June 30
Misty Copeland Becomes Principal Ballerina
On June 30, 2015, Misty Copeland became principal dancer at ABT. Her journey from a Boys & Girls Club ballet class to the pinnacle of classical ballet broke barriers in a field where Black dancers had long been underrepresented.
Lena Horne Born
Born June 30, 1917, Lena Horne became one of the first Black performers to sign a long-term contract with a major Hollywood studio. She used her celebrity to fight against segregation and was blacklisted during the McCarthy era for her activism.
Congo Gains Independence
On June 30, 1960, the Congo declared independence from Belgium. Patrice Lumumba became the first prime minister and delivered a historic speech challenging colonial injustice. The transition was marred by political turmoil, secession, and foreign intervention.
Misty Copeland Named Principal Dancer at ABT
On June 30, 2015, Misty Copeland was promoted to principal dancer at American Ballet Theatre, becoming the first African American woman to hold the position in the company's 75-year history. Her journey from a late start in ballet to the top of her art form inspired millions.