Life & Work with Marcel Bellamy

Today, we’d like to introduce you to Marcel Bellamy.

Hi Marcel, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My name is Marcel William Bellamy. I am 24 years old, and I like to think of myself as someone who wants to strive and excel in life, although it doesn’t always look like this. Growing up, my family and I moved often and never had specific goals other than to “survive.”

Low-income, housing insecurities, government assistance, and I was also a kid who struggled with mental health concerns such as attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and low self-esteem. In addition to this, my father was incarcerated when I was young, while my mother did everything she could to support and provide for her seven kids as a single mother. The goal has always been to “survive” and never strive.

It made sense at the time, but around freshman year of high school, I had a realization that came from something negative and not positive. I received another suspension for insubordination and had to take the walk of shame yet again for my behavior at school. At this point, I thought I would “never be anything,” as a relative told me.

Even though I had these self-loathing thoughts at the time, I didn’t want to make what other people already thought a reality of mine. At this age, I at least had that… discernment. I knew this wasn’t the end of my story, and this is what began the separation from my environment and the focus of God’s ordained steps for my life.

After high school, I was accepted and enrolled in Eastern Michigan University, where I obtained my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology (2021) and returned directly after to obtain my Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology (2024), where I specialized in providing psychotherapy, trauma-focused and cognitive behavioral techniques to students in Eastern’s Counseling and Psychological Services building.

I like to call myself a first-generation college student, as I was at the time of undergrad, but during this time, my mom returned to college to receive her Associate’s, Bachelor’s, and Master’s, and now she is actively enrolled in her doctoral program. My mom has been the foremost and absolute means of motivation. Seeing her sacrifice so much has allowed me to be where I am today, and for that, I am forever grateful.

I am not just a psychologist but an individual of many capabilities. One thing that my father has taught me that continues to stick with me no matter what is, “Cel, if you’re gonna do something, be the best you can be at it.”

Two years ago, I started videography, mostly lifestyle and freelance work, and I now am directing and producing a reality game show called “The Influencer,” set to be filmed this summer in Detroit, MI. As this isn’t my full story, it takes me through some very tough and rewarding chapters and it makes me excited for what’s to come next!

Let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what challenges have you had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been easy, but one of the most difficult hardships that I have experienced was navigating higher education as the only Black male who was accepted and graduated from my program. The hardest part at times was showing up.

Showing up to class, showing up as a supervisor during my graduate assistantship, showing up as a Black male therapist during practicum, and, believe it or not, showing up to graduation. Showing up to me meant that I proved to everyone who had ever counted me out. Showing up to me meant that my steps were ordained.

Showing up meant that I mattered. Showing up meant that I could do it with no financial support or guidance. Most importantly, showing up meant that I believed in myself and that I could inspire others to believe that no matter what, you are capable.

Knowledge is power. Knowing that you can is empowering.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a Masters-level clinical psychologist who currently practices as a therapist. I do therapy primarily with adults who experience trauma-related symptoms, anxiety, depression, SMI, SUD, and other life hardships that affect their cognitive functioning.

This work is rewarding because life is unpredictable, and it gives individuals the chance to claim their lives back, one therapy session at a time. I plan to continue my education and obtain my doctoral degree in the future and eventually open and provide mental health services as a Founder in my very own private practice or facility. Remember, knowledge is power. Knowing that you can is empowering!

As I also continue to embark on my journey in the film and production industry, I plan to continue to write and direct more shows and eventually feature films, God willing.

One other important piece is philanthropy because giving, inspiring, and making a difference in any way that I can is BIG for me. “Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth” – Muhammed Ali. My mom founded a non-profit organization called “GenTel Youth Services,” aimed at providing mentorship, guidance, and support to youth in the city of Detroit and surrounding areas.

This year, we will be holding the third annual DET Clothing Drive while partnering with Samaritas of Westland, MI, to provide clean clothing to their families. We plan to continue to expand this year and continue our philanthropy deeds, God willing.

What were you like growing up?
Growing up, especially during my early teenage years, I was always energetic and filled with joy. I loved to hang with my brothers and sisters, play sports, and even do extracurricular activities like band and theater.

I believe that my mom did a phenomenal job of making us feel loved immensely, that at times, what we didn’t have didn’t matter as long as we had each other!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/execmarcel?igsh=MTVrN2RlMnFlemxyeQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@mmonprod?si=usfzaYfXmQRzXlku
• Other: https://www.instagram.com/mmonprod?igsh=ZmpzaXd0YzhiMGJ2&utm_source=qr

Image Credits
Marcel Bellamy – @mmonprod
Ty Coleman Jr – @createdd.films