2008 Local Legends
The Martin Luther King, Jr. Breakfast committee is pleased to recognize outstanding
community leaders who represent Dr. King’s dream: a testament that a dream is a
growing reality.
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Richard Copeland
Recently featured on the PBS special “Everyday Heroes,” Richard Copeland has worked
through leadership in businesses, volunteerism and personal commitment to change
economic disparities in the Twin Cities.
Copeland’s two businesses, Thor Construction and Copeland Truc-King, are designed
to develop individuals and minority-owned businesses. Women and people of color
make up approximately 55 percent of his employees and many of the company’s subcontractors
and vendors. The Metropolitan Economic Development Association (MEDA) of Minnesota
recognized Copeland as a role model for “showing positive business results, creating
good jobs, operating with integrity and giving back to the community.
Copeland serves on many local boards while also making time to mentor minority business
owners. Beyond advice, he has given loans and advance payments to help minority
companies succeed.
An example of his personal commitment is the role he played spearheading the Heritage
Park project, a redevelopment effort in Minneapolis’ Near Northside where he currently
resides. Heritage Park transformed a 16-acre piece of land that was once the site
of public housing into a stable, mixed-income and sustainable urban neighborhood.
Copeland’s pioneering and outspoken spirit also have helped make changes in government
and private sectors. His ability to mobilize opposition to economic inequities has
drawn attention to the issue and resulted in more opportunities for minority contractors.
Many of the young men in the African American community do not have a male role
model who is dedicated to being there for them no matter what happens in their lives.
Brother Johnson and Brother Ross direct action has led to a positive outcome in
the lives of young men who have come through the Paul Ratliff, Sr. Junior M.A.R.C.H.
Program.
For his outstanding leadership within his community, the General Mills Foundation
and UNCF are pleased to recognize Richard Copeland as a
2008 Local Legend.
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