Justice Melissa Long Blazes Trail on Rhode Island’s Highest Court
Melissa A. Long made history in 2021 when she became the first Black justice on the Rhode Island Supreme Court. Appointed by former Governor Gina Raimondo, Long has since become a respected voice in the legal world, known for her wisdom, humility, and dedication to service.
Long is not just a judge — she’s a public servant through and through. She chairs the state’s Committee on Racial & Ethnic Fairness in the Courts and believes deeply in fairness, transparency, and the rule of law.
Deep Roots in Community and Public Service
Though her official home is in Providence, Long’s heart is in Westerly. She shares a home there with her husband, James E. “Ted” Long Jr., a local attorney and Westerly native. They spend as much time as possible in the town she once described as a “storybook place” during a Juneteenth speech in Wilcox Park.
Long credits her parents — both U.S. Army veterans — for inspiring her strong belief in public service. She grew up on military bases in Texas, Germany, and South Korea. Her father, a Black soldier from Virginia, later became a dentist. Her mother, a white woman and registered nurse, served in the Women’s Auxiliary Army Corps.
From Military Kid to the State’s Highest Bench
A proud “army brat,” Long began her career in public interest law after graduating from George Mason University’s law school in 1995. She worked for the Rhode Island Public Defender’s Office, then held roles in state government before becoming a Superior Court judge in 2017.
For Long, every case matters. “It really matters to the people whose problem we’re dealing with,” she said. She believes the legal system must treat every person with dignity — even those accused of serious crimes. She once recalled a case from early in her career where a man hijacked a plane after disputing a $471 tax bill. That moment reminded her of the importance of due process.
Commitment to Civic Education and Jury Service
Justice Long speaks often about the value of jury service and civics education. “Juries are fact finders and decide fates,” she said. “We need everyday, common people in those jury boxes.” She hopes more people, especially in marginalized communities, understand how vital it is to participate.
She also sees the return of civics in schools as a hopeful trend. “We have to be clear about how decisions are made,” she said. “We must show that we’re making decisions based on the rule of law.”
Family History Anchored in Courage and Resilience
Long’s parents married just a year before the 1967 Supreme Court ruling that struck down bans on interracial marriage. They raised their children with the belief that America is a meritocracy, even as they taught them about the nation’s past.
Long always knew she was descended from enslaved people. In recent years, more details have come to light through family research. Despite this legacy, she said her upbringing focused on maximizing the good and communicating through differences — values she now brings to her work.
Westerly as a Symbol of Unity and Progress
Long first visited Westerly in 1994 with her then-boyfriend, now husband. It was Thanksgiving, and she found herself swept into local traditions, dancing at the Knick and attending a high school reunion. She instantly fell in love with the town’s warmth and close-knit spirit.
From her mother-in-law’s long service at the local library to community events like the “soupy” film premiere, Long sees Westerly as an example of what unity can look like. “At the end of the day,” she said, “we’re all trying to do the best for our families, neighbors, and friends.”
Carrying the Work Forward with Integrity
Justice Long sees her position not as a personal achievement but a platform for change. She wants to keep speaking about civics, jury service, and the importance of institutions that work for everyone.
“We have to hold up a light,” she said. “These are critical components of democracy.”
Long’s story is one of legacy, love, and leadership — grounded in community and driven by purpose.
