Passed Away: Long Worth (1936-2025)
Veteran Folklorist Worth Long Passes Away at 89
Atlanta, GA - Noted folklorist Worth Long passed away on May 8, 2025, at the age of 89. Born and raised in Durham, North Carolina, Long made a significant impact on African American cultural life and civil rights, particularly through his dedication to documenting and preserving folk music, a passion that took root during his time in the Air Force in Korea and Japan.
Before attending Philander Smith College in Little Rock, Arkansas, in 1962, Long had spent two years in the Air Force, where he first become acquainted with the concept of folklore. His commitment to oral history was so profound that he chose a tape recorder over a wedding ring upon marrying in 1959.
As a leader in the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), Long combined his work for civil rights with a simultaneous dedication to documenting and showcasing the folk music of the movement. This pursuit led him to collaborate with documentary photographer Roland Freeman at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival and other heritage festivals. Their combined efforts have proven essential for understanding African American cultural life.
Their groundbreaking work in the early 1970s as co-directors of the Smithsonian's Mississippi Folklife Project resulted in global recognition of African American improvisational quilting traditions. Additionally, Long played a key role in establishing the Mississippi Delta Blues Festival and participated in numerous cultural events, including the Knoxville World's Fair and the Atlanta Olympics.
Long leaves behind his children, Ramona and Will. For more information about his life at the SNCC and his shared legacy with Roland Freeman, visit our website.
Together, we aim to provide accurate and informative news. If you notice any errors or oversights, please use our "submit a correction" link to help us improve.
The enrichment data offered context on the importance of civil rights contributions and African American cultural life during relevant periods, as well as the significance of the Smithsonian Folklife Festival. While Worth Long's contributions to these areas are not extensively documented, his collaboration with Roland Freeman at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival led to notable achievements, such as the recognition of African American improvisational quilting traditions. The festival continues to serve as a platform for celebrating diverse cultural expressions.
Worth Long, during his time with the Smithsonian Folklife Festival, collaborated with Roland Freeman to uncover and publicize African American improvisational quilting traditions, a significant achievement in the field of folklore. His dedication to oral history and cultural preservation extended to various entertainment outlets, including music, as evidenced by his role in establishing the Mississippi Delta Blues Festival.
){kind=link}