HOLLYWOOD MONDAY: Sidney Poitier- To Sir with Love (Happy Birthday Mr. Poitier)


A novice teacher faces a class of rowdy, undisciplined working-class punks in this classic film that reflected some of the problems and fears of teens in the 60s. Sidney Poitier gives one of his finest performances as Mark Thackeray, an out-of-work engineer who turns to teaching in London’s tough East End. Continue reading

2/9/23 O&A NYC THROWBACK THURSDAY: Marvin Gaye – I Heard It Through The Grapevine (A capella)


The incomparable R&B legend Marvin Gaye shows us he can bring the house down without music. Watch him slay his classic  I Heard It Through The Grapevine. Continue reading

2/13/23 O&A NYC DIVA ALERT!!!: Rihanna’s Super Bowl LVII Halftime Show


Rihanna opened the show with a rousing rendition of her hit song, “Bitch Better Have My Money” and then pumped up the crowd with her dance hits “Where Have You Been” and “Only Girl (In The World).” She kept the energy up with new arrangements of “We Found Love” and “Rude Boy.”
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2/13/23 O&A NYC HOLLYWOOD MONDAY: Brown Sugar: The History of the Black Female Entertainer (1985/1990)

Brown Sugar: The History of the Black Female Entertainer (1985/1990) is a 1985 documentary based on film historian Donald Bogles’ book Brown SugarOne of the best docu-film about black female entertainers hosted by actor Billy Dee Williams. Continue reading

2/7/23 O&A NYC INSPIRATION TUESDAY: Maya Angelou- Still I Rise

“You may write me down in history With your bitter, twisted lies, You may trod me in the very dirt But still, like dust, I’ll rise.” – Maya Angelou Continue reading

1/4/23 SATURDAY MORNING CONCERT: John Henry- Dance Theatre of Harlem

John Henry is the tale of the steel drivin’ man who fights against automation. He challenges the steam drill and wins, but dies with his hammer in his hand. Choreographed by DTH Co-founder Arthur Mitchell in 1988, his ballet is a testament to the singular perseverance that allowed the folk hero to triumph over impossible odds. Continue reading

1/18/23 O&A NYC REVIEW: Ronald K. Brown/Evidence

By Walter Rutledge

Ronald K. Brown/Evidence began its New York season at the Joyce Theater on Tuesday January 17 and runs through Sunday, January 22. The six-day, seven performance offering presents three ensemble works spanning twenty-four years of Brown’s artistry. The season provides an insight into the thirty-eight-year journey of Brown and Evidence. Continue reading

1/16/23 O&A NYC HAIL THE KING!: Martin Luther King Jr.- The Other America

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s 1967 speech at Stanford University where he expounds on his nonviolent philosophy and methodology.
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1/8/23 O&A NYC GOSPEL SUNDAY: Yolanda Adams- Never Give Up



Yolanda Adams sings Never Give Up at the White House during the Salute to Gospel Music in 2002. Continue reading

1/4/23 O&A NYC WILDIN OUT WEDNESDAY: Richard Pryor: Live & Smokin’ (1971)

Richard Pryor set the stage for the brash, no-holds-barred comedy practiced by later comic successes like Chris Rock and Dave Chappelle. His soulful performance–and his legacy–are captured in LIVE AND SMOKIN’, released in 1985 but filmed 15 years earlier at New York City’s Improvisation. Included among the funny, wide-ranging (and often vulgar) skits is the now famous “Wino Preacher and Willie the Junkie” sequence. Continue reading