2/25/26 O&A NYC WILDIN OUT WEDNESDAY: Corbin Bleu Mein Herr (Broadway Backwards 2023)

Corbin Bleu performed an electrifying rendition of Mein Herr from the musical Cabaret at the 2023 Broadway Backwards benefit. Bleu opened the show, which took place on March 13, 2023, at the New Amsterdam Theatre in New York City.  Continue reading

2/23/26 O&A NYC LOCKDOWN LEARNING: The Real Story of Jean-Michel Basquiat

The Real Story of Jean-Michel Basquiat, often focusing on his transition from a homeless graffiti artist to a global art icon. This YouTube mini-documentary titled The Real Story of Jean-Michel Basquiat was released in 2023. Continue reading

2/22/26 O&A NYC GOSPEL SUNDAY: Oh Happy Day – The Edwin Hawkins Singers (1969)

Oh Happy Day is a 1967 gospel music arrangement of the 1755 hymn by clergyman Philip Doddridge. Recorded by the Edwin Hawkins Singers, it became an international hit in 1969. It has since become a gospel music standard. Continue reading

2/21/26 O&A NYC ITS SATURDAY ANYTHING GOES: 17 African Male Models From Men’s Fall 2026

17 African male models just made their official runway debut at Men’s Fall 2026 Ready-to-Wear from Milan to Paris — and people paid attention. Continue reading

2/20/26 O&A NYC SHALL WE DANCE FRIDAY: Sammy Davis Jr.- The Original Triple Threat

Shall We Dance

Sammy Davis Junior

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

2/19/26 O&A NYC THROWBACK THURSDAY: Lift Every Voice and Sing -Ledisi – Super Bowl LIX

Grammy-winning R&B singer Ledisi delivered a powerful rendition of Lift Every Voice and Sing at Super Bowl LIX on February 9, 2025, at the Caesar’s Superdome in her hometown of New Orleans. Continue reading

2/18/26 O&A NYC WILDIN OUT WEDNESDAY: The First Black President – The Richard Pryor Show (1977)

In 1977, comedian Richard Pryor portrayed the first Black president of the United States in a pioneering sketch on his short-lived NBC program, The Richard Pryor Show. The sketch, which aired on November 5, 1977, is remembered as a highlight of the series, showcasing sharp, ahead-of-its-time social commentary. Continue reading

2/13/26 O&A NYC DANCE BY WALTER RUTLEDGE: TV Personality Cheryl Wills Joins Remembering Cast.

By Walter Rutledge

Journalist and author Cheryl Wills joins the cast as both actor and playwright for the Jamel Gaines Creative Outlet Dance Company in tonight’s production of Remembering at the BAM Fisher Fishman Space, 321 Ashland Place, in downtown Brooklyn. Wills shared the story of her great, great, great grandfather Private Sandy Wills with young audiences on Wednesday and Thursday. On Friday evening’s performance playwright Wills will be performed by Thera Ward. Continue reading

2/9/26 O&A NYC DANCE BY WALTER RUTLEDGE: Meet Deven Crawford – Unity Through Community

Meet Deven Crawford a 19-year-old Las Vegas Nevada native who is living his dream.  The former dance major at the Las Vegas Academy of the Arts happened to meet Jamel Gaines at the 2024 IABD (International Association of Black in Dance) conference. Today Crawford is a sophomore studying dance at Marymount College in Manhattan and one of the newest members of the Jamel Gaines Creative Outlet Dance Company (JGCO). Continue reading

2/8/26 O&A NYC GOSPEL SUNDAY: Yolanda Adams & Le’Andria Johnson -The Battle Is The Lord’s’ (Super Bowl Gospel 2020)

Le’Andria Johnson joins gospel superstar Yolanda Adams for a powerful performance of The Battle Is The Lord’s at the 2020 Super Bowl Gospel Celebration. Continue reading