Olu Evans Ethnicity, Race & Heritage: Is He Mixed Race? Full Background Explained

Quick answer: Yes, Olu Evans is mixed race and biracial — his father Jon Twichell is African American, and his mother Linda Twichell is Jewish. He is best known as the husband of principal ballerina Misty Copeland, one of the most celebrated dancers in American Ballet Theatre history.

---

Is Olu Evans Mixed Race? Is He Biracial?

Yes — Olu Evans is mixed race and biracial. His father, Jon Twichell, is African American. His mother, Linda Twichell, is Jewish. This combination makes Olu of African American and Jewish heritage — a biracial background he shares with a number of prominent Americans.

Olu Evans is an attorney based in New York City, and he married principal ballerina Misty Copeland — the first African American female principal dancer at American Ballet Theatre — on August 31, 2016.

So to answer the most-searched questions directly: Olu Evans's race is mixed (Black and Jewish/white). His background is African American on his father's side and Jewish on his mother's side. His heritage spans the African American community and Jewish tradition. Yes — he is biracial.

---

What Is Olu Evans's Ethnicity?

Olu Evans's ethnicity is biracial — African American and Jewish. Born approximately in 1979, he grew up in the United States shaped by both his father's African American heritage and his mother's Jewish faith and culture.

The name "Olu" is of Yoruba (West African) origin — it means "God" or "Lord" in Yoruba, the language of one of the largest ethnic groups in Nigeria. The choice of this name for someone of African American and Jewish heritage reflects the African pride and cultural rootedness of Olu's family.

Olu Evans trained as an attorney and established himself in New York's legal world before becoming known publicly through his relationship with Misty Copeland. He has been a supportive and visible presence at her performances and public appearances.

---

Father's Side: African American Heritage

Olu Evans's father, Jon Twichell, is African American. His African American heritage connects Olu to the broader Black American experience — the traditions, struggles, and cultural contributions of African Americans throughout American history. The Twichell surname, while of English origin, reflects the American reality of Black families who carry surnames from a variety of origins.

---

Mother's Side: Jewish Heritage

Olu Evans's mother, Linda Twichell, is Jewish. Jewish heritage — particularly Ashkenazi Jewish heritage — is one of the most significant cultural and ethnic identities in American life. Olu's Jewish heritage from his mother's side gives him access to a rich tradition of religious observance, cultural practice, and ethical commitment.

The combination of African American and Jewish heritage is one that many Americans share — the two communities have had a long and complex relationship in American history, bound by shared experiences of discrimination while also experiencing significant cultural exchange.

---

Nationality vs. Ethnicity

Olu Evans is an American citizen. His ethnicity is biracial — African American and Jewish. His professional identity as an attorney in New York City places him at the intersection of two of New York's most prominent communities.

---

Spouse's Ethnicity & Children's Heritage

Olu Evans married Misty Copeland on August 31, 2016. Misty Copeland is African American — specifically of African American, Native American, and German heritage on her mother's side, making her own background multiracial. Together, Olu and Misty have a child — their first was born in 2022. Their child blends African American, Jewish, and other multiracial heritage.

---

Olu Evans in His Own Words on Heritage & Identity

Olu Evans is notably private and has not given many public interviews about his personal background or biracial identity. He has been a quiet and supportive presence in Misty Copeland's public life, preferring to stay out of the spotlight that his wife occupies.

His choice of the Yoruba name "Olu" suggests a conscious connection to African heritage that is reflected in both his name and his African American roots.

▶ Watch on YouTube →

---

Is Olu Evans Alive?

Yes, Olu Evans is alive. He is approximately 46 years old as of 2025. He continues to work as an attorney in New York City and is known publicly through his marriage to Misty Copeland.

---

Visual Family Tree

---

Sources

Life and Background

• BiographyPedia: Olu Evans — https://biographypedia.org/attorn