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 History
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
5/25/25 O&A NYC GOSPEL SUNDAY: Oh Happy Day- Edwin Hawkins Singers
Oh Happy Day is a 1967 gospel music arrangement of an 18th-century hymn. Recorded by the Edwin Hawkins Singers, it became an international hit in 1969. Hawkins’ arrangement quickly became a “standard” and has been recorded by hundreds of artists. It was included on the RIAA Songs of the Century list and won Hawkins a Grammy Award for Best Soul Gospel Performance in 1970. 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
5/17/25 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
5/16/25 O&A NYC DANCE IN MEMORIAM: Ella Thompson Moore- May 31, 1939- May 13, 2025
“On behalf of the Charles Moore Dance Theatre, it is with a broken heart that we announce the passing of Ella Thompson Moore, Artistic Director of the Charles Moore Dance Theatre, Dance Matriarch to many, Queen to all. Ella went to join her beloved husband, Charles Moore on Tuesday May 13, days before her 96th birthday. Arrangements will be posted when finalized. Please keep her son Anthony and grandson Jalen, her dancers and drummers in prayer. Her presence, grace, wit and warmth will be greatly missed. We are eternally grateful for the impact she had in our lives.”- Faye Moore (with permission of the family) Continue reading
5/6/25 O&A NYC WITH WALESTYLEZ FASHION: Met Gala 2025 RECAP – Best Dressed, Viral Memes, Surprise Pregnancy
Rihanna debuts a pregnant tummy. Jodie Turner-Smith, Andre 300, Diana Ross and more stepped out on the red carpet in dramatic, must-see fashion at the Met Gala. Join Brandon Kyle Goodman, Robyn DelMonte and Will Marfuggi as they break down all the viral moments from the Met Gala 2025. Continue reading
4/20/25 O&A NYC EASTER GOSPEL SUNDAY: Daryl Coley- When Sunday Comes
When Sunday Comes performed by Daryl Coley was featured on Donald Lawrence‘s 1995 gospel narrative album Bible Stories (1995). 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
