Justin Deadwyler and Wendell Vassell

Recorded November 15, 2022 Archived November 15, 2022 39:07 minutes
0:00 / 0:00
Id: atl004725

Description

Friends Wendell "Marcus" Vassell (44) and Justin Deadwyler (37) talk about meeting as students of Georgia Institute of Technology's Executive MBA Program.

Subject Log / Time Code

Justin Deadwyler (37) remembers his first impression of friend and fellow Georgia Tech alum, Marcus Vassell (44).
Marcus talks about fears of imposter syndrome as he started Georgia Tech's Executive MBA Program. He says Justin introducing himself made all the difference.
Justin talks about being a Georgia Tech Double Jacket. He says his parents met while attending the Historically Black University or College (HBCU), Savannah State College.
Justin talks about participating in the Minority-to-Majority student transfer program. He says he attended Kittredge Magnet School, as well as Chamblee Middle School and Chamblee High School.
Justin remembers feeling like a fish out of water at Georgia Tech, even though he's from Atlanta. He says you do not see a lot of black students on campus.
Justin remembers having a few bad semesters during undergrad. Returning to Tech for the Executive MBA Program, Justin says he wanted other black students to feel welcome and seen.
Marcus says he initially attended DeVry University. He says he thought of Georgia Tech as a white school for engineers.
Marcus says he is now a consultant. He says he never thought that would happen.
Justin talks about going to school during COVID. He says Marcus also had his 2nd child during this time.
Marcus and Justin talk about starting the Brothers Group. Marcus says men need their own space to talk and have emotions.
Marcus asks Justin about the 2020 murder of George Floyd.
Justin says there is no place like Atlanta for black people. He talks about changing the face of black leadership.
Marcus and Justin talk more about George Floyd.
Marcus talks about Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). Marcus says he is now a DEI Ambassador for Georgia Tech.
Justin shares words of advice from his mom. He says one person does not have to do it all if each does their piece.
Justin talks about the impact of Marcus's friendship on his life. Justin talks about going through a divorce during the MBA program.
Justin remembers a sermon of his grandfather's that listed three P's for men - being present, a provider and a protector.
Marcus says he recently lost a childhood friend to suicide. He talks about the mental gymnastics of the black man.
Justin calls the Brothers Group a wisdom tank. He says one thing he has learned is to slow down. He talks about mental, spiritual, and emotional wellbeing.
Marcus and Justin thank each other for their friendship. Justin says Marcus will be a role model for hs sons.

Participants

  • Justin Deadwyler
  • Wendell Vassell

Recording Locations

Atlanta History Center

Venue / Recording Kit

Initiatives