HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-12-09 Roy Clay, Sr.
EXPRESSING APPRECIATION FOR ROY CLAY, SR.
WHEREAS, the definition of a leader is someone who creates space for others to excel and shine; Roy Clay, Sr.
exemplifies this quality and has been nicknamed the “godfather of Silicon Valley” as he created opportunities for others
while he climbed; and
WHEREAS, after attending segregated public schools in Missouri, Roy received a degree in mathematics from
St. Louis University as one of the first Black American graduates of a previously all-white university in a former slave
state; he pursued engineering, first in Missouri then in California; and
WHEREAS, Roy’s early work in California involved creating a radiation tracking system to study the aftermath
of a nuclear explosion, and later when he joined Hewlett-Packard (HP) in 1965, he became a founding member of the
Computer Division where he led the team that developed HP’s first minicomputer as he held the belief that computers
would get smaller, faster, and less expensive; and
WHEREAS, Roy practiced innovation in computer engineering as well as workplace culture as he created the
flexible work schedule culture at HP and recruited talent from top universities including Historically Black Colleges
and Universities; he became the first African American Executive at HP; and
WHEREAS, upon leaving HP, Roy continued to influence the future of Silicon Valley by partnering with venture
capital firms to help identify companies to support such as Intel and Compaq; Roy also started his own electrical safety
test equipment manufacturing company, ROD-L Electronics, which at the time was one of a few technology companies
founded by an African American and one of the most diverse companies, realizing that the diverse perspectives gave
his company a competitive edge; and
WHEREAS, Roy was the first African American to be elected to the Palo Alto City Council in 1973 and later, the
first to serve as the Vice Mayor. He also served on the Board of the Olympic Club in San Francisco where he became
the first African American man to join the club in 1987; and
WHEREAS, Roy was inducted into the Silicon Valley Engineering Council Hall of Fame in 2003 where he shared
his hopes and dreams for a more inclusive future as he knew he created a trail for other people of color in a place where
there was previously no path at all.
NOW, THEREFORE I, Greer Stone, Mayor of the City of Palo Alto, on behalf of the entire City Council, do
hereby express my respect and appreciation to Roy Clay, Sr. for his leadership, vision, perseverance, and dedication to
advancing this community, the region, and the world.
Presented: December 9, 2024
______________________________ Greer Stone Mayor
Proclamation