Source: Good Black News
Misty Copeland Day Honors Ballet Pioneer and Her Boys & Girls Club Roots
Misty Copeland, a member of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America Alumni Hall of Fame, visited Milwaukee on Monday as the special guest at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee’s 2026 Presidents Society Gathering.
Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson, though not present, issued a proclamation designating Oct. 12 as Misty Copeland Day in Milwaukee.
Copeland, who made history as the first African American woman to become a principal dancer at American Ballet Theatre (ABT), shared her journey from a shy child to an internationally acclaimed ballerina as the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee announced its investment in arts programming for local youth.
Her journey began with a free dance class at a Boys & Girls Club in San Pedro, California. Copeland did not begin studying ballet until she was 13, a relatively late start for someone aspiring to become a professional dancer.
In 2015, she broke a historic barrier when she became the first African American woman promoted to principal dancer in ABT’s 75-year history.
“Being here with the Boys & Girls Club is deeply personal to me. It is my story, it is my beginning, it is my foundation. The club gave me a place where I felt that I belonged,” Copeland said.
One of six children raised by a single mother, Copeland was so shy she was nicknamed “Mouse.”
Copeland experienced homelessness for most of her childhood. The B&GC in San Pedro, California, was the first place she felt at home.
“Before the club, I didn’t have the opportunity to explore using my body and my mind, but there I could experiment, and I could use my imagination and discover that I had ideas worth expressing,” Copeland said. “The club is the first place I experienced what mentorship looked like. Adults took the time to get to know me and nurture what they saw in me.”
During Monday’s gathering, children from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee had the opportunity to meet Copeland, ask questions, and take pictures with the renowned ballerina. The conversation offered young people a glimpse into her life, career, and path to success.
When asked about her favorite role, Copeland identified Juliet in Romeo and Juliet.
She also encouraged the young audience to remain open to new experiences and seek support from those around them.
“At this point in your life, be as open as possible, start exploring things and discover what you love and don’t be afraid to utilize the people around you,” she advised.
Mary Ellen Stanek, a board member of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee, emphasized the importance of providing young people with opportunities to explore their interests and develop their potential.
“The Boys & Girls Clubs give young people the opportunity to discover their talents, build self-confidence and awareness, and develop the skills they need to achieve great and bright futures,” Stanek said.
Copeland’s story reflects the potential of programs that introduce children to new experiences and help them discover their talents. Through its arts programming, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee continues to provide young people with opportunities to explore creative interests and build skills.
Families interested in dance, music, and other creative arts programs can learn more about opportunities through the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee at bgcmilwaukee.org
Karen Stokes is a Milwaukee-based freelance journalist with more than 16 years of experience reporting on local and national politics, as well as community interest stories that highlight culture, social issues, and civic engagement for local, regional, and national publications.