Henry G. Parks Jr. facts for kids

Henry G. Parks Jr. (born September 29, 1916 – died April 24, 1989) was an important American businessman. He started the Parks Sausages Company, becoming one of the most successful African American business owners of his time. Parks also helped many organizations and served on different boards.

Early Life and Business Start

Henry G. Parks Jr. was born on September 29, 1916, in Atlanta, Georgia. When he was a child, his family moved to Dayton, Ohio. He studied business at Ohio State University and graduated in 1939.

After college, Parks worked as a sales representative for the Pabst Brewing Company. This meant he helped sell their products. In 1942, he joined a public relations agency in New York City. A public relations agency helps companies look good to the public. While there, he tried to start new businesses, like a drink called Joe Louis Punch, named after a famous boxer.

Founding Parks Sausage Company

In 1949, Parks left the agency and bought into a sausage company in Cleveland, Ohio. He tried to sell sausage with a Southern taste, but it didn't work out. He sold his share and ended up in debt.

But Henry Parks didn't give up! In 1951, he used old family recipes to start his own company, the Parks Sausage Company. He began with just two employees in Baltimore. Parks worked hard and grew the company into a huge success. It became a multi-million dollar business with over 200 employees. They had a modern factory and sold more than $14 million worth of sausage each year.

In 1969, the Parks Sausage Company made history. It became one of the first businesses owned by an African American to sell its stock to the public. This meant everyday people could buy a small part of the company. In 1977, Parks sold his share of the company. However, he continued to advise the company and serve on its board until he passed away.

Helping the Community

Henry Parks cared a lot about helping the African American community. He wanted to "encourage talented young black people to get jobs."

He served on the Baltimore City Council from 1963 to 1969. As a council member, he supported laws that made public places open to everyone, no matter their race. He also worked to make it easier for people accused of crimes to get bail.

Parks was also on the boards of several big companies, like Magnavox and First Pennsylvania Bank Corporation. He helped organizations like the Opportunities Industrial Center Inc. and the National Interracial Council for Business Opportunity. He also supported important groups like the United Negro College Fund, the National Urban League, and the NAACP. These groups work to improve the lives of African Americans.

Later Life and Legacy

Henry G. Parks Jr. passed away on April 24, 1989. He died from problems related to Parkinson's disease in Towson, Maryland. He was survived by his two daughters, Grace and Cheryl, his sister, Vera Wilson, and three grandchildren.

His granddaughter, Rosalie Johnson, created the Henry G. Parks Foundation. This foundation helps keep his memory and his work alive.

Images for kids

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  An opened package of Parks Breakfast Sausage.