Brian Copeland’s Not a Genuine Black Man

"…engaging…Copeland knows how to spin a dramatic yarn." -New York Times

Not a Genuine Black Man, the longest running solo show in San Francisco history, returns to The Marsh for a limited two week engagement (there will be no extensions). These performances are a benefit for The Marsh (which is really determined to buy those long-awaited new chairs) and our chance to salute Brian’s return to the Bay Area stage after his severe spinal chord injury.

Not a Genuine Black Man reveals a little-known chapter of Bay Area history. In 1971, San Leandro was named one of the most racist suburbs in America. Congressional hearings were held. The next year, the then eight-year-old Brian Copeland and his African-American family moved to San Leandro. In a monologue that’s both funny and poignant, Brian explores how surroundings make us who we are. Join for an evening of laughter tears and sociology.