7/6/25 O&A NYC SUNDAY AFTERNOON JAZZ: Fela Kuti and Africa 70 – Pansa Pansa

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

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

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

7/2/25 O&A NYC SATURDAY MORNING CONCERT: Gil Scott-Heron – Black Wax

This film documentary is a portrait of the blues poet Gil Scott-Heron, who gives a personal tour of Washington, D.C. and performs a concert with his Midnight Band.

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5/16/25 O&A NYC DANCE IN MEMORIAM: Ella Thompson Moore- May 31, 1939- May 13, 2025

“On behalf of the Charles Moore Dance Theatre, it is with a broken heart that we announce the passing of Ella Thompson Moore, Artistic Director of the Charles Moore Dance Theatre, Dance Matriarch to many, Queen to all. Ella went to join her beloved husband, Charles Moore on Tuesday May 13, days before her 96th birthday. Arrangements will be posted when finalized. Please keep her son Anthony and grandson Jalen, her dancers and drummers in prayer. Her presence, grace, wit and warmth will be greatly missed. We are eternally grateful for the impact she had in our lives.”- Faye Moore (with permission of the family) Continue reading

5/6/25 O&A NYC WITH WALESTYLEZ FASHION: Met Gala 2025 RECAP – Best Dressed, Viral Memes, Surprise Pregnancy

Rihanna debuts a pregnant tummy. Jodie Turner-Smith, Andre 300, Diana Ross and more stepped out on the red carpet in dramatic, must-see fashion at the Met Gala.  Join Brandon Kyle Goodman, Robyn DelMonte and Will Marfuggi as they break down all the viral moments from the Met Gala 2025. Continue reading

4/6/25 O& NYC GOSPEL SUNDAY: Fred Hammond- No Weapon


Gospel artist, bass guitarist, and record producer Fred Hammond released No Weapon on August 20 1996. The song’s universal healing message catapulted it to international acclaim. Continue reading

4/1/25 O&A NYC INSPIRATIONAL TUESDAY: James Baldwin – Pin Drop Speech

James Baldwin’s Pin Drop Speech is a powerful address where he challenges the white dominated discourse and argues that Black people are constrained to places and roles designated by society, calling for a radical shift in how Americans view race and identity. Continue reading

3/22/25 O&A NYC SATURDAY MORNING CONCERT: Muni Long and Tori Kelly Pay Tribute To Mariah Carey

Muni Long and Tori Kelly deliver a beautiful tribute performance to iHeartRadio’s 2025 Icon Award recipient, Mariah Carey, to some of her biggest hit songs. Continue reading

3/21/25 O&A NYC WITH WALESTYLEZ FOOTWEAR: Nike SB Dunk Low Tourmaline

Black History Month 2025 may have wrapped up, the Nike SB team still has a special pair on the way with its new Tourmaline take on the SB Dunk Low. Paying homage to Black cowboys, its mint green suede upper is joined by special heel embroidery, rope laces, sockliner art and more.  Continue reading

3/21/25 O&A NYC SHALL WE DANCE FRIDAY: They Called Her Moses

Shall We Dance Friday

They Called Her Moses is Donald McKayle‘s story of freedom fighter Harriet Tubman. The cast includes Jacqueline Walcott, Robert Powell, Sylvia Waters, Arthur Mitchell, Kathleen Stanford, Donald McKayle and Carmen DeLavallade. Continue reading