The assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr., the most prominent leader of the American civil rights movement, happened on April 4, 1968, as he stood on the second floor balcony of the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee. He had come to Memphis to lead a march by striking sanitation workers. In response to King’s death, more than 100 American inner cities exploded in rioting, looting, and violence. James Earl Ray, a career small-time criminal who became the object of a more than two-month manhunt before he was captured in England, pled guilty to the shooting. Continue reading
Tag Archives: History
3/16/24 GOING BACK TO AFRICA WITH WaleStylez: Why Black People Aren’t Mourning Queen Elizabeth
Black twitter has been very, very vocal about why the passing of Queen Elizabeth is something they will not mourn. We look at the top 5 reasons why. Continue reading
3/15/24 O&A NYC CELEBRATING WOMEN ON SHALL WE DANCE FRIDAY: Firebird- Dance Theatre of Harlem
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. Continue reading
11/27/23 HOLLYWOOD MONDAY- REVIEW: RUSTIN
By Alex Smith Jr.
I went to an advance screening of the film RUSTIN last night (Oct. 12, 2023). It was opening the 35th Anniversary of the LGBTQ+ Annual Film Festival here in NYC. This film is a triumph plain and simple. I am trying to hold back from using to many superlatives to lavish on this film. Continue reading
11/24/23 O&A NYC SHALL WE DANCE FRIDAY: Dear Quincy- Carmen De Lavallade and Wesley Fata
Carmen de Lavallade dancing to Quincy Jones’s “Soul Bossa Nova” with Wesley Fata on November 16, 1968. Ms. de Lavallade’s late husband, the great Geoffrey Holder, choreographed this piece This is jut an excerpt of a much longer dance. Continue reading
11/17/23 O&A NYC SHALL WE DANCE FRIDAY: Robert Battle Resigns
From the Ailey Press Office
The Board of Trustees of Alvin Ailey Dance Foundation today announced that Robert Battle, Artistic Director of Ailey since 2011, has informed them that he needs to focus on his health and has submitted his resignation. The Board has accepted Mr. Battle’s resignation with regret. Mr. Battle will remain available to the Board through December 31, 2023. Continue reading
10/9/23 O&A NYC HISTORY: The Ugly Truth About Christopher Columbus
Growing up, we were all taught that Christopher Columbus discovered America. However, this is not the case at all. Columbus got lost looking for India, and instead landed in the Caribbean. Continue reading
10/6/23 O&A NYC THE MORNING FUNNIES: Moments in History – Key & Peele
Moments in History created and performed by comedy duo Key & Peele showcases the fearless wit of stars Keegan-Michael Key and Jordan Peele. Continue reading
9/30/23 O&A NYC SATURDAY MORNING CONCERT: Roberto Bolle and Misty Copeland – Romeo and Juliet
Misty Copeland (Juliet) and Roberto Bolle (Romeo) are joined by a stellar cast of dancers from the Teatro alla Scala in the 2016 production.
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9/25/23 O&A NYC HOLLYWOOD MONDAY: The life of Alvin Ailey
Alvin Ailey revolutionized the world of dance by honoring the African American experience, but his journey was not without its struggles. Continue reading