Tompkins shares his story as Black History Month comes to an end

Often, people may assume living on the mean streets of any big metropolitan city, fraught with crime, drugs, and violence, would destroy someone’s drive and in many cases, one’s life.

In the case of one local former business executive, it did just the opposite. It set in motion the drive, determination, and academic and personal achievement of one Black man growing up during segregation in New York City.

Michael Tompkins is currently the Board of Governors Chairman of Lake Oconee Academy (LOA), and it doesn’t seem too long ago when promotions and relocations brought him to Atlanta. He knew the city had a reputation for being a good place for Blacks to live and grow despite its past. He found it welcoming, and he met his wife June, whom he credits for his success.

They have been married 41 years, have four successful adult children, and make Reynolds their home. He previously served as chairman of the board for Union Point Steam Academy.

His life started in Harlem hunger and money tight. He recounts the violence and physical scars he has from the experience. After his parents’ divorce, his mother wisely moved out to the Bronx with her family to escape the crime and violence.

But, it was there later at a new high school that Tomkins remembers the insults of racism and horrible name-calling.

It made an impression throughout his life.

Tompkins was always top of the class in academics and excelled throughout the seven high schools he attended due to many moves his mother made due to family circumstances. Being the eldest of six boys, most of the responsibility for his siblings fell on him.

He knew he was meant to be an example for his brothers. However, he had to attend a six-month enrichment program for bad behavior and gambling. Tompkins remembers a teacher telling him he “was special and bright.” He knew that innately, as most adults who met him, and he set his sights on finishing high school and going to City College in New York.

He recalls a painful incident while serving in his Catholic parish at the time as the lead altar boy. While exiting the church in a procession with his other altar boys, the Cardinal closed the door to the rectory on the procession of young Black boys to have lunch with fellow priests. No one offered food to the poor and hungry altar boys who served. He saw it as a defining moment, propelling Tomkins to get out of poverty.

After graduating from college with a degree in accounting and economics, Tompkins was approached by a recruiter who was looking to place top-notch Black graduates. The Jackie Robinson Foundation, a national non-profit organization that gives scholarships to minority youth for higher education, came calling after looking at high scores and meeting a young Tompkins.

He later went on to become the Chief Financial Officer for its residential arm after working closely with Mrs.

Robinson. She recognized his skills and business acumen and once traveled together to Nigeria to explore a housing opportunity. As fate would have it, they narrowly escaped being shot just before the president and state governor were assassinated later that week.

A good friend had relocated to Atlanta and shared that Blacks had good opportunities to excel. This was the 1970s, and Tompkins relocated to Atlanta with Calibre Companies. His experience was in real estate, construction, and management. But Tompkins, despite his work ethic and success, said it was not easy to become a partner.

Although he was leagues ahead of his coworker team, he was passed over.

He faults their decision on not wanting a Black man to join the echelons. Yet, the CEO saw Tompkins as a true entrepreneur.

He went on to spend many years building, managing, and investing in apartments, various related service companies, and commercial real estate for rent and sale throughout the Southeast and Southwest. He retired from TriBridge Residential as the executive managing partner, one that did not preclude him due to his race.

Tompkins has served on many local and national Boards, including vice chairman and trustee of the national Boys and Girls Clubs, where he traveled as a keynote speaker; vice chairman of the Atlanta Apartment Association; president of the Georgia Apartment Association; chairman of the Executive Committee of the National Multi Housing Council; and the Atlanta Food Bank. He gives his time and leadership and has special messages for today’s youth.

“Education is everything,” he said. “Hard work, commitment, and a sound focus on the future will serve everyone well. Know and nurture your abilities and give of yourself.”