8/12/24 O&A NYC HOLLYWOOD MONDAY: The Autobiography Of Miss Jane Pittman

The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman is a 1971 novel by Ernest J. Gaines. The story depicts the struggles of Black people as seen through the eyes of the narrator, a woman named Jane Pittman.The novel was dramatized in a TV movie in 1974, starring Cicely Tyson. Continue reading

8/2/24 O&A NYC SHALL WE DANCE FRIDAY: Happy Birthday Geoffrey Holder- Banda

By Walter Rutledge

Shall We Dance

Happy Birthday renaissance man Geoffrey Holder. The dancer, actor, choreographer, director, visual artist and all around force of nature was born on August 1st, 1930 in Port of Spain; the capital city of the Caribbean island nation of Trinidad and Tobago. Continue reading

7/19/24 O&A NYC SHALL WE DANCE FRIDAY: The Wiz-A Brand New Day (Everybody Rejoice)


With Evillene (Mable King*) dead, her powerful spells. Soon all her sweat shop workers and prisoners are free from her hold over them and “strip” way their hideous wicked witch skin. They all celebrate with Dorthy (Diana Ross), Scarecrow, (Michael Jackson), Tin Man (Nipsey Russell), and Cowardly Lion (Ted Ross*). This large cast dance member is the brain child of choreographer Louis Johnson, whose high energy, and interdisciplinary vocabulary captures the energy of the song lead by The Wiz Singers Adult Choir member Luther Vandross. Continue reading

7/4/24 O&A NYC INDEPENDENCE DAY LIVE PERFORMANCE: Whitney Houston – Star Spangled Banner (National Anthem) – Super Bowl 1991

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

6/19/24 O&A NYC JUNETEENTH SONG OF THE DAY: Sounds of Blackness – Juneteenth Celebration

The 3 time Grammy Award winning Sounds of Blackness is excited to premiere their new music video single Juneteenth Celebration. Continue reading

6/6/24 O&A NYC THROWBACK THURSDAY: The Jackson 5- I Want You Back- The Ed Sullivan Show

The Jackson 5 performed I Want You Back on The Ed Sullivan Show December 14, 1969.

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5/31/24 O&A NYC THE MORNING FUNNIES: My Blackness is Constantly Under Investigation – Comedians on Being Black: Part Two

Josh Johnson, Dulcé Sloan, Godfrey and more great comedians tell jokes about the Black experience. Continue reading

5/13/24 O&A NYC SONG OF THE DAY SPECIAL: Happy Birthday – Stevie Wonder

Stevie Wonder original name is Stevland Hardaway  was born in Saginaw, Michigan, on this date May 13,1950. A child prodigy who developed into one of the most creative musical figures of the late 20th century. In addition to his acclaimed artistry, Wonder has routinely tackled social issues through his music appearances. Continue reading

5/9/24 O&A NYC THROWBACK THURSDAY: Deniece Williams – Free • TopPop

June Deniece Williams has been described as “one of the great soul voices” by the BBC. Free was her first music video. Continue reading

5/6/24 O&A NYC HOLLYWOOD MONDAY: A Ballerina’s Tale

Ballerina Misty Copeland made history becoming the first African-American Woman to earn the position of Principal Dancer with the world renowned American Ballet Theater. Continue reading