We had the good fortune of connecting with Laquan Copeland and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Laquan, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
As an artist, I feel it’s our job to show a reflection of what the world looks like, through our stories, music, our ideas and more. What fueled me into pursuing a career in entertainment and the arts was the passion I felt when creating. It was the first time that I truly felt alive. When I wasn’t creating, I felt lost, as if apart of me was not living. That was when I knew I wanted to pursue a career as an artist.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
The biggest thing that I feel sets you apart from others, is your own individuality. There can be only one you in the words of Auntie Viv. Knowing this, with tenacity, tapping into who you are and what differentiates yourself from others, this became the catalyst within my successes so far within my career.

Starring in my first feature film “Midas” scheduled for release in 2024 and gearing up for the release of “The Dirty South” coming to theaters the Fall of 2023, I’m in a space of gratitude regarding my career. I think any career filled with success has its shares of hardships. For each win, victory and triumph I’ve experienced, there has also been as much failure, hurdles and obstacles that I’ve gone through as well. I think that’s the best thing about the journey as the most important part of it is the present, not the past nor the future because all we have is this moment.

In this moment, I want to be remembered for my groundbreaking work and the ability to not only create opportunities for myself, but also for my culture and my community. Directing projects for Warner Brother Studios and Bleacher Report taught me the importance of collaborating with other like-minded creatives of color to further the door of opportunity for us all. In that, I want to continue creating shows, films and more that not only celebrates my culture, but also gives a voice to the marginalized stories within our communities overall.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
This is a super dope question. Me and my bestfriend would tour through all of LA. I like to base places off the vibe I’m feeling for the day. For example, a Sunday in LA, we’re cruising through the 405 and will slide through Venice Beach, go to the boardwalk, go to the Whole Foods Market and end that day with a trip to Amoeba Music.

Smooth goto places in LA for food are 24 Kitchen, The Kebob Shop, and Bossanova. These food spots are my top food spots here in LA. If you want something local, fast-food, definitely recommend Raising Canes, one of my favorite fast food spots in LA as well.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My foundation was built upon my family, my parents first and fore most. They continue to serve as my greatest inspirations and are the reason I have elevated so far within my career. God, my faith and their support are the keys that have fueled me in my most discouraging moments and for that, I will be forever grateful for the infrastructure each of those elements have built inside of me.

Website: https://www.laquancopeland.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laquancopeland

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