By Roy Clay Jr
In today’s rapidly evolving world, parents are constantly looking for ways to give their children an edge. We hear it everywhere: get your kids into STEM. Teach them to code. Encourage them to be innovators. But how do you make abstract concepts like computer science and engineering exciting and relatable for a 4th or 5th grader?
The answer isn’t a textbook or a dry lesson. The answer is a hero. A real-life hero who faced staggering odds and used his brilliant mind and unwavering spirit to change the world.
Meet Roy Clay Sr., a man often called the
Godfather of Silicon Valley. His story isn’t just about technology; it’s a powerful lesson in resilience, a testament to the idea that where you start in life doesn’t determine where you finish. And now, thanks to a remarkable new book written by his own sons, this true story is finally accessible to the next generation of dreamers and doers.
“Dream Big: The Roy Clay Story” is more than just a biography; it’s a valuable educational and inspirational tool that belongs on every family’s bookshelf.
From Kinloch to the Cradle of Modern Tech
To understand the magnitude of Roy Clay’s achievements, you have to understand the world he was born into. Kinloch, Missouri, in 1929, was a poor, all-Black town. It was a community rich in love and family, but desperately short on resources. There was no indoor plumbing or electricity, and everywhere he turned, Roy was confronted by the harsh reality of systemic racism. He was a bright kid with a love for numbers, but the world around him told him his dreams were out of reach.
At his first job interview after graduating from college with a mathematics degree—a rare feat for an African American at the time—a company told him, “we don’t hire professional Negroes.” For most people, that would have been a devastating blow. But for Roy Clay, it was a spark. It fueled a lifelong determination to not just succeed for himself, but to break down the very barriers that stood in his way. This is the kind of inspirational story that resonates deeply with children. It teaches them that a setback is not a defeat. It’s a challenge to be overcome.
The Man Who Launched Hewlett-Packard into the Computer Age
After teaching himself programming, Roy
Clay began his career in the tech world at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, where he developed critical software to analyze radiation fallout during the Cold War. His incredible talent didn’t go unnoticed.
In 1965, he was recruited by none other than
David Packard himself to join the fledgling Hewlett-Packard company. At the time, HP was a leader in electronics, but they had yet to make a computer. Packard put Roy Clay in charge of the company’s new computer division, and it was a decision that would change HP—and Silicon Valley—forever.
Roy Clay led the team that created the HP
2116A, the company’s very first computer. The software he wrote for that machine was a monumental achievement, essentially laying the groundwork for HP to become the tech giant it is today. Can you imagine telling your child that the same company that makes their printer or laptop was put on the path to success by a Black pioneer who overcame segregation?
This is a piece of American history—and specifically, Black history—that is often left out of textbooks. “Dream Big” corrects that, making it a perfect STEM book for kids and an invaluable resource for both homeschooled and traditional school students.
Beyond the Code: A Life of Service and Mentorship
What makes Roy Clay’s story so truly inspiring for children is that his ambition wasn’t just for himself. As the highest-ranking Black employee at HP during an era of acute workplace discrimination, he used his position to open doors for others. He actively recruited from historically Black colleges and universities, creating opportunities for a new generation of engineers and showing them that they, too, had a place in Silicon Valley. Later in life, Roy Clay’s legacy extended far beyond the tech world. He became Palo Alto’s first Black city councilman and vice mayor, proving that leadership and service are just as important as innovation. His life teaches children that true greatness is measured not just by personal success, but by how you lift others up along the way.
Why “Dream Big” is the Perfect Book for Your Child
Authored by his sons, Roy Clay Jr. and Rodney Clay, with their father’s extensive input, “Dream Big: The Roy Clay Story” offers a unique and intimate look into this incredible life. The book is written from an autobiographical perspective, in Roy Sr.’s own voice, making it a deeply personal and engaging read for its target audience of 4th and 5th graders.
Here’s what makes this book a must-read for your family:
- It’s an Inspirational Biography: It teaches your child the power of perseverance and hard work, showing them that a “big dream” is possible, no matter the obstacles.
- It’s an Important History Lesson: It introduces concepts of civil rights, segregation, and breaking racial barriers in a way that is accessible and ageappropriate.
- It’s a Gateway to STEM: It connects technology and computer science to a human story, making these fields more relatable and exciting for children.
- It Promotes Family Values: The book emphasizes the importance of family support and love, as it was written in collaboration with his sons just before his death.
In a world where children need positive, relatable role models more than ever, Roy Clay Sr. provides a shining example of a man who succeeded not by luck, but by grit, intelligence, and an “unstoppable” spirit. For parents who want to dive deeper into the full, comprehensive history of this Silicon Valley icon, be sure to also explore the book
“Unstoppable: The Unlikely Story of a Silicon Valley Godfather.” This book, written
for a general readership, is a perfect companion piece to “Dream Big.”
Don’t let this inspiring story be lost to time. Introduce your child to the true history of Silicon Valley and inspire their own journey into STEM.
Get Your Copy and Learn More
You can purchase “Dream Big: The Roy Clay Story” and “Unstoppable: The Unlikely Story of a Silicon Valley Godfather” on Amazon in ebook, paperback, and hardcover formats.
Watch more about Roy Clay Sr.:
- Notable Black Innovators: Roy Clay Sr.
https://www.youtube.com/watch? v=TR-52ZMnZo
• Roy Clay Sr., the Godfather of Silicon Valley
https://www.youtube.com/watch? v=76iQZc-JJMo
- Oral History of Roy Clay https:// www.youtube.com/watch?v=LbdasxyInqE
• Sons write book about the life of Roy Clay Sr.
https://www.youtube.com/watch? v=uetsBgMWMGU
For more information on Roy Clay Sr.’s legacy, visit his Wikipedia page and the Palo Alto History Museum’s feature