Rising Stars: Meet Laquan Copeland

Today we’d like to introduce you to Laquan Copeland. 

Hi Laquan, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
In the beginning, I was always inspired as a writer by anime. I feel as though anime has some of the best storytelling you will see. From 6th grade up until high school, I would write a plethora of short stories that coincided with creating unique characters that I felt like should be seen in anime but weren’t.

I began perfecting my crafts as an actor, writer, and entertainer to make a change in industries I wanted to partake in. Knowing this, the passion I had fueled me to create my own shows and platforms where myself, my culture, and people of color could thrive on. For the last few years, I’ve worked hard to cultivate an acting career that would solidify my status as a solid actor. With that said, my focus has now been writing and developing shows that represents my culture and community in the best way possible and that starts with my new animated series, “Soturi”.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It hasn’t been a smooth road, but it’s been a rewarding one. Denzel Washington stated a quote that sticks with me all the time. “Ease is a greater threat to progress than hardship.” This quote fuels me when obstacles and hurdles are placed in front of me and I am reminded that when hardships arise, it is necessary for my overall growth in the end.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Currently, I’m developing my new animated series called “Soturi” which features the first anime starring an all-black cast. I am most proud of this work to date as this project has been in development for the last few years. My goal is to inspire new generations of artist to get into 2D animation and anime and create more stories that features black characters and characters of color in a better light.

Aside from creating my series, I am an actor and musician. My passion for entertaining is what fuels me most and my goal as an entertainer is to create content that inspires and impacts cultures and communities across the globe.

Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
That’s a great question. I think the best way to network is understanding all of the access you have at your fingertips. Platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, and more have provided us unlimited opportunities to meet and connect with new people every day. I always think we should utilize the benefits of technology in shaping the connections we want to pursue further.

In making this a daily habit to meet and connect with people online, you will find it easier to connect and network with people in person as well. This is also a great way to learn more about marketing and how to brand yourself as a creative, businessperson and more.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.soturianime.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allblackanime/
• Facebook: https://www.instagram.com/laquancopeland/