Not a Genuine Black Man

Performed by Brian Copeland
Developed by David Ford & Brian Copeland
Directed by David Ford

“A vibrant charge of original talent slices through NOT A GENUINE BLACK MAN...the pin-drop silences elicited by Copeland’s depictions of violence and bigotry indicate a sage social observer...Copeland’s ability to captivate an audience rivals many a celebrated solo predecessor, from Ruth Draper to Spalding Gray to Whoopi Goldberg. This aspect, coupled with the clear-eyed view of racial realities, propels NOT A GENUINE BLACK MAN because Copeland is a genuine discovery.” - Los Angeles Times

“A beautiful mix of wry humor and heartbreak, indignation and inspiration, a singular story of extreme isolation that speaks to anyone who’s ever felt out of place.” - San Francisco Chronicle

In 1971, Fair Housing advocates considered San Leandro one of the most racist suburbs in America. CBS aired a special in the situation. The U.S. Commission on Civil Rights conducted hearings. The next year, eight-year-old Copeland and his African-American family moved in. In an evening of laughter, tears and sociology, NOT A GENUINE BLACK MAN is a hilarious and insightful look at Bay Area history, and at the ways in which our upbringings make us who we are.

NOT A GENUINE BLACK MAN broke records as the longest-running solo show in San Francisco history and brought Copeland critical acclaim as one of the city’s most talented and engaging solo performers.

Brian Copeland is an award-winning actor, comedian, author, playwright, television and radio talk show host based in the San Francisco Bay Area. His one-man play, NOT A GENUINE BLACK MAN, went on to become the longest-running solo show in San Francisco theatrical history, recently celebrating its 1,000th performance. His debut thriller, Outraged, was released in 2024. The second Topher Davis thriller, Shadows of Justice, was published in April 2025.

BrianCopeland.com