Loss of a local Icon: ‘Doc’ Long touched many lives in Trenton
Doughtry “Doc” Long, an accomplished author, teacher, writer and celebrated poet who birthed in Atlanta but made Trenton home, has passed.
Nia Long, one of three daughters, spoke with The Trentonian yesterday as family members planned a private memorial service, plus, a city-engaged event on Feb. 18 at Trenton Central High School. Long released this statement and spoke with The Trentonian.
“My father was a master of words, an educator, a mentor and a hero in his community; a poet with stories to tell about the Black experience in America. He wasn’t afraid to raise his fist in solidarity for everything Black and proud,” Long began.
“My sisters Lori [aka comedienne Sommore] and Djamila and I will miss him dearly and are so grateful to have been by his side as he transitioned into eternal peace,” she continued. “I love you Daddy…forever.”
Long, a famous Hollywood actress with starring roles in Fresh Prince of Belair, Boyz n the Hood, Soul Food, Big Momma’s House, Love Jones, In Too Deep and others, remembered a strong, inspirational and proud father.
Classics Bookstore in Trenton penned a wonderful tribute to Long before his death. A website post acknowledged his contribution to city residents, students and his hunger for knowledge.
“Trentonians know him best as the long-running teacher of literature and creative writing at Trenton Central. The world knows him as the Geraldine R Dodge grant winning poet and author ....... Classics customers know him from poetry readings at the store when he brought along his own jazz band as backup for his discussions of being in the early Peace Corp. The universe knows him best as a man who can shape the world around him with his words and lifts up the students who were lucky enough to have him as a teacher.”
Long penned Black Love Black Hope, Timbuktu Blues, Song for Nia: A Poetic Essay in Three Parts and Rules for Cool, in which he advised readers to, “Be into deep heavy stuff and carry large intelligent words around in the same pocket with your money” and “know that blasé blasé woof, woof, woof at the right time and place is sacred.” Ms. Long expressed one regret. “That I never went fishing with my father.”
The Long family said details about a city celebration of his life are in the planning stage. The public will receive prior notice about the appreciation event.