10/22/23 O&A NYC GOSPEL SUNDAY: Jester Hairston- Amen- Salt Lake Tabernacle Choir (1994)

This is an excerpt from Jester Hairston’s appearance in 1994 with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, now called the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square. Here is gets part way through Amen when he realizes it is too high. He is 93 years old in this appearance. Continue reading

9/16/23 O&A NYC GOING BACK TO AFRICA WITH WALESTYLEZ: Joshua Maponga on Africa and the Bible

Joshua Maponga (born in Zimbabwe) is a popular motivational speaker, social entrepreneur, and musician. The renowned personality is also a philosopher and leader. He is passionate about community development which has led him to work with several big organizations. 
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8/13/23 O&A NYC GOSPEL SUNDAY: Delta Rhythm Boys – Joshua Fit the Battle of Jericho

Joshua Fit the Battle of Jericho performed by the Delta Rhythm Boys resemble many other spirituals who dual propose. The song  alluded to eventual escape from slavery – in the case of this song, “And the walls came tumblin’ down. The lyrics refer to the old testament verses Joshua 6:15-21, which tells the story of the Battle of Jericho in which Joshua led the Israelites in battle against Canaan.  Continue reading

1/16/23 O&A NYC HAIL THE KING!: Martin Luther King Jr.- The Other America

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s 1967 speech at Stanford University where he expounds on his nonviolent philosophy and methodology.
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11/25/22 O&A NYC SHALL WE DANCE FRIDAY: Alvin Ailey’s Revelations (1960),


Alvin Ailey’s masterwork Revelations (1960), one of the most recognizable modern dance works, remains a powerful testament to the human spirit. This cast includes Marilyn Banks, April Berry, Kevin Brown, Gary DeLoatch, Ralph Glenmore, Deborah Manning, Renee Robinson and Dudley Williams. 

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1/17/21 O&A NYC DANCE THEATRE: Only In The Darkness- Dance Of The Village Elders- Dance Of The Village Elders

By Walter Rutledge

The senior performing ensemble Dance Of The Village Elders performs Only In The Darkness You Can See The Stars. Based on their experiences during the turbulent Civil Rights Era. 

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1/17/21 O&A NYC SONG OF THE DAY: We Shall Overcome- Morehouse College  

The Morehouse College Glee Club performs We Shall Overcome, arranged by Wendell P. Whalum, at the 2009 Candle on the Bluff Awards. Continue reading

11/7/21 O&A NYC GOSPEL SUNDAY: Darrell Winn – There Is A Balm In Gilead

Darrell Winn singing There Is a Balm in Gilead at Family Worship Center, Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Reverend Jimmy Swaggart arranged this beautiful rendition. Continue reading

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