African-Americans in Silicon Valley Leave Imprint on Today’s Technology

Roy L. Clay

Roy L. Clay, Sr. is a notable figure in the world of technology. As early as the 1970s, he was tapped as a computer consultant for then start-ups such as Intel and Compaq. An inductee in the Silicon Valley Engineering Council’s Hall of Fame, he was instrumental in the development of Hewlett-Packard’s computer division. He developed the software for the company’s 2116 computer and served as the Director for the initial HP Research and Development Computer Group. These days, he is the CEO of ROD-L Electronics, a company he founded in 1977. Clay’s firm specializes in electrical product safety equipment and testing. The company received the Consumer Product Safety Award for its innovations, which have been used internationally.

ROD-L Electronics is located in Menlo Park, CA. Clay has been acknowledged for his community service. He became the first African American to serve as Councilman and Vice Mayor of Palo Alto during the 1970s. His credo to young people: “Hang in there and take advantage of the opportunities that are coming in the new millennium. Our efforts will undoubtedly bring about a lessening of the digital divide by training people for a new high-tech future.”