy Hop Swing Dance Scene from 1992 movie Malcolm X featuring Denzel Washington and Spike Lee. Choreographed with the help of Frankie Manning (blue suit) and Norma Miller (yellow dress) and the scene included background dancers Dawn Hampton and Ryan Francois. Otis Sallid was the choreographer and the song Flying Home is by Lionel Hampton. Continue reading

7/16/26 O&A NYC THE MORNING FUNNIES: Vanita Smythe – Low, Short and Squatty

Low, Short and Squatty is a vibrant jump blues and swing song recorded by African-American vocalist and actress Vanita Smythe, released on December 2, 1946. The track was famously released as a “soundie”—a three-minute musical film that served as a precursor to modern music videos—and became a prominent jukebox hit in urban clubs. Continue reading

7/8/26 O&A NYC WILDIN OUT WEDNESDAY: Little Black Sambo (1935)

Little Black Sambo, produced in 1935 by UB Iworks Studio, is a controversial book and cartoon containing racist stereotypes typical of the time. Due to its racist overtones the short film shows up on many banned cartoons and racist cartoons lists – rightfully so. We post this cartoon so we never forget the racist laughter at the expense of Black people. Continue reading

7/7/26 O&A NYC THE MORNING FUNNIES: Eddie Murphy – White Like Me – SNL

White Like Me is a legendary 1984 satirical mockumentary sketch from Saturday Night Live, starring Eddie Murphy as he goes undercover using heavy makeup to experience America as a white man. Continue reading

7/3/26 O&A NYC THE MORNING FUNNIES: Lili Goes Black- Blazing Saddles (1974)

Blazing Saddles is a classic Mel Brooks satire on racism in America. Madeline Kahn as Lilly Von Shtupp steals the show when she asks the new black sheriff  Bart (Cleavon Little),  “So, tell me, schatze, is it twue vhat day say about da vay you people are a … gifted?” Continue reading

7/2/26 O&A NYC SHALL WE DANCE FRIDAY: Janet Jackson – Alright

Alright is by R&B artist from her fourth studio album, Janet Jackson’s Rhythm Nation 1814. Written by Janet  Jackson and Jimmy Jam also Terry Lewis, he song was released on March 4, 1990, by A&M Records as the fourth single from Janet Jackson’s Rhythm Nation 1814. Continue reading

  6/28/26 O&A NYC GOSPEL SUNDAY: The Clark Sisters- You Brought The Sunshine

You Brought the Sunshine is the iconic 1981 masterpiece by the legendary gospel group The Clark Sisters. Written and composed by Elbernita “Twinkie” Clark, the song made history by blending traditional gospel vocals with reggae rhythms influenced by Stevie Wonder‘s Master Blaster. It broke musical boundaries by crossing over from Sunday church services to dominate secular mainstream dance clubs like New York’s famous Paradise Garage. Continue reading

6/27/26 O&A NYC GOING BACK TO AFRICA WITH WALESTYLEZ: 10 Most Unique Black Skin Men (You Won’t Believe are Real People)

 The 10 Most Unique Black Skin Men You Won’t Believe are Real People highlights individuals with extraordinary genetic traits, extreme skin melanin, rare conditions, or striking physical transformations that challenge conventional beauty and modeling standards. Continue reading

6/25/26 O&A NYC THROWBACK THURSDAY PRIDE: Sylvester

Redo-Slyvester

Sylvester James, Jr., better known as disco and soul singer-songwriter Sylvester, was often described by the mainstream media as a drag queen, but he repeatedly rejected such a description. His flamboyant and androgynous appearance exemplified  the late 1970s. Sylvester became known in the United States under the moniker of the “Queen of Disco. Continue reading

6/10/26 O&A NYC SHALL WE DANCE FRIDAY: Agon Pas de Deux – Diana Adams and Arthur Mitchell

The Agon pas de deux, choreographed by George Balanchine in 1957 to a score by Igor Stravinsky, is a revolutionary milestone in 20th-century ballet. Its original cast paired Arthur Mitchell, the first Black principal dancer at the New York City Ballet, with Diana Adams, a caucasian ballerina.

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