Ethel Waters was one of the first African- American superstar. An actress, singer and dancer Waters was the highest paid black actress of her era. This is her story. Continue reading
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Tag: Black History Month
1/23/17 O&A NYC HOLLYWOOD MONDAY: Josephine Baker- Zouzou (1934)
Zouzou(1934) starring American singer, dancer, actress Josephine Baker became the first motion picture to feature a black actress in the starring role. Continue reading
(Repost) 2/26/21 O&A NYC DANCE EXTRA: A Conversation with George Faison- The Creative Process
By Walter Rutledge
“George Faison is one of my favorite people. Choreographer, director, performer, teacher, activist and cultural icon Faison’s story is larger than life. Throughout his five decades of artistic exploration he has maintained a keen eye, a childlike curiosity and a frolicsome sense of humor; which is reflected through his art and life. This interview was originally posted on May 6, 2016 and was filmed at the Faison Firehouse.”- W. Rutledge
Tony and Emmy Award winning choreographer George Faison will present a new work entitled Kingdom Come at the McDonald’s Gospelfest – Live at Prudential Center (25 Lafayette Street, Newark, NJ) on Saturday May 7th. The ensemble work is an inspiring, and uplifting ballet set to a haunting score of Jerome Olds. Throughout Faison’s career the humanistic quality of his work, and his ability to reach beyond the footlights and touch an audience has become his signature. Continue reading
2/29/16 O&A NYC HOLLYWOOD MONDAY: Boyz N The Hood (Excerpts)
Boyz n the Hood (1991) The groundbreaking urban drama and directorial debut film written and directed by John Singleton. The film depicts life in South Central Los Angeles, California and marked the acting debut of Ice Cube and Morris Chestnut Boyz n the Hood also starred Cuba Gooding, Jr., Larry Fishburne, Nia Long and Angela Bassett. Continue reading
2/27/16 O&A NYC BLACK HISTORY MOMENT: Remembering Malcolm X
Remembering Malcolm X uses various interviews from peoples personal experiences and perspectives on the great man. O&A NYC presents this video in the 41 anniversary of his funeral. Continue reading
2/27/16 O&A NYC BLACK HISTORY MONTH- REMEMBERING MALCOLM X: Ossie Davis’s Eulogy For Malcolm X
Actor Ossie Davis delivered this moving eulogy on the 27th of February 1965 at the funeral service for Malcolm X. Malcolm X was assassinated on February 21, 1965 at the Audubon Ballroom in New York City. Continue reading
2/26/16 O&A NYC SONG OF THE DAY: Lift Every Voice & Sing- Gladys Knight & BeBe Winans (2012)
Lift Every Voice And Sing performed by Gladys Knight and BeBe Winans, with tap dancers John and Leo Manzari. Continue reading
2/25/16 O&A NYC BLACK HISTORY MONTH THROWBACK THURSDAY: Sam Cooke – A Change Is Gonna Come
A Change Is Gonna Come is a song by Sam Cooke, released on December 22, 1964 by RCA Victor. Though only a modest hit for Cooke in comparison with his previous singles, “A Change Is Gonna Come” became an anthem for the American Civil Rights Movement. The song is widely considered Cooke’s best composition and has been voted among the best songs ever released by various publications. In 2007, the song was selected for preservation in the Library of Congress, with the National Recording Registry deeming the song “culturally, historically, or aesthetically important.” Continue reading
2/22/16 O&A NYC SONG OF THE DAY: Aaliyah And Timbaland – Try Again
By Adewale Adekanbi Jr.
Try Again, a song by late recording artist Aaliyah was written by Static Major and Timothy Mosley, and produced by Timbaland. The song was released on February 22, 2000, as the lead single for the soundtrack to the film Romeo Must Die. The music video was filmed at Hollywood Center Studios on March 6, 2000. It begins with Jet Li entering a hall of mirrors and Aaliyah stepping in, wearing a revealing low-cut bra and tight low-rise leather pants. Timbaland is also shown. Continue reading
2/17/16 O&A NYC BLACK HISTORY MONTH THROWBACK THURSDAY: Billie Holiday – Strange Fruit
Billie Holiday’s Strange Fruit is the original Black Live Matters anthem. This is rare live footage of one of the first anti racism songs. Continue reading
