Jeffrey Allen Townes, known as DJ Jazzy Jeff, is a deejay and music producer. He was one half of the hip hop duo DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince, along with Hip Hop artist fellow Philadelphia native Will Smith. Happy Birthday! Continue reading
By Walter Rutledge
Happy Birthday to one of the dance world’s icons Debbie Allen. We had the opportunity to talk to Ms. Allen about a wide range of her life experiences from segregated dance classes in her native Texas, to heartless rejection and finally coming into her own in New York City. We pay tribute to a living dance legend and activist born on January 16th.- Walter Rutledge
In 2015 O&A NYC Editor-in-Chief Walter Rutledge interviewed Debbie Allen at the Faison Firehouse Theater for Dance Noir Magazine (DNM). The print article would discuss her relationship with Katherine Dunham. The video was produced as visual notes for the upcoming Dunham article. When the magazine suspended publication, out of respect for DNM Founder/Editor-in-Chief Carol Lloyd, we held the material with hopes of eventually printing the article for DNM. After eight years Ms. Allen’s words remain relevant, inspiring and informative and should be shared. We call this first installment Empathy. Continue reading
Aaliyah Dana Haughton, a talented R&B artist and actress, was born on January 16,1979 in Brooklyn,NewYork. From a young age , Aaliyah was passionate about music, beginning voice lessons shortly after she learned to speak. Continue reading
As Summers Die a 1986 film starring Ron O’Neal, Beah Richards, Jamie Lee Curtis, and Bette Davis. The plot centers around a large area of land owned by an old black lady, Elvira Backus ( Beah Richards). It had been given to her by her one-time employer and secret father of her two children, a southern patriarch. Continue reading
Slave To The Rhythm is by R&B artist, model and actress Grace Jones. It was released in October 1985 from Jones’ seventh album, Slave To The Rhythm (1985), on which it is titled Ladies and Gentlemen: Miss Grace Jones. Continue reading
Vamp is a 1986 comedy horror film directed by Richard Wenk, co-written by Wenk and Donald P. Borchers, and starring Grace Jones and Chris Makepeace. Continue reading
No Sleeep is by Janet Jackson for her eleventh studio album Unbreakable. Co-written and produced by Jackson and her long-time collaborators Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis,it is the first record to be released under Jackson’s independent label Rhythm Nation Records, distributed by BMG Rights Management. Continue reading
Metropolitan Museum of Art
Metropolitan Museum of Art
A dance and fitness class for seniors taught by Walter Rutledge
Nereid Older Adult Center 720 Nereid Ave, Bronx, NY 10466
Metropolitan Museum of Art
Metropolitan Museum of Art
Metropolitan Museum of Art
Metropolitan Museum of Art
Metropolitan Museum of Art
Metropolitan Museum of Art
This Memorial Day weekend, DanceAfrica, the nation’s largest festival dedicated to African diasporic dance and music, opens up Brooklyn’s stages and streets to the rich culture and artistry of Mozambique. Now in its 48th year, this beloved celebration lifts up history and arts from East Africa for the unofficial start of summer.
Brooklyn Academy of Music,
Metropolitan Museum of Art
Metropolitan Museum of Art
Metropolitan Museum of Art
Metropolitan Museum of ArtThis Memorial Day weekend, DanceAfrica, the nation’s largest festival dedicated to African diasporic dance and music, opens up Brooklyn’s stages and streets to the rich culture and artistry of Mozambique. Now in its 48th year, this beloved celebration lifts up history and arts from East Africa for the unofficial start of summer.
Brooklyn Academy of MusicEnchanting Brooklyn for the 48th year, DanceAfrica 2025 culminates in Mozambique: Movement! Magic! Manifestation!, an extraordinary dance and music performance celebrating the culture of Mozambique. Featuring performances by The Song & Dance Company of Mozambique, Mama Coumba Saaraba, The Billie's Youth Arts Academy Dance Ensemble, and the DanceAfrica Spirit Walkers, this dazzling event will shake up your senses and stir your heart.
Brooklyn Academy of Music
Metropolitan Museum of Art
Metropolitan Museum of ArtThis Memorial Day weekend, DanceAfrica, the nation’s largest festival dedicated to African diasporic dance and music, opens up Brooklyn’s stages and streets to the rich culture and artistry of Mozambique. Now in its 48th year, this beloved celebration lifts up history and arts from East Africa for the unofficial start of summer.
Brooklyn Academy of Music
Metropolitan Museum of Art
Metropolitan Museum of ArtA dance and fitness class for seniors taught by Walter Rutledge
Nereid Older Adult Center 720 Nereid Ave, Bronx, NY 10466
This Memorial Day weekend, DanceAfrica, the nation’s largest festival dedicated to African diasporic dance and music, opens up Brooklyn’s stages and streets to the rich culture and artistry of Mozambique. Now in its 48th year, this beloved celebration lifts up history and arts from East Africa for the unofficial start of summer.
Brooklyn Academy of Music