For the first Black Rockette, ‘breaking that glass ceiling’ opened the doors for others

In 1987, Jennifer Jones made history by becoming the first African American member of the Radio City Rockettes dance troupe. She made her official debut as a Rockette in 1988, when the dancers performed during Super Bowl XXII’s halftime show.

Earlier this month, Jones released a memoir, “Becoming Spectacular: The Rhythm of Resilience from the First African American Rockette.” She spoke with Andscape and ESPN commentator Ari Chambers about her experiences as a Rockettes dancer, “breaking the glass ceiling” – and the emotions that came with that – and what advice she would give her younger self.