EVENT DETAILS — ANN ARBOR DISTRICT LIBRARY

Michael Copeland, a Cleveland, OH native, was born to Terence and Margot James Copeland. Raised with a deep appreciation for education by his father, a retired council member and attorney, and his mother, a corporate executive, Michael’s passion for helping children in need was sparked early in life. Inspired by his paternal grandparents’ selfless actions in fostering numerous children, he was driven to make a meaningful impact in education.

Graduating Magna Cum Laude from Central State University in 2011 with a degree in Education, Michael began his career in Nashville, TN. Teaching in charter and public schools, he eventually focused on organizing and implementing wraparound resources for students and families in need. His dedication earned him recognition, including the Martin Amacher Employee of the Year Award and the National Community Schools Award.

In 2016, Michael married the love of his life, Dr. Joi Stallworth Copeland, and they are proud parents to their daughter, Michelle Joi Copeland. Returning to Cleveland in 2017, Michael assumed the role of Wraparound Resource Site Coordinator at Mound STEM K–8 School within CMSD, providing crucial resources and support to students and families facing barriers to learning.

Driven by his commitment to social services, Michael became a Regional Director in Lake County, overseeing multiple childcare facilities. Currently serving as the Chief of Staff at MyCom Cleveland, a youth development initiative, he manages partnerships and program implementation for underserved populations.

Active in community engagement, Michael serves as a board member for Family Connections, a literacy-focused organization, and Forever Mom Legacy, which supports young women and honors mothers past and present. He is a dedicated member of the 100 Black Men of Greater Cleveland. Michael also hosted The Michael Copeland Education Hour, a radio show addressing education and community issues on 1490 AM.

With a decade-long membership in Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Michael emphasizes the importance of education through initiatives like Go to High School, Go to College. He helps lead a virtual Global Men’s Prayer group daily and supports the youth crossroads ministry at his church, South Euclid United Church of Christ.

In 2023 and 2024, Michael was honored as one of the recipients of Who’s Who in Black Cleveland. In 2024, he founded Copeland Consults LLC, where he empowers authors and aspiring authors to write, publish, and grow their books. He also provides individualized business and entrepreneurship coaching. Michael received the Marquis Who’s Who in America Award in 2024.

Michael became a first-time author with his debut book, The Journey of One Determined Educator, which became a series. His first book earned the prestigious International Impact Book Award by Go All In Media within only two months of its release. Since then, Michael has earned additional awards including the Regal Summit Award, Person of the Year Longlist, Storytrade Award, The BookFest Award, Literary Titan Book Award, The Pencraft Book Award, and Amazon Best Seller status. He is now the author of three books, with his latest release, Less Violence, More Mentoring: The Anthology, launched on May 12th alongside 14 Black co-authors.

Michael was recently awarded Author of the Year 2025 in Hollywood, California by the International Impact Book Awards. He also received the 2024 Joe Biden Lifetime Presidential Achievement Award and the 2024 Sirens of Service Award for his ongoing service and dedication to the community.

Michael is committed to God, family, education, community service, and uplifting the lives of those around him.