Meet Sylvester Long | College Sports Administrator, Motivational Speaker, Author, Musician, & Podcast Host

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sylvester Long and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sylvester, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I wanted to use the gifts God gave me and impact the community and share my testimony while doing it for His glory and Kingdom. Being a motivational speaker, author, musician, and podcast host, I use my unique life experiences and my faith in God most importantly as my foundation to not only encourage and inspire but to also help others hold themselves accountable. My message is to let others know that the pain we experience in life is only temporary, but it is connected to the purpose that is destined, defined, and destined for our lives. The name of my first written book is “Out of Pain, Into Purpose” (which is also the name of my speaking business).

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am most proud of whenever I am able to impact one person’s life. If I can help just one person, then I am doing something right. I currently work at Florida International University in the Athletics Department as Assistant Director of Ticket Operations. I oversee ticketing on game days, box office operations, and assist with season ticket renewals and managing ticket accounts online on our ticketing platform. I have been here at the job (and in Miami in general) since December of 2022. And I love what I do. I pray and hope to elevate in this career and take on more responsibility. And with that, I know that will require more from me, but I feel that with God on my side, I can do it. In the Bible, specifically in Luke 12:48, it says that “to whom much is given, much. is required” (of course this is just a shortened part of the full verse).

Along with me being a speaker, I also host a podcast with my good friend Perry Brown titled “The Purposeful Journey Podcast”. We started the podcast May 2023. It was actually my friend’s vision from God of starting it, and he told me that the vision, I was the person doing the podcast with him. Who am I to deny what God has in store for me? We dive into various discussions from unhealed trauma to knowing your why to vulnerability and so much more! We look to spread love and inspiration and God all around.

In regard to my book, I first published my book January 2020. I use that book to share my testimony and give a powerful message to others who may need to hear it. I am in the process of writing my second book. In terms of music, I have been playing drums for 20+ years. It became a huge part of my life at a young age. I was even able to be a volunteer drum instructor from 2012-2014 for my old high school drumline. Being able to show them the meaning and importance of musicianship. Even to this day, I learn from other drummers and musicians because no matter how long I’ve been playing, I can always learn new techniques and skills.

This journey has not been easy for me, that’s for sure. I have had my share of trials and tribulations, from dealing with lack of confidence to bullying at a young age to dyslexia to comparing myself to others and much more. Throughout everything, God always kept a word in my mind the whole time: “purpose”. I never understood why that was the case. But as I got older, I eventually gained a better understanding. He was reminding me and letting me know that the pain and trials I have experienced are there to build me up and make me stronger, not to tear me down.

I hope to spread that same message and story to everyone and anyone who needs it. I’ve been there. I know what it’d like to battle depression and self-sabotage. I know what it’s like to have people talk about you behind your back. It’s never a favorable situation to be in. But there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Keep running your race. You can and will get to the finish line!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I am still exploring the Miami area myself! I have been to a Miami Heat game, which is a fun atmosphere to be a part of! I’ve been to Hallandale Beach, where the Gulfstream Park Racing is there, and it is such a cool site! There are lots of cool restaurants to go to, especially with Miami being as exotic and diverse as it is. One good example is Monty’s in Coconut Grove. I was there a couple of weeks ago, and it was fun! Being able to experience different parts of Miami so far has been eye-opening. Hard Rock Casino, Florida Panthers games, baseball games, and much more to do down here!

I can’t wait to continue to explore more! And it would be even better to have a friend or 2 come with me!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First and foremost, I dedicate this to God because without Him, I would not be where I am today. I also dedicate this to my family for always loving me and supporting me unconditionally throughout the years. As well as my friends who have been in my corner, and cheering me on, I am eternally grateful for them. Just to name a few of those friends: Brandon, Brown, Jay, Precious/PJ, Stevon, Asia, Stella, Danielle, Pierre, and many more. The love and support is real 100%.

To all of the mentors I have had and still have in my life for providing me with amazing advice, encouragement and wisdom to me. To my fraternity brothers of Alpha Phi Omega National Service Fraternity for teaching me the ideals of Leadership, Friendship, and Service. To my brothers of the Collegiate 100/100 Black Men of America for teaching me and helping me embody the meaning of “Real Men Giving Real Time”.

Website: https://www.amazon.com/Pain-Into-Purpose-Sylvester-Long-ebook/dp/B08RCTY7PS

Instagram: https://instagram.com/outofpainintopurpose?igshid=1gw9drkj55g6z

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sylvester-long-jr-mps-04b8997b/

Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/purposedpain

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/outofpainintopurpose/

Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UC0VM8jVKDFwV1Z30GCi4frg

Other: The Purposeful Journey Podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/purposeful-journey

Personal Instagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/anointed_blackkingdrummer/

Personal Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/longsylvester