Who Was Doughtry Long? The Story of Nia Long’s Remarkable Father

Many people know Nia Long as a talented actress with a warm smile and a powerful screen presence. But not everyone knows the man who helped shape her story — her father, Doughtry Long. He was more than just the dad of a famous actress. He was a poet, a teacher, a thinker, and a voice for his community.

In this article, we’ll explore Doughtry Long’s life, his work, and the impact he left behind. You’ll learn about his early years, his love for writing and teaching, and how he connected deeply with people through his words. Whether you’re a fan of Nia Long or just someone who loves inspiring life stories, this one is for you.

Doughtry Long Quick Bio

Early Life of Doughtry Long

Doughtry “Doc” Long Jr. was born on March 14, 1942, in Atlanta, Georgia. He was one of two twin boys born to his parents, Jessie Wooden and Doughtry Long Sr. Not long after he was born, his family moved north, and he grew up in Trenton, New Jersey.

From a young age, Doughtry showed a love for learning. He was thoughtful, creative, and always curious about the world. Growing up in Trenton gave him a deep sense of community. It also helped shape the strong voice that would later appear in his poetry and teaching.

Education and Lifelong Learning

Doughtry Long was a true believer in education. He studied at West Virginia State College, where he worked hard to build a future. Later, he continued his learning and earned a Master’s degree in Urban Studies from the College of New Jersey.

He didn’t just study for himself — he studied to help others. He believed that knowledge could change lives. That belief stayed with him his entire life, and it became the heart of his teaching and writing.

A Passion for Teaching

For over 30 years, Doughtry worked as a teacher. He taught creative writing and literature at Trenton Central High School, where many students still remember him as a life-changing mentor. He made reading and writing feel exciting. He showed his students that their voices mattered.

But he didn’t stop at the classroom. Doughtry also taught at Trenton State Prison, where he organized the African American Studies Program. He wanted every student — no matter where they were — to feel proud of who they were and where they came from. His lessons helped many people find hope, strength, and purpose.

Doughtry Long and His Love for Poetry

While Doughtry was a wonderful teacher, he was also a deeply gifted poet. He used poetry to talk about life, love, and the Black experience in America. He wrote with truth, with feeling, and with great care.

In his hometown of Trenton, he became known as the “Trenton Poet Laureate.” His words touched people’s hearts. Sometimes, when he gave readings, he brought a jazz band with him — mixing music and poetry into something magical. He believed that art could bring people together, and he lived that belief every day.

Books and Writings by Doughtry Long

Doughtry didn’t just write poems — he published them, too. His books are full of deep thoughts and honest feelings. Some of his best-known works include:

• Black Love, Black Hope

• Timbuktu Blues

• Rules for Cool

• Song for Nia: A Poetic Essay in Three Parts

• [Broadside]: Ginger Bread Mama (a rare and special edition)

He also wrote a children’s book dedicated to his grandchildren, showing his soft side and love for family. Each of his writings holds a piece of his heart — and readers feel that.

His Work with the Peace Corps

Did you know Doughtry Long once worked in West Africa? He served as a community development specialist with the Peace Corps. That role let him share ideas and help communities grow — not just in the U.S., but around the world.

His time in the Peace Corps added even more depth to his life. It gave him global experiences, helped him learn from other cultures, and made his message even more powerful when he returned home.

Doughtry Long’s Special Hobbies and Interests

Outside the classroom and poetry stage, Doughtry Long was full of life. He loved jazz music, and it showed up in his writing. He was also into fishing, traveling, and photography. People who knew him often called him a “Renaissance man” — someone with many talents and a deep soul.

He didn’t need fancy things to feel joy. A good jazz tune, a quiet lake, or a thoughtful conversation made him happy. These simple joys gave balance to his serious work as a writer and teacher.

Doughtry Long as a Father

Doughtry Long had three daughters — Nia Long, comedian Sommore (real name Lori Ann Rambough), and Djamila. Each of them followed their own paths in life, but they all carried a part of their father’s spirit with them.

Nia Long shared that her relationship with her father wasn’t always easy. As a child, she wished he had read her bedtime stories or done more of the simple “dad” things. But Doughtry was a man of his time — serious, focused, and shaped by a tough world. He wasn’t raised to show affection in ways we see often today. Still, over time, Nia began to understand him more. After his passing, she spent time in his hometown and learned just how deeply he was loved by others.

How Nia Long Honored Her Father

When Doughtry Long passed away on January 27, 2020, Nia was heartbroken. She shared a photo of him wearing a crown on Instagram, along with a message that said, “RIP Daddy, I love you forever.” She also posted the cover of his book Black Love, Black Hope and wrote how proud she was that her father was “Black and proud.”

Nia also attended a poetry event held in her father’s honor at Trenton Central High School. Former students came to read his poems and share stories. Nia said she couldn’t stop crying. It was a powerful moment — one that reminded her of the impact her father had on so many people.

Doughtry Long and Sommore’s Connection

While Nia and Sommore are both Doughtry Long’s daughters, they didn’t grow up together. Sommore once shared in an interview that they were “not necessarily sisters.” Their parents had different lives, and the sisters didn’t have a close bond in childhood.

Still, both women respected their father deeply. Sommore posted photos and memories online, calling her father the “foundation” of her family. She even joked that her sense of “cool” came from him. Even if they weren’t raised side by side, they both carried a part of their dad’s fire and confidence.

In 2020, Nia surprised fans by posting a photo with Sommore, calling her “the funny one in the family.” It gave people hope that maybe, through the loss of their father, they found a new connection.

The Emotional Healing After His Death

After Doughtry Long passed, Nia opened up more about their relationship. She said she had felt anger and disappointment at times. He hadn’t done all the things she hoped for as a young girl. But with time, Nia realized something very important — people can only give what they know. And sometimes, what they can’t give to their kids, they give to the world.

That thought brought her peace. She forgave her father and even forgave herself for not forgiving him sooner. At age 50, she said she felt more alive and free than ever before. Losing her father taught her how to let go and how to love people for who they are.

The Lasting Legacy of Doughtry Long

Even though Doughtry Long is no longer here, his legacy continues to shine. His books, poems, and lessons still live on. He helped students believe in themselves. He made his daughters proud. He spoke about real things — love, struggle, culture, and identity — and never held back.

Doughtry Long was more than Nia Long’s father. He was a poet, a teacher, a leader, and a man who truly made a difference. In Trenton, people still remember him as a Poet Laureate, a powerful voice, and a person who made the world a little better through words.

Final Thoughts

The story of Doughtry Long is one of growth, healing, and heart. He wasn’t perfect — no one is — but he gave the world his voice, his wisdom, and his love for language. He taught in schools, prisons, and poetry circles. He raised strong daughters who found success in their own ways.

And most of all, he showed us that life is about learning, forgiving, and sharing your truth.