A black man was trialed and convicted – without concrete evidence – in a small town in North Carolina in the early 1970s by an all-white jury for the rape of a prominent local white executive’s white wife. This is the story of  Mr. Ronnie Long. 

Last week Ronnie Long was finally released from prison. He spent 44 years behind bars while proclaiming his innocence. The state of North Carolina, which put him there and kept him there, finally agreed – at the end of August – to overturn Long’s 1976 rape conviction.

In an exclusive interview with the New York Beacon, Long talks about his faith, life in prison, corruption in the penal institution, and how he will move forward.

New York Beacon – What do you think are the most important political concerns facing our country?

Ronnie Long – Today, people in elevated positions of power do not respect the law. Otherwise, I would never have been left in jail for 44 years. We need people in government who respect the law and who care about other people’s needs. We need to remove this negativity that does nothing to help the people.

Also, nobody is helping prisoners avoid catching coronavirus. The prisoners are living in a deadly situation. Social distancing does not exist in prison. I had one Covid-19 test when I was about to leave jail. The government doesn’t care.

New York Beacon – What do citizens need to know about prisoners and the prison system? 

Ronnie Long – People need to talk about what is going on inside prisons. There is much injustice. Prison cells are overcrowded, prisoners sleep in a heap on one another, sometimes even on their feet!

The United States has more people behind bars than any other country. It’s a business that is very profitable for the government. It is not about rehabilitation. It is about mass incarceration. Using and enslaving people.

New York Beacon – What has your experience outside of prison been like so far?

Ronnie Long – I am still taking baby steps. I’m learning how to use a cellphone and computer. Even flushing the toilet is a new thing for me. Being with my wife and family and having the right to come and go as I please is priceless.

New York Beacon – Do you feel inclined to make up for your lost time or seek compensation for the injustice you suffered? 

Ronnie Long – That’s complicated. Since I got out of prison, I have been surviving on donations from concerned citizens to my GoFundMe.com page.  For me to be compensated, I will have to be pardoned by the governor. Even though I should be pardoned, I have to go through the governor’s office to feel as though I can live as a productive citizen. People in the government see the injustice and the wrong, but they refrain from doing anything to rectify it.   

I don’t know how long it will take, but I will pursue a pardon from the governor of the state.

New York beacon – Is there something you would like to share with the world as a free man?

Ronnie Long – For now, my message to the people is to believe in your dreams, believe in your hopes, and have faith in something greater than yourself. Whether it be Jesus, Allah, Jehovah, or Lord. Feel safe that you can accomplish whatever it is that you set your mind to do. Because if I would have given up, I would have given in. Always believe in yourself! If it weren’t for that, I wouldn’t be able to wait 44 years for justice.