Claude S. Copeland, Jr.

Claude S. Copeland, Jr. is originally from Queens, but has chosen to make the borough of the Bronx his home.

Mr. Copeland served as a Specialist for the United States Army for seven and onehalf years, from May 2001 to November 2008. In 2003, he was deployed to Iraq for almost a year. During his service, he received the Army Achievement Medal and the Good Conduct Medal.

Mr. Copeland found his purpose in social justice work after joining New Day United Methodist Church in the Bronx. New Day allowed him to develop a strong spiritual foundation, which he utilizes as a tool in helping the diverse community he serves. He is a staunch advocate and focuses his efforts on fighting for oppressed individuals within his community and abroad. Mr. Copeland is currently a community organizer with the Northwest Bronx Community and Clergy Coalition, where he serves as the Climate Justice and Energy Democracy Organizer.

In addition, Mr. Copeland is an active member of About Face, a progressive-thinking group that organizes veterans around various issues affecting local and neighboring communities. As a member of About Face, he helped organize hundreds of veteran members to support the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe and others aligned against the interstate pipeline.

On a local level, he worked vigorously with the Kingsbridge Armory Redevelopment Association in successfully securing a Community Benefits Agreement for the redevelopment of the Kingsbridge Armory into the country’s largest ice-skating complex.

Mr. Copeland selflessly dedicates his time to participate in an array of community organizations to improve access and opportunities in underserved communities.