Among the annals of national anthems as a prelude to sporting events, few have topped the one delivered by Whitney Houston before Super Bowl XXV in 1991 in Tampa, Florida. Continue reading
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Category: Black Facts
7/3/25 O&A NYC THROWBACK THURSDAY: Marvin Gaye – American National Anthem
Marvin Gaye, The Prince of Motown brought attention to the NBA and helped boost its image. Gaye pioneered singing the national anthem, the Star Spangled Banner, in own rendition during the 1983 NBA All-Star Game. Continue reading
5/26/25 O&A NYC DANCE REVIEW: DanceAfrica 2025- Mozambique: Movement! Magic! Manifestation!
By Walter Rutledge
DanceAfrica 2025- Mozambique: Movement! Magic! Manifestation! is the crown jewel of the annual four-day celebration of African and African influenced culture. The festivities coincide with the Memorial Day holiday weekend May 23rd thru May 26th at the Brooklyn Academy of Music’s Howard Gilman Opera House. Now in its 48th season Dance Africa continues its healing message through the voices of the Diaspora. The 2025 season transported us to the east African country of Mozambique. Continue reading
5/24/25 O&A NYC ITS SATURDAY- ANYTHING GOES: Naomi’s Unforgettable Paris Week
Naomi Campbell began Paris Fashion Week in fittings with Chanel, who dressed her throughout — including for a special moment: receiving the Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters from the French Ministry of Culture. Continue reading
5/22/25 O&A NYC THROWBACK THURSDAY: Love Unlimited – Walkin’ In The Rain With The One I Love
Walkin’ in the Rain with the One I Love (1972) was an R&B single performed by the soul trio Love Unlimited, a studio group created by singer/producer Barry White.
5/17/25 O&A NYC ITS SATURDAY- ANYTHING GOES: Labelle in Concert 1975
Labelle was a three member band that originated out of the Blue Belles, a girl group who were a popular vocal group of the 1960s and 1970s. Continue reading
5/8/25 O&A NYC THROWBACK THURSDAY- MOTHER’S DAY SPECIAL: I’ll Always Love My Mama- The Intruders
I’ll Always Love My Mama is a 1973 single by the Philly soul group The Intruders. Released from their album Save the Children, the single is a song commonly played on Mother’s Day. Continue reading
5/4/25 O&A NYC DANCE PREVIEW: THPAC’s A Ramp To Paradise Returns
The Thelma Hill Performing Arts Center (THPAC) will present A Ramp To Paradise on June 27 and 28, 2025 at the Ailey Citigroup Theater,405 west 55th Street. The dance theater work is the brainchild of THPAC executive chairman Alex Smith, Jr. and is based on the short story A Ramp To Paradise conceived and written by Smith. The story centers around a group of friends who attend the famed 1980’s underground dance club-The Paradise Garage. Continue reading
4/14/25 O&A NYC DANCE REVIEW: Dance Theatre of Harlem
By Walter Rutledge
The Dance Theatre of Harlem (DTH) presented their New York City season April 10th through April 14th at New York City Center. The four-day four-performance season featured works by George Balanchine, William Forsythe, Jodi Gates, and DTH Artistic Director Robert Garland. The evening presented four abstract works in the Contemporary Ballet, Neoclassic and Garland’s own Harem Swag styles. There was a lot of admirable dancing presented but little theatre offered. Continue reading
4/6/25 O& NYC GOSPEL SUNDAY: Fred Hammond- No Weapon
Gospel artist, bass guitarist, and record producer Fred Hammond released No Weapon on August 20 1996. The song’s universal healing message catapulted it to international acclaim. Continue reading
