4/6/21 O&A NYC INSPIRATIONAL TUESDAY: The Temptations Perform My Girl at David Ruffin’s Funeral

 The Temptations sing My Girl at David Ruffin’s Funeral on June 10,1991 in Detroit Michigan. Members Ali-Ollie Woodson, Richard Street, Damon Harris, Dennis Edwards, Otis Williams, Eddie Kendricks, Melvin Franklin, Ricky Owens performed the Tempation’s classic. A little know fact former Motown superstar Michael Jackson paid for the funeral. Continue reading

3/19/21 O&A NYC SHALL WE DANCE FRIDAY: DTH On Demand Presents: Firebird- (Last Day to Watch it !)



Dance Theatre of Harlem’s iconic Firebird places the Russian folk tale about a magical bird that triumphs over evil in an exotic Caribbean setting. John Taras’ choreography to Stravinsky’s familiar score was further enlivened by sets and costumes by Geoffrey Holder. The 1982 DTH production was a tremendous worldwide success.

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3/9/21 O&A NYC INSPIRATIONAL TUESDAY: Marian Anderson Lincoln Memorial Concert- Voice of Freedom American Experience PBS

Marian Anderson stepped up to a microphone placed on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial and stared out at a crowd of more than 75,000 people. She had been barred from performing at Constitutional Hall, but thanks to clever advocacy by Walter White of the NAACP and the aid of high-powered allies like Eleanor Roosevelt, the concert was now set to make history. Continue reading

2/25/21 O&A NYC GOSPEL SUNDAY: The Caravans /The Soul Stirrers- TV Gospel Time (1962) 

Sample episode featuring Shady Grove Choir, The Caravans and Paul Foster of The Soul Stirrers. (Courtesy of Reelblack.) Continue reading

2/26/21 O&A NYC THE MORNING FUNNIES: Fly Me To Cancun- A Ted Cruz In A Founders Sing Parody

Flyin Ted” Cruz got caught leaving his constituents without heat, lights and water; and jetting down the Cancun. Once interviewed Flyin Ted predictable reverted back to Lyin, and Lyin and more Lyin Ted. This time he blamed his daughters instead of his ugly wife or murderous father.  Continue reading

2/13/21 O&A NYC ITS SATURDAY: Frances Davis- Her Story (Life Before & After Miles)

Frances Taylor Davis shares her life history as a pioneering dancer with Katherine Dunham Dance Company, her marriage to Miles Davis and renewal after as a survivor. Continue reading

2/2/21 O&A NYC INSPIRATIONAL TUESDAY: Cicely Tyson Remembering Arthur Mitchell

 

Cicely Tyson and Arthur Mitchell had a friendship the spanned almost 60 years. Tyson shared her heartfelt memories of their meeting and endearing friendship at the December 3, 2018 memorial at Riverside Church, New York City. Continue reading

1/31/21 O&A NYC GOSPEL SUNDAY: Mahalia Jackson Documentary

Mahalia Jackson set the standard for gospel music and the Christain lifestyle. The undisputed queen of one of America’s most endearing music art forms born from the songs of sorrow, joy and praise of the African slaves.  Continue reading

1/29/21 O&A NYC LIFESTYLE: Cicely Tyson Recounts Life And Career In New Memoir

96-year-old stage and screen icon Cicely Tyson opens up to Gayle King about her impressive career and personal life, which she wrote about in her new memoir, Just As I Am.

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1/18/21 O&A NYC HOLLYWOOD MONDAY: King in the Wilderness

HBO Documentary Films and Kunhardt Film Foundation present King in the Wilderness. The documentary chronicles the final chapters of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s life, revealing a conflicted leader who faced an onslaught of criticism from both sides of the political spectrum. While the Black Power movement saw his nonviolence as weakness, and President Lyndon B. Johnson saw his anti-Vietnam War speeches as irresponsible, Dr. King’s unyielding belief in peaceful protest became a testing point for a nation on the brink of chaos. Continue reading