Today we’d like to introduce you to Tamarques Porter.
Hi Tamarques, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I grew up in Orange Mound, one of the first African American neighborhoods in the United States to be built by African Americans. Growing up in Orange Mound was very challenging. Luckily, my mom kept focused and out of the streets.
I attended Melrose High School and played football under Coach Tim Thompson. Having Tim Thompson (Coach T) as a coach also impacted my life. He taught us how rewarding life can be if you work hard and stay focused on your “why.” One of our mottos was, “There is no struggle without progress.” Being on the football team and winning the state championship was a great accomplishment early in my life. Coach T was a father figure to so many of us, and the work ethic he instilled in me still carries on to this day.
After graduating from Melrose High, I attended Texas Southern University on a football scholarship. Living in Houston, TX, was eye-opening. I built so many great relationships while attending the university. Playing college football, traveling, and meeting new people from all walks of life was the perfect experience being from Memphis. While on a scholarship, our head football coach encountered legal problems, affecting several players, including myself. As a result, I found it necessary to return to Memphis to complete my college education.
After returning to Memphis, I started on a journey to learn more about myself and to figure out what I wanted to do with my life. I began participating in Super Learning Classes hosted at Java, Juice, and Jazz on Elvis Presley Blvd. Dr. Clifford Black led these sessions. Being a part of this class and absorbing Dr. Black’s teachings on the power of language and using language to improve our lives provided me with profound insights into life. These revelations were instrumental in shaping my future and enhancing my personal growth.
While completing my bachelor’s degree in information technology at the University of Phoenix, I married and welcomed two sons into our family. As a father, I understood that my life had changed in the most beautiful ways and that I needed to grow even more productive person. Motivated by my desire to provide and set an example, I didn’t stop there; I pressed on with my studies and achieved my master’s degree in technology management.
In 2016, the entrepreneurial spirit took hold of me, and I launched Porter Computer Solutions, my own computer company. I was driven by a vision to ensure families in every underserved neighborhood of Memphis could have a working computer in their homes. Starting this business allowed me to assist others with their technology needs.
Once I started teaching computer classes, I decided to get involved in community work. By joining organizations like Inward Journey, I realized how overcoming trauma can positively shape personal and community development. Furthermore, I graduated from the 2019 Leadership Memphis Fast Track program, which equipped me with the tools and knowledge to drive meaningful change in our communities. My dedication to education extended to teaching literacy skills and computer classes throughout the city.
Today, I take great pride in my active role on the Tennessee Higher Education Prison Initiative (THEI) board, where I advocate for providing incarcerated individuals with the opportunity to pursue associate and bachelor’s degrees. I also have played vital roles in serving as an annual facilitator for the late Barbara Cooper Jones Initiative and volunteering for the Inward Journey Training Odyssey, offering essential support to its participants. Currently, I serve as an IT Specialist at the US Department of Treasury, which allows me to blend my enthusiasm for education and technology.
Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned? Looking back, has it been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Living in Memphis as a young man presents its own set of struggles. Navigating these struggles on a mental level is where the real work begins. My first challenge was overcoming the misconceptions I held about life. As mentioned, most of my challenges revolved around identifying my life’s purpose. Before my collegiate journey, I had experienced just one college graduation ceremony. The sight of my cousin crossing the stage greatly inspired me. Upon returning to Memphis and observing the changes in my environment, it became clear that I had to acquire new knowledge to adapt to these evolving times. Thus, I began to educate myself in technology, law, and education, going beyond the curriculum taught in school.
Thanks for sharing that. Can you tell us more about your work next?
Staying abreast of the constant technological advancements in the information technology sector is crucial. Fortunately, being employed by the Federal Government, these technological shifts keep us deeply involved on our tasks.
Beyond my professional duties, I’m dedicated to community advocacy. I organize weekly literacy classes and teach basic computer skills across the city. Engaging with the youth is one of my core passions. I connect with them in various ways, making a difference on multiple fronts. By making these efforts, in 2023, I was named as one of the top 20 most influential people in Memphis.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
It’s being both a dedicated team player and an attentive listener. This combination of qualities allows me to fully engage with the diverse talents and perspectives that each person brings to the table. I’m passionate about working in environments where everyone’s skills are recognized and celebrated. Being a good listener amplifies this, as it helps me understand and value the insights and contributions of the people around me. These traits enable me to contribute to a harmonious and productive team dynamic, where collective goals are achieved through a shared commitment and mutual respect. Learning to embrace these qualities more has been central to my professional and personal achievements. It has taught me the importance of connection, understanding, and mutual support in building solid and lasting relationships. The joy and fulfillment I derive from being part of a cohesive team, whether in the workplace or personal endeavors, underscore this characteristic’s fundamental role in my overall success.
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