Meet Dr. Brian T Long
Brian’s Story Begins In the Streets of New York City…
Brian Long grew up in Bronx, New York, and joined a gang at the age of nine. The relocation of Brian’s family to North Carolina did not break his connection to gangs. Looking at the possibility of serving 35 years in prison, Brian made a decision that would change his life. By the age of seventeen, Brian’s escalating gang activity resulted in a conviction for five counts of armed robbery.
A judge’s discretion to sentence Brian to three years and nine months in prison led to a path of personal transformation.
After his release, Brian struggled to find employment and housing. He enrolled in Mitchell Community College, where he earned the Coca Cola Scholars scholarship and the Dallas Herring Achievement Award. Brian graduated with an Associate’s Degree in Human Services and has earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services; a Master’s Degree in Forensic Mental Health Counseling; Honorary Doctorate in Christian Counseling; Doctorate of Philosophy in Christian Leadership and a Honorary Doctorate of Divinity.
Brian held strong to his promise of helping others. He founded M.A.D. Expressions, an organization focused on behavior modification through artistic expression. He works collaboratively with community organizations to provide food and Christmas toys for underserved communities.
Brian has worked as a Gang Intervention Specialist, Youth Incentive Program Coordinator, Former Offender Program Coordinator, and is the first person with a felony background to work as a Regional Reentry Expert for the State of North Carolina and to serve as a certified mediator in the NC District Court system.
Brian is a motivational speaker, author, certified life coach, mental health counselor, and consultant. His second book, “At the Table” is a powerhouse of life-changing devotionals for daily inspiration. His charisma and enthusiastic approach impacts audiences of all ages as he encourages others to overcome life’s challenges and reach for the stars!
Awards/Honors
Knight of Abyssinia & Member of the Royal Military Order of the Lion of Yehudah – 2017
The Abyssinian Apostolic Church bestowed this high award to Brian for providing humanitarian support in the community and advocating for the poor and individuals re-entering society.
Triad Business Journal 40 Leaders Under 40 Award – 2015
The 40 Leaders Under Forty Awards is a program honoring forty up and coming young professionals in the Triad.
The Dallas Herring Achievement Award – 2009
Brian Long was the first recipient of The Dallas Herring Achievement Award, established by the North Carolina Community College System in 2010 to honor the late Dr. Dallas Herring, one of governor upon a current or former student who best embodies Dr. Herring’s philosophy of “taking people where they are and carrying them as far as they can go.
” Who’s Who” Among Students in American Universities & Colleges – 2008
This award is bestowed on the basis of scholarship, leadership, citizenship, and participation in academic and extra-curricular activities
The Viola Kimbrough-Parker Diversity Award – 2007
This award recognizes a Mitchell Community College student who has made a difference in promoting diversity in Iredell County. Kimbrough-Parker was a former long-time College employee who contributed to the spread of diversity at Mitchell.
Coca Cola Scholarship Recipient – 2007
The Coca Cola Scholars Program is one of the most recognized and respected corporate sponsored scholarships in the United States. Created in 1986 as a joint effort of Coca-Cola Bottlers and The Coca-Cola Company to commemorate the 100th anniversary of their flagship college scholarships.