Unless you’ve been under a volcano or perhaps returning from vacation on the North Pole, you’re well aware of the scandal surrounding Bishop Eddie Long, his church New Birth Missionary Baptist Church and his mentoring program for young males, the Longfellow Youth Academy. So far, three former members of the program have filed civil claims against Bishop Long, accusing him of “sexual coercion,” negligence and fraud.

Well, gospel hip-hop artist, IROCC Williams, is also an alumni of the Longfellow Youth Academy and has something to say, and because my reporting on this issue has always been and continues to be about PERSPECTIVE, I thought it was only right to share this piece with you. Read and let me know what you think.

***passes mic to IROCC***

After watching this all play out over these last few days…I realized that I couldnt act as a bystander. This situation is very personal and close to me on a few levels.

My family and I were members of New Birth for over 7 years; Bishop Long served and continues to serve as one of my spiritual mentors and influencers; outside of my Dad and Mom.

But more than that I was and am still a “LONGFELLOW.” I, along with my oldest brother; as well as the mentioned “PLAINTIFFs” were a part of the 1st class of Longfellows – Bishop’s Young Men’s Mentoring program together. So unlike many in the Gospel/ministry community, I have knowledge of ALL parties involved. And having that makes this entire ordeal so hard and hurtful. I entered the gospel industry community at a very young age – 12 - and I will be 21 in March. Over these years unfortunately, I have seen, heard and been subjected to a lot of pain, hurt and not so good news of Gospel; but this is beyond anything I have ever experienced. Over the years I have encountered people who have said one thing in public and demonstrated another in backrooms and behind stage. Bishop Long has been a CONSISTENT force of realness and just a straight up dude. He has always been real, honest, caring and giving to many; but to me and my family specifically and personally.

My point is this simply, I am in the unique position to know ALL parties involved and I have to say MY PERSONAL KNOWLEDGE of Bishop Long as a Pastor, Leader, Mentor, Father-like figure and Friend; these allegations completely contradict not a public image but the man that I know and trust personally. I hate the shadow or cloud that is being cast over something as meaningful as LONGFELLOWs; like it was some secret society of sin. Young dudes from all walks of life and family situations need these types of programs; we need the influence and direction of Godly men; and LONGFELLOWs, Bishop Long and the staff reached out and provided that w/ love, discipline, direction, vision, scholarship assistance and fundamentals of becoming a REAL man. Longfellows as an organization and Bishop Long as a Leader and Mentor, were instrumental in my growth as a teenager, now as a man and as a public and platformed representative of Christ.

My heart’s prayer is for resolution and reconciliation. I have been praying and will continue to pray for ALL of my fellow LONGFELLOWS and for Bishop Long and his family. My family scripture and motto has always been ROMANS 8:28 – “All things work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose,” and over these past few days I have reassured myself with the promise that scripture holds.

IROCC Williams
(@jusrocc)

***takes mic from IROCC***

Special thanks to IROCC for speaking at what I’m sure is a painful and busy time. (You know all the news organization are probably trying to reach out to every Longfellow they can find.) I appreciate that. After having read IROCC’s statement, what do you think? Has your opinion of the situation changed at all? Either way, we need to continue to pray that the truth prevails after all is said and done.

Torrence

TAGS: Bishop eddie long, IROCC, Longfellow Youth Academy

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