Jessie Copeland is a nationally recognized leader in the African American community. Her friends call her the mother of public housing. She founded the Inter-Project Council to deal with issues affecting residents of public housing in Raleigh, NC. She led anti-drug efforts that spawned Project Phoenix, an initiative that established police substations in housing communities with high crime rates. Through her leadership the Copeland Community Center has provided tutoring and activities for children and food and clothing distribution to Chavis Heights residents and senior citizens. Among her many awards she has received the President's Volunteer Action Award, the Rosa Parks Award, and was designated one of President Clinton's Points of Light. Through her dedicated service to children, families, and the community she has gained the respect of her neighbors as well as local, state, and national leaders.