Silicon Valley Reads 2009:
Not a Genuine Black Man by Brian Copeland

SAN JOSE, CA — The funny and poignant memoir of Bay Area broadcast personality Brian Copeland about growing up in the 1970s as one of the first African-American families in San Leandro has been selected as the book for Silicon Valley Reads 2009.

"Not a Genuine Black Man: My Life as an Outsider" will be discussed at dozens of events throughout Santa Clara County during Silicon Valley Reads Month in February. Many of the programs will feature talks by Copeland. Other activities will focus on the themes of the book to prompt community discussion of racism and diversity.

For the first time in its seven-year history, Silicon Valley Reads will also select a companion book for children with similar themes so that families can read and talk together about the experience of growing up "different." The title of the book for young readers will be announced in September.

Copeland, an author, actor and comedian, hosts a weekly radio show on KGO. The book is based on his one-man production of "Not a Genuine Black Man" which he has performed in the Bay Area, Off Broadway, Los Angeles and other cities in the U.S. It is scheduled for the Hoover Theater in San Jose in August.

"I am honored that my book has been selected for Silicon Valley Reads," said Copeland. "I hope that my story will resonate with readers and spark meaningful dialogue about racism in America."

Since its publication in 2006, "Not a Genuine Black Man" has received positive reviews by the New York Times and other publications, and been adopted as required reading for all freshmen at California State University, East Bay. Copeland, who still lives in San Leandro, now one of the most diverse cities in the state, speaks frequently to high school classes, educators, child development specialists, mental health workers, and fair housing advocates about his experiences.

Silicon Valley Reads is presented annually by Santa Clara County Library, Santa Clara County Office of Education, and the San Jose Public Library Foundation with funding from community groups, corporate and individual donors.

"Each year we work hard to choose a book relevant to Silicon Valley that will encourage more people to read and participate in community conversations," said Melinda Cervantes, Santa Clara County Librarian and co-chair of Silicon Valley Reads. "Every year we have more participants in our programs and more individuals looking to us for recommendations for their book clubs and personal reading."

More information about Silicon Valley Reads and programs in 2009 can be found on the Web site www.siliconvalleyreads.org.

Date last updated: May 31, 2008