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Legacy is often spoken about in terms of what is left behind—money, property, assets carefully preserved and passed from one generation to the next. But at Market Street, after working alongside our founding family for nine generations, we have learned that legacy is less about what is transferred and more about what is unlocked. At its best, legacy isn't simply a collection of assets carried forward, but a blessing that creates opportunity, meaning, and impact far beyond the balance sheet.
That belief was brought vividly to life when we had the opportunity to sit down for a conversation with Misty Copeland.
Misty is widely known as the “unlikely ballerina.” She did not grow up in wealth. She did not begin ballet until the age of 13—an age when many professional dancers are already deeply entrenched in their training. She is a Black woman in an art form that has historically struggled with diversity and inclusion. Her path was far from linear or guaranteed. And yet, through extraordinary talent, resilience, and the support and access provided by people who believed in her, Misty became one of the most celebrated ballerinas of our time.
When we asked her what legacy meant to her, her answer came instantly and without hesitation: Access.
That single word—simple, powerful, deeply human—has stayed with us.
Access is often invisible to those who have always had it. But for those without it, access can mean everything: the difference between a dream deferred and a dream fulfilled; between potential that remains dormant and potential that changes lives.
For Misty, access began not with funding, but with someone seeing something in her and telling her she should try ballet. That initial encouragement opened a door. What followed were people and scholarships that helped support the basics—leotards, pointe shoes, classes. These are not extravagances in ballet; they are prerequisites. Without them, talent alone is not enough.
Misty speaks openly about the mentors and supporters who stepped in at key moments, giving not just financial assistance, but belief, guidance, and encouragement as the path forward felt uncertain or even impossible. Their involvement gave her more than resources—it gave her permission to keep going.
This is where the concept of legacy moves from abstraction to action. Money, when used with intention, can remove barriers. It can create safety nets that allow people to pursue paths that are not immediately lucrative but deeply valuable. It can give rise to the world’s best teachers, coaches, artists, writers, and leaders—people who might otherwise be forced to choose differently if survival outweighed calling.
At Market Street, we often hear the same refrain from families we serve: they want money to be a blessing, not a burden. They want it to reflect their values, not just their success. They want it to do good—quietly, consistently, and across generations.
As Misty shared her story, she spoke with deep reverence about the dancers who paved the way before her—particularly Raven Wilkinson, a trailblazing Black ballerina whose career was profoundly limited by racism and very real danger. Raven’s talent was extraordinary, but the world she performed in was not built to keep her safe or allow her to fully thrive.
Raven followed Misty’s career from the time Misty was a teenager, witnessing from afar the doors that were beginning to open—doors that had been firmly closed to her. Misty, however, only learned of Raven much later in her own career, at a moment when she deeply needed Raven’s support, perspective, and encouragement.
When the two women finally met, it was not simply a meeting of generations, but a moment of profound continuity—one dancer recognizing herself in another, and one legacy reaching forward while another reached back.
One image conveys this better than words possibly could: Raven Wilkinson presenting Misty Copeland with a bouquet of flowers at the end of her performance of Swan Lake. Two women. Two journeys. One shared legacy. Knowing the obstacles that brought each of them to that moment makes it impossible not to be moved. This serves as a reminder that legacy isn't always visible in real time, but its impact can echo decades later amid moments of quiet, breathtaking grace.
Misty has spoken about pushing through unimaginable physical pain—not just for herself, but on behalf of those who came before her and those who would come after. She deeply felt the responsibility of representation, understanding that her presence on stage expanded what was possible for dancers who did not fit the traditional mold of shape, size, or color.
What lights Misty up most today is her foundation. You can feel it immediately when she speaks about the young girls and boys it serves. This is where her heart lives. In many ways,
she has become what Raven Wilkinson was to her—a living example of what may be possible, and a source of access for those who might otherwise be overlooked.
This is the truest expression of legacy: using time, talent, money, and resources to create opportunity for others. Not for recognition, but for impact. Some of that impact will be visible and celebrated. Much of it will be quiet, unseen, and no less meaningful.
Legacy, in its best form, is not limited to what we pass down directly. It is the ripple effect of intentional choices. It is the mark we leave on people we may never meet. It is the widening of the road for future generations so they can walk—and dance—more freely than those who came before.
Misty Copeland’s artistry and athleticism are indisputable. But what makes her legacy extraordinary is her heart, her resilience, and her unwavering commitment to access. She reminds us that when time, money, and resources are stewarded with intention, they can become a powerful force for human flourishing.
And that is a legacy worth building—together.
Disclaimer:
This presentation has been prepared by Market Street Trust Company. The views expressed herein represent opinions of Market Street and are presented for informational purposes only. They are not intended to be recommendations or investment advice and do not take into account the individual financial circumstances or objectives of the investor who receives them.
Certain statements included in this presentation constitute forward looking statements. Forward looking statements are not facts but reflect current thinking regarding future events or results. These forward looking statements are subject to risks that may result in actual results being materially different from current expectations.
Past performance (before and after taxes) does not guarantee future performance. There is no assurance that Market Street Trust Company investments will achieve their objectives, or that they will or are likely to achieve results comparable to results shown herein, or will make any profit, or will be able to avoid incurring losses. Exposure to foreign currencies may cause additional fluctuation in the value of any investment. Each investor must assess the suitability of an investment, the investor’s tolerance for risk and the impact on the investor’s diversification strategy. This presentation does not constitute an invitation to buy or an offer to sell securities, or any other products or services.
This is intended as general information only. Investors maybe required to meet certain criteria under the securities laws in order to qualify for certain investments. Any discussion of U.S. tax matters is not intended and cannot be used or relied upon for the purpose of avoiding U.S. tax-related penalties. Please visit our website for additional information concerning Market Street’s investments and investment updates. As always, please feel free to contact us if you would like to learn more about our investment program.
