The first African American president and the first black principal dancer at the American Ballet Theater have much in common. Both have risen to the pinnacle of institutions that have historically been led by whites. Both were raised by determined single mothers and born into multi-racial families. And both seek to use their positions of power to inspire.
They have also come to appreciate each other from afar, prompting a rare meeting at the White House on Feb. 29, 2016.
The president has acknowledged his failure to bridge the nation’s political divide as one of his biggest regrets, and he is aware that racial tensions have not markedly changed since he took office. But as he spoke with Copeland, he recognized that for some black and brown children, his presence in office has made a difference, much like a black woman with the confidence and curves performing grand jetés across the stage of the Metropolitan Opera House.