December 20, 2023
There Is No Age To Activism
By John Myers
Profile of 16-year- old Reina Copland on her journey of spreading awareness with her own ways of advocacy
By Giannie Arana
A fellow Afro-Latina sister who has undergone the coercions and what could be called the deficits of being in a marginalized group since the day she was born. As she is a “boricua” (Puerto-Rican), a woman, with the captivating red, white and blue flag standing on her side, all the while she’s also a courageous, proud black woman. The intersection is between both minority groups, and how it could be so beautiful but so repellent at once. Without any alternatives or consent on her behalf she did not choose to live a life that is brimmed with privations. She is Reina Copeland and she usually wears her hair in a natural ‘fro,’ her hair is beautiful, her curls are always intact and frame her face effortlessly, a dark brunette almost reaching black. But today her hair is freshly done in a new style, long dark brown box braids, tethered gracefully, with gold beads interlocking each braided strand. She wears vintage Shiratori framed glasses, they are striking, leaving a lingering feeling of mystery.
Copeland’s skin is radiant, and she lends me a friendly smile as she picks up on the tension about starting this profound conversation. She says, “Don’t worry, you got this my love.” Those words hit as the composure had finally stabilized and the dialogue begins. Reina Copeland is flourishing. She is extremely successful, and above all a brilliant person, she takes every word that is being said and dissects questions to such depth and rapidness while being poised all at once. There’s just so much more to Copeland than meets the gaze of a stranger.
Nonetheless, you may learn from having at least one brief exchange with Reina Copeland that you notice she has an incredible trait, her strong ability of advocacy. One of the most recent movements Copeland has been involved with would be the MeToo movement. “I have been a part of the sexsaul assault community and I have not received justice. I don’t want others to struggle with their mental health or feel guilty like I do. I want those who have been sexually assaulted like me to feel heard, feel seen and feel loved,” she said.
Her ability to be so vulnerable with others with such a personal and traumatizing experience is truly remarkable. “I try to be as open as possible with it because it’s such a global thing and I want to educate others.” To reach those who are victims of sexual assault, Copeland started an Instagram page with the handle being “teensformetoo.” She explained, “I want those who are feeling bad about themselves, who feel dirty to feel heard and tell them they are good enough and it’s not their fault. I want to help prevent sexual assault if I can or stop the traditions that create it. I want to promote therapy or any type of self-help for this community.”
For being someone so bright, Copeland can speak on matters that are raw and speak on the behalf of those who are too quiet to do so even though she struggles herself to find the right words. Even though Copeland ‘struggles’ she still can catch the attention of an assembly without a stutter. Even the most contentious or agonizing moments play a part in who we are today, pushing us a bit forward to touch a more evolved version of ourselves. Copeland is a prime example of this. She shared various experiences that have knocked her down however she still conquers every day in any way she can. With daily triggers, constant workload, traumatizing experiences, thoughts bombarding her mental state, Reina Copeland still manages to hold a warmth to her, a tenderness if you will, and a very friendly smile.
