White Like Me is a legendary 1984 satirical mockumentary sketch from Saturday Night Live, starring Eddie Murphy as he goes undercover using heavy makeup to experience America as a white man. Continue reading
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Category: Black History
7/3/26 O&A NYC THE MORNING FUNNIES: Lili Goes Black- Blazing Saddles (1974)
Blazing Saddles is a classic Mel Brooks satire on racism in America. Madeline Kahn as Lilly Von Shtupp steals the show when she asks the new black sheriff Bart (Cleavon Little), “So, tell me, schatze, is it twue vhat day say about da vay you people are a … gifted?” Continue reading
7/2/26 O&A NYC SHALL WE DANCE FRIDAY: Janet Jackson – Alright
Alright is by R&B artist from her fourth studio album, Janet Jackson’s Rhythm Nation 1814. Written by Janet Jackson and Jimmy Jam also Terry Lewis, he song was released on March 4, 1990, by A&M Records as the fourth single from Janet Jackson’s Rhythm Nation 1814. Continue reading
6/30/26 O&A NYC LIVE PERFORMANCE: Ray Charles – Song For You (Live at Montreux 1997)
Ray Charles iconic performance of A Song For You live at the Montreux Jazz Festival took place on July 19, 1997. His deeply emotional, soul-stirring rendition of the Leon Russell classic served as a major highlight of his hour-long set. It showcased his timeless vocal prowess alongside his 15-piece orchestra. Continue reading
6/30/26 O&A NYC INSPIRATIONAL TUESDAY: Teyana Taylor Accepts The Icon Of The Year Award In an Emotional BET Awards Speech
Teyana Taylor took home the inaugural Icon Of The Year Award at the 2026 BET Awards, headlining a historic four-win sweep at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. Her legendary artistic idol, Janet Jackson, made a surprise appearance to present the trophy, driving Taylor to tears of disbelief before she delivered a powerful message about community and industry survival. Continue reading
6/29/26 O&A NYC HOLLYWOOD MONDAY: The Marva Collins Story (1981) – Cicely Tyson, Morgan Freeman
The Marva Collins Story (1981) is a critically acclaimed biographical television film starring Cicely Tyson as the pioneering educator Marva Collins and Morgan Freeman as her devoted husband, Clarence Collins. Continue reading
6/25/26 O&A NYC THROWBACK THURSDAY PRIDE: Sylvester
Sylvester James, Jr., better known as disco and soul singer-songwriter Sylvester, was often described by the mainstream media as a drag queen, but he repeatedly rejected such a description. His flamboyant and androgynous appearance exemplified the late 1970s. Sylvester became known in the United States under the moniker of the “Queen of Disco.“ Continue reading
6/10/26 O&A NYC SHALL WE DANCE FRIDAY: Agon Pas de Deux – Diana Adams and Arthur Mitchell
The Agon pas de deux, choreographed by George Balanchine in 1957 to a score by Igor Stravinsky, is a revolutionary milestone in 20th-century ballet. Its original cast paired Arthur Mitchell, the first Black principal dancer at the New York City Ballet, with Diana Adams, a caucasian ballerina.
6/18/26 O&A NYC !!! STOP THE PRESSES !!! : Michelle Obama’s Full Remarks At Obama Presidential Center Dedication
Former first lady Michelle Obama delivered a powerful and deeply personal address during the Obama Presidential Center dedication ceremony in Chicago. Her speech celebrated her husband, Barack Obama‘s legacy, their shared South Side roots, and the enduring power of hope and democracy. Continue reading
6/17/26 O&A NYC BY WALTER RUTLEDGE: Hymn Conversation
By Walter Rutledge
On June 4 at a group of former Ailey dancers sat down to discuss the recent reconstruction of Judith Jamison’s Hymn for the Ailey company’s four-day spring series at the Brooklyn Academy of Music. The dancers were part of the original cast of Hymn and had participated in the new remounting of the work, while also coaching the dancers in the present Ailey company. What was apparent from the beginning of the discussion was their willingness, enthusiasm and what can only be described the sheer joy in sharing their experiences with the dancers and now the public. Continue reading
