| Maurice Copeland, born July 14, 1947, in Kansas City, Missouri. Married to Lenora Phenix Copeland, son Rodney D. Copeland, daughter LaToya A. Copeland, (2) granddaughters Asia and Anisa. I left high school early before graduating in 1964, and entered the US Army, where I earned a GED Certificate, spent my service time in Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., Fort Ben, Indiana, Fort Eustis, Va., and The MeKong Delta in Vietnam, discharged in 1967. Then I returned to Kansas City, where I presently reside. I went to work for Bendix Corporation in 1968, where I acquired the trade of General Machinist, and moved up through the trade to become a Journeyman Tool and Die Maker. In 1988, I was promoted to Tool and Die Supervisor, I retired in Feb., 2000. I am a past Chairperson of the MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE of KANSAS CITY LOCAL BRANCH OF THE NAA |
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| I am a Poet, that has been published in more books than I can remember, Back in the 70s & 80s I was associated with a group that was into publishing Books and Newsletters, many of my poems were included in most issues. Those books and newsletters were sent all over the country, I am not new to this. In the 70s I owned an Art Gallery and Studio in Kansas City. In the 90s, I owned a Rare Bookstore. The reason I'm giving you this background is to let you know, I have worked hard to be able to deal with the issues I speak about in my writings. I love what I do, I write with feeling and passion because I love my people. I am all my people, from the lowest to the highest. I have in my life walked in many,â €œtoo many, of the shoes of my people. In mind I have had the problems associated with balancing the scales of life from the abyss of shame to the, pipe dreams of clamorous illusionary grandeur. I have given my heart to many Some had hearts stymied by the shock of warfare love affair hope that was not there Some just didn't care So I had to snatch it back I could not let my heart die I have over the years been recognized by the community as one with a talent, but I do not glory in the fame...because it does not come as I want it from my people (Black folk), it comes from the greater community(White folk). |
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