9/7/26 O&A NYC BLACK FACTS: The Origins and Magic of the HBCU Marching Bands

Why do HBCU halftime shows feel so intentionally different from the expected military-style performance? Seemingly every part of an HBCU marching band, from the marching style to the majorette choreography to the music selection to the drum major expectations, is of an immediately identifiable, unique style. Continue reading

8/9/26 O&A NYC THE SUNDAY MORNING FUNNIES: First Sundays With Small Fire – Remixing Old Church Songs

The hilarious and legendary Small Fire riffs on remixing old church songs. Continue reading

7/17/26 O&A NYC SHALL WE DANCE FRIDAY: Lindy Hop Swing Dance Scene From Malcolm X (1992)

The Lindy Hop Swing Dance Scene from 1992 movie Malcolm X featuring Denzel Washington and Spike Lee. Choreographed with the help of Frankie Manning (blue suit) and Norma Miller (yellow dress) and the scene included background dancers Dawn Hampton and Ryan Francois. Otis Sallid was the choreographer and the song Flying Home is by Lionel Hampton. Continue reading

7/8/26 O&A NYC WILDIN OUT WEDNESDAY: Little Black Sambo (1935)

Little Black Sambo, produced in 1935 by UB Iworks Studio, is a controversial book and cartoon containing racist stereotypes typical of the time. Due to its racist overtones the short film shows up on many banned cartoons and racist cartoons lists – rightfully so. We post this cartoon so we never forget the racist laughter at the expense of Black people. Continue reading

7/7/26 O&A NYC THE MORNING FUNNIES: Eddie Murphy – White Like Me – SNL

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

6/27/26 O&A NYC GOING BACK TO AFRICA WITH WALESTYLEZ: 10 Most Unique Black Skin Men (You Won’t Believe are Real People)

 The 10 Most Unique Black Skin Men You Won’t Believe are Real People highlights individuals with extraordinary genetic traits, extreme skin melanin, rare conditions, or striking physical transformations that challenge conventional beauty and modeling standards. Continue reading

6/25/26 O&A NYC THROWBACK THURSDAY PRIDE: Sylvester

Redo-Slyvester

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.

Continue reading

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

6/13/26 O&A NYC THE MORNING FUNNIES: Method & Red Show Episode 1

Hip Hop recording artists Method Man and Redman move into a predominantly white suburb in New Jersey (along with Method Man’s mother Dorothea, and two friends Lil Bit and Dupree). When the pair violates neighborhood association rules from throwing a wild party and face eviction, they attempt to use kindness (and fruitcake) to endear themselves to their new neighbors. Continue reading