This timeless documentary about Mahalia Jackson, the legendary Queen of Gospel, features Jackson herself telling her story of her life and times! Continue reading
Tag: Black Facts
3/10/24 O&A NYC CELBRATING WOMEN IN GOSPEL: Battle of Jericho- Mahalia Jackson Singing before Martin Luther King Jr. Sermon
3/9/24 O&A NYC CELEBRATING WOMEN- SATURDAY MORNING CONCERT: Nancy Wilson at the Newport Jazz Festival (August 15, 1987)


Nancy Sue Wilson a singer whose career spanned over five decades, from the mid-1950s until her retirement in the early 2010s. Wilson recorded more than 70 albums and won three Grammy Awards for her work. During her performing career, Wilson was labeled a singer of blues, jazz, R&B, pop and soul a “consummate actress”; and “the complete entertainer”. Continue reading
2/8/24 O&A NYC VALENTINE BLACK HISTORY MONTH THROWBACK THURDAY: Billy Preston & Syreeta Wright- With You I’m Born Again
With You I’m Born Again a 1979 duet performed by Motown recording artists Billy Preston and Syreeta Wright (credited as Syreeta) and written by Carol Connors and David Shire. The song was originally featured on the soundtrack of the 1979 motion picture Fast Break. It was became an international hit for the duo, reaching number four on the Billboard Hot 100 and number two on the UK singles chart. Continue reading
2/5/24 O&A NYC DANCE PREVIEW: Ray Mercer- Philadanco- Balance of Power
By Walter Rutledge
Dance/choreographer Ray Mercer is living his best life out loud! The Omaha, Nebraska native can be seen eight times a week as a member of the Broadway juggernaut The King Lion. This week Mercer’s artistry will be on full display at the Joyce theater during the New York Season of Philadanco, February 6th through February 10th at the Joyce Theater. Continue reading
2/4/24 O&A NYC WITH WALESTYLEZ FASHION: Balmain Men’s Fall Winter 2024 Fashion Show
Relive Olivier Rousteing‘s Balmain triumphant return to Paris Men’s Fashion Week: a feast of vibrant colors, opulent gold, and exquisite couture. Continue reading
2/3/24 O&A NYC ITS SATURDAY ANYTHING GOES: Jeroboam Bozeman- The Philadanco Years (part 3)
By Walter Rutledge
Jeroboam Bozeman is a principal dancer with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. The 10 year veteran of the Ailey Company has distinguished himself not only as a more than capable technician and partner but as a dramatic performer of merit. Bozeman cut his performing chops with the Philadanco (Philadelphia Dance Company), one of his first professional regional dance commitments. Continue reading
2/1/24 O&A NYC BLACK HISTORY MONTH THROWBACK THURSDAY : Cab Calloway- Minnie the Moocher
Minnie the Moocher is a jazz-scat song first recorded in 1931 by Cab Calloway and His Orchestra, selling over a million copies.”Minnie the Moocher” is most famous for its nonsensical ad libbed (“scat”) lyrics (for example, “Hi De Hi De Hi De Ho”). Continue reading
1/22/24 O&A NYC HOLLYWOOD MONDAY: Claudine (1974) Starring Diahann Carroll and James Earl Jones
Claudine is a 1974 American romantic comedy-drama film, directed by John Berry. Claudine was written by Lester Pine and Tina Pine, starring James Earl Jones, Diahann Carroll and Lawrence Hilton-Jacobs. The film was released on April 22, 1974, grossing about $6 million, a modest hit for the times. It was praised for showing a new dimension in black cinema during the height of blaxploitation. Continue reading
1/21/24 O&A NYC DANCE REVIEW: Ronald K. Brown /Evidence
By Walter Rutledge
Ronald K. Brown /Evidence presented their 2024 New York season January 16 through 21 at the Joyce Theater. The nine-member ensemble offered two works Walking Out the Dark (2001) and Torch (2012). The program provided an overview of the range and diversity of choreographer Brown and his company in what is best described as an American artist’s declaration of his diasporic roots. Continue reading












