Misty Copeland on Her New Memoir and the Power of Mentorship and Representation

When I met her, she changed the course of my life,” says Misty Copeland, referring to the late Raven Wilkinson. As many know, Copeland made history as the American Ballet Theatre’s first African American principal ballerina, starring in mesmerizing performances such as Swan Lake, Romeo and Juliet, and Don Quixote, to name a few. But to truly be acquainted with Copeland’s story is to also acknowledge that her path toward success was not paved alone. In fact, it took a village to help her rise, along with a brilliant mentor named Raven Wilkinson who became Copeland’s guiding light. The bond… Read Full Article