Category: Black History

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11/5/24 O&A NYC SONG OF THE DAY: Sam Cooke- A Change Is Gonna Come

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A Change Is Gonna Come is a song by Sam Cooke, released on December 22, 1964 by RCA Victor. Though only a modest hit for Cooke in comparison with his previous singles, A Change Is Gonna Come became an anthem for the American Civil Rights Movement. The song is widely considered Cooke’s best composition and has been voted among the best songs ever released by various publications. In 2007, the song was selected for preservation in the Library of Congress, with the National Recording Registry deeming the song “culturally, historically, or aesthetically important.” Continue reading

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11/5/24 O&A NYC ELECTION DAY 2024: America Keep Your Word !

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A soliloquy from a Black man from the 1960’s about the injustice of the American system. He makes a simple yet poignant request “America needs to keep its word”. Liberty and justice for who? You? Me? Continue reading

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10/25/24 SHALL WE DANCE FRIDAY: Paula Abdul – Straight Up

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Straight Up by dancer and choreographer Paula Abdul from her debut studio album, Forever Your Girl (1988). Straight Up became Abdul’s first top-40 hit in the United States, eventually topping the Billboard Hot 100 in February 1989. Continue reading

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10/21/24 O&A NYC HOLLYWOOD MONDAY: Blacula (1972)

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Blacula (1972) stars William Marshall in the title role as an 18th-century African prince named Mamuwalde. Continue reading

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10/20/24 O&A NYC SUNDAY GOSPEL: Rev. James Cleveland – Soldiers In The Army

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James Edward Cleveland was a gospel singer, musician, and composer. Known as the “King of Gospel,” Cleveland was a driving force behind the creation of the modern gospel sound by incorporating traditional black gospel, soul, pop, and jazz in arrangements for mass choirs. Continue reading

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10/5/24 O&A NYC IT’S SATURDAY: A Conversation With Debbie Blunden- Diggs, Dayton Contemporary Dance Company

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By Walter Rutledge 

The Dayton Contemporary Dance Company (DCDC) is one of the heartland’s preeminent dance companies. The company is fifty-six years young and has remained rooted in sharing the experiences of Americans of African decent through movement. This 2016 conversation with DCDC Artistic Director Debbie Blunden- Diggs took place during the company’s performances of Rainbow Round My Shoulder as guest artists with the Paul Taylor Dance Company at State Theater in Lincoln Center.

The company received a Bessie Award (The New York Dance and Performance Awards) that same year for Outstanding Revival for Rainbow. Blunden and I discuss the importance of keeping masterworks like Rainbow alive and on stage for the next generation of balletomanes. Her comments and commitment still ring true as DCDC become the first African American modern dance company to perform one of Taylor’s  signature masterwork Esplanade during the company’s 2024 Joyce Theater season October 2- 6. Continue reading

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10/1/24 O&A NYC INSPIRATIONAL TUESDAY: Chadwick Boseman’s Tribute to Denzel Washington (2019)

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Black Panther star Chadwick Boseman pays tribute to Denzel Washington as he receives the 2019 AFI Life Achievement Award the presentation was broadcast on TNT. Continue reading

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9/23/24 O&A NYC PREVIEW: Edges of Ailey at The Whitney

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By Alex Smith, Jr.

Something very special is about to burst on the NYC cultural scene- Edges of Ailey.  The Whitney Museum’s groundbreaking, and multi-faceted interdisciplinary exhibit is a homage to the life and work of the legendary dancer, choreographer and humanitarian Alvin Ailey. This unique collaborative effort between the Ailey Dance Foundation and the Whitney has its official debut on Wednesday, September 25. Continue reading

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9/19/24 O&A THROWBACK THURSDAY: Jackie Wilson Baby Workout (Shindig 1965)

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Baby Workout by Mr. Excitement aka Jackie Wilson from the album of the same name is about Wilson urging a girl to dance or work out all night long with him. Continue reading

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(REPOST) 9/10/24 O&A NYC INSPIRATIONAL TUESDAY: From Stutterer To Star: How James Earl Jones Found His Voice

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James Earl Jones, the 92-year-old acting legend who in 2014 made his return to Broadway in the play You Can’t Take It With You, discusses the highs and lows of his six-decade-long career, from his modest beginnings suffering from a stutter to a celebrated star of stage and screen with one of the most recognizable voices in the world. Continue reading