Not A Genuine Black Man

In 1971, Fair Housing advocates considered San Leandro one of the most racist suburbs in America. CBS aired a special on the situation. The U.S. Commission on Civil Rights conducted hearings. The next year, eight-year-old Brian Copeland and his African-American family moved in. In an evening of laughter, tears and sociology, Copeland’s acclaimed solo show "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. The longest-running solo show in Bay Area history, "Not a Genuine Black Man" celebrated its 20th anniversary last year. Copeland is thrilled to bring it back to City Lights for a rare San Jose performance — but finds it bittersweet that in 2025 the show is more relevant than ever.