Life and Work with Bakari Copeland

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

Bakari, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I am a professional basketball player, actor, singer/songwriter and owner of the Delay is Not Denial® brand that was trademarked by the U.S. government in 2017. I knew pretty early on as a student-athlete at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, where I played Division 1 basketball, that I was not going to have a traditional career path.

In my sophomore year of college, I began using the phrase “Delay is not Denial” as my mantra on social media sites. As people began to re-post my mantra and it gained popularity, friends asked about!! Delay is Not Denial!! ® gear. I started my business with a small order of black T-shirts that I sold for cost and shipping. My Dad’s co-workers’ wife was living with breast cancer, so we decided to add pink shirts, to support breast cancer awareness!! Delay is Not Denial!! ® is really about Bible principles of patience and long-suffering and therefore, they apply to all aspects of life.

After graduation in 2017, I played pro basketball in Argentina and Switzerland. During the offseason, I worked as a youth activity leader then began doing background acting work on movies and TV shows in the Atlanta area in the summer of 2018. I’ve had some pretty good featured roles in music videos and TV. My principal role as a basketball player in the GEICO March Madness commercial with Ernie Johnson was a real dream come true! It amazes me when I think about how much acting success I’ve had in such a short period of time. Check out my Instagram to see some of the cool projects I worked on. Trust God’s plan! Delay Is Not Denial!

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
No smooth road if you’re like me and choose the types of professions that I’m in. There are going to be gaps where you wonder when the next order, contract or role is coming. When I started the T-shirt business, I was concerned if anyone would buy my shirts after my Dad invested his money in my brand. It was so overwhelming when I began to receive orders from people all over the country of different races that said I inspired them. I expanded my product line to wrist bands and more recently, personalized bandannas.

Marketing is tough, especially for the songs I’ve recorded. Even though my music is available on all platforms, most of my marketing has been through word of mouth and social media. With basketball, it’s so competitive that getting a good contract is tough even with an agent working for you. Of course, actors are in a tough competitive field with a high unemployment rate! The actor community in Atlanta is very close-knit though. I have gotten some good roles from referrals from actors and directors that I formed relationships with on sets I worked on.

The advice I have for people who are thinking of getting what I call non-traditional types of work is to pray a lot, tap into all your talents and learn to market yourself! Be humble and work at other jobs to hold you over while waiting on the big one! Don’t be embarrassed if plan A doesn’t work out. Sometimes, Plan C or D is the winner! Delay is Not Denial!!!

Please tell us more about what you do, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
As a student-athlete, I was constantly exposed to some very, very discouraged people. Sports are for the very tough-minded and I saw so many people falling apart because things didn’t go as planned. I don’t mean just playing time and coach issues. I’m talking about serious stuff like if the practice runs late and the cafeteria closes, I won’t eat today because I don’t have money for food. I wanted to encourage my current and former teammates, and now others in all professions and situations to stay strong and endure. My Christian belief is that we are MORE than conquerors through Christ Jesus. Because I believe this, I never give up!!!

Who have you been inspired by?
I am inspired by my family who always believes in and supports my talents and gifts. It is also great to know that others are inspired by my achievements and are encouraged to follow their dreams.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://squareup.com/store/number-bcope
• Email: bakari@bellsouth.net
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bcopedind/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/B_Cope_21
• Other: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/b-cope/1125393049

Image Credit:
KEEP IT 3 LLC, Brandon Jones @jstbecool (Instagram)

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