Today we’d like to introduce you to Robert Earl.
Hi Robert, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My Story starts in Gary Indiana at the age of 7 when myself and my youngest sister were adopted by an angel named Yvonne Tate Long. Who loved on me unconditionally and raised me up in the way I should go so that I would not depart from it. At the age of 14 I moved to the state of Kansas where I attended Junction City High School an graduated with honors. Then I attended a Christian College called Berea College and graduated with my Bachelors in African and African American Studies. I plan on continuing my education to get my Masters in American Studies and PHD in History. As a little boy I was constantly reading, writing and intrigued by stories about historical Icons and watching documentaries on African and world History which inspired me to want to become a Historian. Music, Fashion, and Entertainment were a huge part of my up bringing which also inspired me to create the Rel Corp a business that will encompass me and my team creating diverse Historical projects that will include Writing, Publishing, Producing, Books, Movies, and TV show projects based on all History.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The Road has not been an easy one. When my Adopted Mother passed away in 2018 I had just met my birth mom. With the loss of my adopted mom I took a year off of school at Berea College to mourn and heal from that loss, I also found out that had 6 other siblings that I’m in touch with til this date. On the way back to College in august of 2019 I was in a Grey Hound Bus accident that God blessed me to walk away from with minor injuries. From there I looked at life more seriously and no longer do I take life for granted. I have been met with some major health and financial issues yet God keeps me covered and provides all that I need. It is a daily challenge to finance your business yourself hold down a job and desire to go back to school. However because of God, family and a few close friends I have stayed the course. in March of this year (2025) I met a true Friend and mentor who is a Branding and Image Consultant expert- David Anthony Of David Anthony Image Consulting, and we rebranded my business in September of 2025 from The Robert Earl Long Black Historical Publishing and Entertainment company- to what’s now known simply as The REL Corp. still focused on the Historical ,Publishing and Entertainment Aspects.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My aim is to continue my education and get my Masters and PHD and to grow in my knowledge of the entertainment industry so that I can become the Writer, Producer, Poet, Author, and be an impactful Historian. Building a company and a brand that is not just about Black History… but that tells stories of all History and how we can all learn from each others Stories. I believe that History is HIS-STORY. My goal is to create impactful and inspiring books and other projects that teach and raise up generations in the way they should go so they wont depart from it, yet continue to learn grow and research.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
To find a mentor, you need to be very specific in what your goals are for your brand or business. Do your research on those you feel led to. Since my foundation is Faith Based and spirit led . I was led to someone who speaks the same Faith and Spiritual language as me, who holds me accountable for my personal and professional actions and growth. A mentor should lift you up and not pull you down. A Mentor should listen, and be honest about the ups and downs never leading you in the dark. Lastly a mentor should have achieved a certain level of success in the field or fields you are looking to ascend in. I’m about helping others cross and I’m now with a mentor with the same Spiritual and business mindset.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_relcorp25/
