Prince Played a Role in Misty Copeland's Rise to Fame
I am not trying to take away from Misty Copeland's talent and/or work ethic, but I was pleasantly surprised to learn that Prince helped her along the way.
In 2009, Prince asked Copeland to star in his Crimson and Clover video. He then took her on his European tour and asked her to perform during one of his Madison Square Garden concerts. Later, Prince asked Tavis Smiley to interview Copeland. Smiley did interview Copeland.
Prince continued to help Copeland by asking a women to sponsor Copeland at the American Ballet Theater (ABT) and by secretly paying Copeland's fees at ABT. Prince also pushed for Copeland to be named the principal ballerina at ABT. Finally, Prince helped fund a documentary about Copeland.
I do not have links but all this information can be confirmed by googling Prince and Misty Copeland, or by looking through Essence Magine's Prince tribute issue.