Brian Copeland, comedian, writer, television and talk radio host, was the keynote speaker for the 3rd annual social justice conference held May 2nd at Cabrillo College. In 2004, Brian premiered his first one man show, NOT A GENUINE BLACK MAN, at the Marsh Theater in San Francisco. The show deals with the lingering effects of Copeland’s childhood spent as an African American in the then 99.99% white Bay Area suburb of San Leandro, considered in the 1960’s and 70’s to be one of America’s most racist enclaves.

 

The show’s themes of isolation, racial identity and redemption struck a central nerve in audiences. GENUINE went on to run for over two years, becoming the longest running solo show in San Francisco theatrical history. The show went on to acclaimed runs in Los Angeles and Off Broadway. A best-selling memoir based on the show and the attention of Hollywood soon followed. NOT A GENUINE BLACK MAN is currently being developed as a feature film and a television series.

 

Mr. Copeland lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with his wife Susie and their children Adam, Carolyn and Casey.