Tag: Black History

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9/5/25 O&A NYC SHALL WE DANCE FRIDAY: All God’s Chillun Got Rhythm featuring Whitey’s Lindy Hoppers – A Day at the Races (1937).

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Shall We Dance Friday

All God’s Chillun Got Rhythm featuring Whitey’s Lindy Hoppers is from the movie A Day at the Races (1937). The singer in the segment is Ivie Anderson from Duke Ellington’s Orchestra. The list of dancers is including Troy Brown, Dorothy Miller, Johnny Smalls, Norma Miller, Leon James, Snooky Beasley, Willa Mae Ricker, Ella Gibson, and George Greenidge. (Apparently, the dancer listed as John Bunch is in fact, Troy Brown). Whitey himself can be seen on the sidelines. He is identifiable by the streak of white in his hair. Continue reading

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9/1/25 O&A NYC HOLLYWOOD MONDAY:   Michael Jackson’s This Is It -Documentary Film (Full Movie 2011)

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This compelling documentary follows pop icon Michael Jackson during the days leading up to his untimely death as he prepares for a series of 50 shows.  Continue reading

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8/24/25 O&A NYC GOSPEL SUNDAY: Shirley Caesar, Dorthy Norwood, Inez Andrews, & Albertina Walker – Mary Don’t You Weep and More

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The Caravans (Inez Andrews, Dorthy Norwood, Shirley Caesar, Albertina Walker, Delores Washington) singing at the 2007 BET Gospel Celebration.  Continue reading

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7/22/25 O&A NYC INSPIRATIONAL TUESDAY: Malcolm – Jamal Warner (August 18, 1970 – July 20, 2025)

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In his poignant spoken word performance and talk, Malcolm – Jamal Warner shares how embracing vulnerability rather than pursuing notions of being cool changed his life. He encourages us to resist the media stereotypes of Black men, filled with bravado and danger, and instead create space and acceptance for male vulnerability and self-love.

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7/21/25 O&A NYC HOLLYWOOD MONDAY: Woody Strode – Sergeant Rutledge

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Lt. Cantrell (Jeffrey Hunter) defends Sergeant Rutledge (Woody Strode) as witnesses give testimony (relived in flashbacks) revealing the Sergeant’s gallantry – and the shocking truth behind the alleged crimes. Director John Ford, who attacked racism in The Searchers, explores similar territory in this landmark Western, the power of which still rings out with uncommon force decades later.

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7/18/25 O&A NYC SHALL WE DANCE FRIDAY: Harold Nicholas – Mister BeeBe from Carolina Blues (1944)

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An amazing song and tap routine from Carolina Blues (1944) – with a huge cast of dancers and singers, and headed up by the wonderful Harold Nicholas. Continue reading

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7/8/25 O&A NYC INSPIRATIONAL TUESDAY: Something Inside So Strong- ft Annatoria & Ché Kirah.

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This is the live version of Something Inside So Strong ft Annatoria & Ché Kirah. Originally released on TBN as a powerful tribute to songs that have marked monumental moments in black history, music and culture; singer/songwriter, Junior Garr and choir conductor, Marsha B. Morrison, navigated The Spirituals Choir in a time of great uncertainty to give a message of hope. Continue reading

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7/7/25 O&A NYC HOLLYWOOD MONDAY: Prince- Under the Cherry Moon

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In his second film Under The Cherry Moon worldwide musical sensation Prince stars in this offbeat love story of two young people who fight to stay together. Scheming to get rich quick, Christopher (Prince) and his friend Tricky travel to the French Riviera. But Christopher’s plans go awry when he falls madly in love with a beautiful, spoiled heiress whose parents plot to keep them apart.
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7/6/25 O&A NYC SUNDAY AFTERNOON JAZZ: Fela Kuti and Africa 70 – Pansa Pansa

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One of the few pro-shot concerts of legendary musician Fela Kuti with his band Africa 70, playing for the Jazz Festival In Berlin, 1978. Fela was a social activist and leader who fought for freedom and justice in Nigeria. He died in 1997. Continue reading

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7/6/25 O&A NYC DANCE COMMENTARY: The Ramp To Paradise Afterglow

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By Walter Rutledge

The Thelma Hill Performing Arts Center (THPAC) presented A Ramp To Paradise at the Ailey Citicorp Theater on June 27th and 28th. The two-day spring performance season showcased the third rendition of the dance theater narrative. The story begins in 1985 at the now celebrated underground nightclub- the Paradise Garage.  The sold-out Saturday evening performance was followed by a classic Paradise Garage style after party that lasted from 9pm to 12am (that’s 12 midnight not the Garage’s notorious Sunday noon closing- for those who remember). Continue reading