Eddie Long has found a place in the community as a champion and cheerleader of the arts. It’s been an interesting journey to get to where he is today. He wouldn’t trade any of it for the world.

Long grew up in New York and was often found drawing. This passion led to studying graphic design and advertising at the Art Institute of Philadelphia. Then, a decade passed without work in his field — until Long found himself living in New London.

Long gravitated to the creative vibe of New London. When two of his close friends opened a bar, he found himself creating graphics again. Long helped out by contributing to their logo and then designing menus and other marketing materials. Soon, other small businesses were seeking his help. This led to a full-time position as Continuity Director at Cumulus Media New London, which runs three radio stations: WXLM 980 AM, Q105 FM, and The Wolf 102.3 FM. There, Long combines his graphic design expertise with his passion for the community.

In fact, Long’s passion for the community has spread well beyond his day job.

As a founding member of the New London Arts Council, Long works on the council’s public relations. He has conducted interviews to feature local artists, both in virtual programs as well as in digital communications.

“I love artists,” Long says. “I find that it’s as fulfilling to advocate for the arts as it is to practice an art.”

Another organization that has captured Long’s commitment is Public Art for Racial Justice Education, or PARJE. As Co-Chair of the Steering Committee, Long loves how PARJE created opportunities for public art as well as education as an act to create social change.

“The education aspect is really important to me,” said Long. “PARJE’s Edmond Pettus Bridge Diptych is a springboard for students learning about its pivotal role in our Civil and Voting Rights history. We’ve got a tragic history and hopeful future when it comes to race.”

Long also serves on the board of Spark Makerspace where he can explore new forms of creativity, while working with the organization on its marketing and inclusion efforts.

Long’s creative mindset informs everything he works on. It’s also how he maintains hope and a sense of possibility when it comes to tough community and social issues.

“If you can open yourself up to creative ways of thinking, you can open yourself up to solutions,” said Long.

It’s this guiding principle that Long employs in both his work and his community activism. New London is the better for it.

Emma Palzere-Rae is Associate Director for Artreach, Inc. and founder of Be Well Productions. If you have a story about how creativity has helped you heal, please contact emma.artreachheals@gmail.com.