Sherman Copelin facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sherman Nathaniel Copelin, Jr.
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| Louisiana State Representative for District 99 ()Lower Ninth Ward in Orleans Parish |
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| In office 1986–2000 |
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| Preceded by | Jon D. Johnson |
| Succeeded by | Leonard Lucas |
| Speaker Pro Tempore of the Louisiana House | |
| In office 1992–1996 |
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| Preceded by | Hunt Downer |
| Succeeded by | Peppi Bruneau |
| Personal details | |
| Born | August 1943 New Orleans, Louisiana, USA |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Alma mater | St. Augustine High School Dillard University |
| Occupation | Businessman |
Sherman Nathaniel Copelin, Jr. (born in August 1943) is an American politician and businessman from his hometown of New Orleans, Louisiana. He served for many years as a state representative for Louisiana. He also held the important role of Speaker Pro Tempore in the Louisiana House of Representatives.
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Early Life and Education
Sherman Copelin, Jr. grew up in New Orleans. His father was a funeral director. Sherman went to St. Augustine High School. After high school, he attended Dillard University, which is a historically Black university. While at Dillard, he became very active in student politics and was even elected student body president.
Starting in Politics
In 1968, Sherman Copelin began working for the city government. He was an aide for Mayor Victor Schiro. In the 1970s, he became a leader in a Black political group called SOUL. This name stood for Southern Organization for Unified Leadership.
SOUL was very good at getting African American voters to support certain candidates. Because of this, Sherman Copelin became a powerful person in New Orleans and Louisiana politics. He helped candidates like Louisiana Governor Edwin Edwards and New Orleans Mayor Moon Landrieu get elected.
Business and Public Service
During the 1970s, Copelin also led a company called Superdome Services, Inc. This company had a contract with the city. It provided cleaning and security services for the new Louisiana Superdome.
Serving in the State Legislature
In 1986, Sherman Copelin was elected to the Louisiana House of Representatives. He represented District 99, which included the Lower Ninth Ward in New Orleans. Later, he was chosen to be the Speaker Pro Tempore. This is a leadership position in the House.
Over time, Copelin's successful business dealings led him to move to a different part of New Orleans. This area was outside the district he represented. This became an issue when he ran for re-election. In 1999, he lost his re-election campaign to Reverend Leonard Lucas.
Later Career
Sherman Copelin also ran for mayor of New Orleans in 1994. However, he was not successful in that election.
Today, Sherman Copelin is the head of the New Orleans East Business Association. After Hurricane Katrina, he has spoken out against building new apartment complexes in New Orleans East.
