9/9/24 O&A NYC MILESTONE: James Earl Jones Has Died He Was 93.

Widely regarded as the one of greatest stage and screen actors both in his native USA and internationally, James Earl Jones has died he was 93. Continue reading

3/25/24 O&A NYC IN MEMORARIUM: Lorraine Graves

By Walter Rutledge

Dancer, and teacher Lorraine Graves passed away on March 21, 2024, at the young age of 66. Graves started dancing at the age of 8 in the hometown of Norfolk, Virginia. She began her training at the Academy of the Norfolk Ballet (under the direction of the late Gene Hammett) and made her performing debut with the Norfolk Civic Ballet. As a teenager Graves she spent summers in New York City studying dance at the Joffrey Ballet and the prestigious School of American Ballet (New York City Ballet). Continue reading

4/25/23 O&A NYC IN MEMORARIUM:  Harry Belafonte Dies At 96

Harry Belafonte, a multi-talented entertainer and activist who broke barriers in the film and music industry, and was instrumental in the civil rights movement has died at 96.
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1/21/23 O&A NYC IN MEMORIAM: Lupe Serrano and Jacques d’Amboise- Black Swan Pas De Deux (1960)

Lupe Serrano, a former prima ballerina with American Ballet Theater died on Monday in Syosset, N.Y. at age 92. A petite powerhouse, Ms. Serrano dazzled audiences with virtuosic technique, steely strength and an exuberant stage personality. She excelled in classical and modern choreography during her 18 years with American Ballet Theater , which she joined as a principal dancer in 1953. American audiences had rarely seen a female dancer achieve the soaring jumps, fleet footwork and swift turns that Ms. Serrano executed with aplomb.

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12/31/22 O&A NYC IN MEMORIAM: Vivienne Westwood – Renegades of fashion. RIP! 

Vivienne Westwood, the designer who defined the look of punk, using rock iconography, royalty, art and religion as recurring motifs in collections that brought a rebellious edge to British style, before going on to a long and influential career as a fashion designer with an activist streak, died on Thursday in the Clapham neighborhood of South London. She was 81. Continue reading

1/29/21 O&A NYC IN MEMORIAM: Cicely Tyson- The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman

Cicely Tyson passed yesterday January 28, 2021. In a career spanning more than seven decades, Tyson became known for her portrayal of strong African-American women.  Continue reading

10/13/20 O&A NYC INSPIRATIONAL TUESDAY: Diana Ross – Marvin Gaye Tribute At The 12th American Music Awards (1985)

American music superstar Diana Ross host a moving tribute to her  friend and fellow Motown legend Marvin Gaye at the 1985 12th American Music Awards. Continue reading

8/4/20 O&A NYC INSPIRATIONAL TUESDAY: The Last Words of Rep. John Lewis Read by Morgan Freeman (The Last Word-MSNBC)

In a special Last Word, Morgan Freeman reads the words of John Lewis’ final essay, which he requested be published in the New York Times on the day of his funeral: “Together, You Can Redeem the Soul of Our Nation.” Aired on 7/30/2020. Continue reading

6/4/20 O&A NYC EXTRA!: Reverend Al Sharpton Eulogizes George Floyd During Minneapolis Memorial

The Rev. Al Sharpton was among those who eulogized Floyd, acknowledging the meaning of Floyd’s life and death for his family and community. Continue reading