Today we’d like to introduce you to Marcellus Haynes.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Marcellus. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I started in computers at a young age with Commodore computers at home however I probably wrote my first computer program on an IBM PC at the Fernbank Science Center in Decatur, GA. After continuing to tinker with PCs through high school, I later went on to attend and graduate from the University of Florida with a degree in Computer Engineering. For the last 20 years I have worked as a Web Application Developer and Consultant for companies throughout the metro Atlanta area and beyond. Also during that time – 6 years ago specifically – I created the Technologists of Color (ToC) organization which provides a platform for growth of African Americans in technology. Today, I continue to run Technologists of Color while working as a senior developer for AgileThought, LLC.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It has been a relatively smooth road, but of course there are challenges. The two greatest challenges have been keeping up with technology and navigating the tech industry as an African American. I think anyone that spends more than a year in the technology industry understands how fast things change and how difficult it can be to keep your skillset relevant. There is, however, a unique experience for African Americans with careers in technology very similar to what is experienced in other “high-earning” careers.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Technologists of Color (ToC) is my effort to help promote and increase African American participation in technology. We have three core programs: meetups, tech training and happy hour networking events. The meetups are designed to provide exposure and information on various technology topics. We provide tech training for students and professionals to help develop tech talent and “fill the pipeline”. And finally our happy hour events are designed to help build the community which serves as a support structure that promotes growth of individuals within the community.
I am most proud that we have served the community for almost 6 years and continue to provide value by all accounts.
What sets us apart is that there are few organizations that serve as advocates exclusively for Black technologists.
What were you like growing up?
Somewhat shy and soft-spoken, always even-keeled. My 3 primary interests were sports, music and computers. I played sports – baseball and basketball – almost year-round and all through high school. I always tinkered with electronic keyboards and drum-sets, but never formally played any instruments. I was however later a DJ for about 15 years during and after college. And of course, I have always been the “computer guy”.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.techsofcolor.org
- Email: info@techsofcolor.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/techsofcolor/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/techsofcolor
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/techsofcolor
- Other: https://www.meetup.com/technologists
Image Credit:
Phrozen Memories, FieldsVision
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