Senate Engrossed

Charles Long II; death resolution

State of Arizona

Senate

Fifty-sixth Legislature

First Regular Session

2023

SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 1042

A Concurrent Resolution

on the death of charles f. long ii.

(TEXT OF BILL BEGINS ON NEXT PAGE)

Charles Franklyn "Chuck" Long II was born in Detroit, Michigan on June 1, 1945. He grew up with his brother, Hughey, and sister, Victoria, and attended elementary and middle school at Saint Thomas Military Academy, a military boarding school in Minnesota. He went on to graduate from Northern High School in Detroit in 1963. Chuck then pursued prelaw at Wilberforce University in Ohio before joining the United States Marine Corps in 1964.

Chuck completed basic training at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego, California, and was later stationed at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina. While serving two tours in Vietnam, from 1965 through 1967, he was aboard the U.S.S. Kitty Hawk aircraft carrier and tasked with helicopter combat rescue and support missions. On returning to the states, he continued his public service as a Marine Officer in Quantico, Virginia. Chuck retired from the Marines in October 1968 and became a police officer for the District of Columbia.

Chuck worked in radio while in the Marines, and as a civilian he established a successful career in communications and radio. He rose to local notoriety as a disc jockey for WOL and WOOK radio stations in Washington, D.C. during the 1970s. Motivated by the motorcycle accident that claimed the life of his only brother, Chuck used his local celebrity to launch the annual Chuck Long Motorcycle Safety Parade, which became wildly successful for nearly a decade.

In the 1980s, Chuck moved out west and began a career in film as a movie stuntman and extra. His film credits include "Glory," starring Denzel Washington, "Wyatt Earp" with Kevin Costner, "Tombstone" and "Bad Jim," in which he acted as a stunt double for Richard Roundtree.

Fueled by his passion for history and horses, Chuck founded America's Buffalo Soldiers Re-Enactors Association in 1986. The group strove to tell the story of the 9th and 10th Cavalrymen and 24th and 25th Infantrymen, who comprised the all-Black regiments of the United States Army known as the "Buffalo Soldiers." Chuck received numerous accolades in recognition of his dedication to and contributions in this endeavor, which spanned nearly three decades. Notably, General Colin Powell and Arizona's Congressman Ruben Gallego commended his outstanding achievements and service to the community. Additionally, Long served as a member of the Arizona Governor's African-American Advisory Council and the Arizona Film Commission.

Preceded in death by his parents and brother, Chuck Long is survived by his five children, Michelle, Carlton Washington (Trina), Charles (Leandra), Mikko (Kyle) and Mary (Ian), his grandchildren, Quinton (Althea), Ezra, Mecca, Cannon and Storm, and his great-grandsons, Phoenix and Koa. He will be greatly missed by all those who had the privilege of knowing him over his distinguished lifetime.

Therefore

Be it resolved by the Senate of the State of Arizona, the House of Representatives concurring:

      That the Members of the Legislature and the Black Legislative Caucus express sincere regret at the passing of Charles F. Long II and extend their deepest sympathies to his surviving family members.