2/7/25 O&A NYC BLACK FACTS: Emmett Till- His Death, Mother, Grave, & Facts

Emmett Louis Till was a 14-year-old African American who was lynched in Mississippi in 1955, after being accused of offending a white woman in her family’s grocery store. Join us as we discuss historical moments leading up to the death of Emmett Till, and how his death, helped fuel the Civil Rights movement. Continue reading

2/5/25 O&A NYC WILDIN OUT WEDNESDAY: In Living Color – The Best Of Great Moments In Black History Series

The Best Of Great Moments In Black History is a recurring sketch series on the comedy show In Living Color that parodies significant events and figures from African American History, often using humor to highlight social issues and stereotypes while celebrating key achievements.

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2/4/25 O&A NYC INSPIRATIONAL TUESDAY: Kendrick Lamar Wins Record Of The Year For “NOT LIKE US” | 2025 GRAMMYs Acceptance Speech

In his 2025 Grammys Acceptance Speech for Record Of The Year for Not Like Us, Kendrick Lamar thanked his hometown of Los Angeles and the people who supported him on his journey. He also recognized the pioneering West Coast Hip Hop artists who inspired him. Continue reading

1/31/25 O&A NYC SHALL WE DANCE FRIDAY: Jamel Gaines Creative Outlet Educates Through Dance

By Walter Rutledge

Jamel Gaines Creative Outlet will commemorate the company’s 30th anniversary with a three-day New York City season Friday, February 13 through Sunday, February 15 at BAM Fisher Fishman Space. The season will offer Remembering, a program that reflects Gaines continued commitment to educate and enlighten the next generation through the dance theatre genre. Continue reading

1/25/25 O&A NYC DANCE: Martin: A Ballet By Gordon Parks Act V- Mourning Place

The final act of Martin: A Ballet By Gordon Parks takes place after the death of Dr. King . John Jones (Dr Martin Luther King) Sheila Rohan (Rosa Parks) and James E. Murphy (Assassin). Continue reading

1/24/25 O&A NYC SHALL WE DANCE FRIDAY: Ailey Celebrates Ellington

Shall We Dance Friday

Ailey Celebrates Ellington premiered in 1974 on CBS. Narrated by R&B legend Gladys Knight the television special showcases the collaborative bond between choreographer Alvin Ailey and jazz music royalty Duke Ellington. Continue reading

1/24/25 O&A NYC DANCE: Martin: A Ballet By Gordon Parks ( Act IV The Assassin)

Martin Act IV Assassination

The Fourth Act of Martin: A Ballet By Gordon Parks starring John Jones as Dr. King, Sheila Rohan as Rosa Park and James E. Murphy as the Assassin.

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1/22/25 O&A NYC DANCE: Martin- A Ballet by Gordon Parks- Act II March On Selma

Martin (Act 2) March On Selma (2)Act II from Martin: A ballet by Gordon Parks depicts the violent encounter with police during the march on Selma. Continue reading

1/21/25 O&A NYC DANCE: Martin: A Ballet By John Parks- Act 1

Martin Act 1 SHEILA ROHAN

Martin: A Ballet by Gordon Parks Act 1 Introduces John Jones as Martin Luther King, Sheila Rohan as Rosa Parks and James E Murphy as the Assassin. Continue reading

2/15/24 O&A NYC BLACK HISTORY MONTH THROWBACK THURSDAY: The Stylistics – You Make Me Feel Brand New (Soul Train)

In 1966, The Stylistics was formed in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, by combining local high school rivel singing groups, The Percussions and The Monarchs. When members from each of the groups answered the then United States draft call and higher education endeavors after graduation, the remaining members under the guidance of English teacher, Beverly Hamilton joined forces and officially created the name The Stylistics. Continue reading