Henry G. Parks, Jr. — He Built Parks Sausage into a Multimillion-Dollar Business

Entrepreneur • Business Executive • Public Servant

Henry G. Parks, Jr. believed that quality, innovation, and effective marketing could open doors that had long been closed to African American entrepreneurs. His leadership demonstrated that a Black-owned company could compete successfully on a national stage while building trust with consumers across the country. While Parks's portrait honors the businessman whose vision transformed the food industry, the familiar Parks Sausage advertisements reflect the brand that became a household name and a symbol of Black business success. Together, these images illustrate how Parks combined entrepreneurship, marketing, and determination to create a company that broke barriers and inspired future generations of business leaders. His legacy reminds us that lasting success is achieved not only by building a great product, but by changing what people believe is possible.

Overview:

Henry Green Parks, Jr. (1916–1989) was an entrepreneur, marketer, public servant, and business executive who built one of the most successful Black-owned food companies in American history. Born in Atlanta, Georgia, and raised in Dayton, Ohio, Parks graduated with honors from The Ohio State University before beginning a career in sales and marketing. After gaining experience in advertising, public relations, and the food industry, he founded the Parks Sausage Company in Baltimore, Maryland, in 1951. Starting with only two employees and limited financial resources, Parks transformed the company into a multimillion-dollar enterprise known for its quality products and memorable advertising. In 1969, H.G. Parks, Inc. became the first African American-owned company to have its stock publicly traded, marking a historic milestone in American business. Parks also served on the Baltimore City Council and the boards of several major corporations, demonstrating that business success and community leadership could go hand in hand. 

Quick Facts:

• Born September 29, 1916, in Atlanta, Georgia.

• Raised in Dayton, Ohio.

• Graduated with honors from The Ohio State University in 1938.

• Founded the Parks Sausage Company in Baltimore in 1951.

• Built the company into a multimillion-dollar food manufacturer serving markets along the East Coast.

• H.G. Parks, Inc. became the first African American-owned company with publicly traded stock in 1969.

• Served on the Baltimore City Council from 1963 to 1969.

• Served on the boards of major corporations including W. R. Grace & Company, Magnavox, Warner-Lambert, and First Pennsylvania Corporation.

• Supported organizations including the NAACP, National Urban League, and United Negro College Fund.

• Received an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from Temple University in 1975.

Why This Story Matters

Henry G. Parks, Jr. proved that determination, innovation, and strong leadership could overcome barriers created by racial discrimination. At a time when many Black entrepreneurs struggled to obtain financing or gain access to major markets, Parks built a nationally recognized company through quality products, effective marketing, and sound business practices. His success challenged stereotypes about Black-owned businesses and opened new opportunities for future entrepreneurs. Beyond his company, Parks served in public office, supported civil rights organizations, mentored young business leaders, and became one of the first African Americans to serve on the boards of several major American corporations. His life demonstrated that economic success could create opportunities for both businesses and communities.

Legacy:

Henry G. Parks, Jr. believed that success depended on earning the confidence of customers every day. When he founded the Parks Sausage Company in 1951, he built his business around quality, cleanliness, and customer trust. He welcomed federal inspectors into his plant before such inspections were required, introduced "sell-by" dates to assure customers of product freshness, and personally sampled the company's products to maintain consistent quality. His memorable advertising campaign—"More Parks Sausages, Mom, Please"—helped make the company a household name throughout the East Coast. By the 1970s, Parks Sausage employed approximately 300 people and generated millions of dollars in annual sales. In 1969, H.G. Parks, Inc. became the first African American-owned company to have its stock publicly traded, a milestone that demonstrated Black-owned businesses could compete successfully in the national marketplace. Parks also believed that business leaders had a responsibility to serve others. He served on the Baltimore City Council, helped advance equal opportunity, supported civil rights and educational organizations, and mentored future business leaders. His legacy extends far beyond the food industry, inspiring generations of entrepreneurs to pursue excellence, expand opportunity, and build businesses that strengthen their communities.  

Discussion Questions:

1. Henry G. Parks, Jr. faced repeated rejection when seeking financing to start his company. What personal qualities do you imagine helped him overcome those obstacles, and how might those qualities help entrepreneurs today?

2. How did segregation make it more difficult for Black entrepreneurs to compete with white owned companies? 

3. Parks believed that success in business also carried a responsibility to improve opportunities for others. In what ways can successful businesses strengthen a community beyond creating jobs?

Reflection Prompt:

1. Henry G. Parks, Jr. refused to let discrimination determine what he could accomplish. If you were building a business or organization today, what values would you want people to remember long after your products or services were gone? 

Sources & Further Reading:

1. Henry Green Parks, Jr. (1916–1989)." BlackPast.org. Website 

2. "For Henry Parks...More Than Sausages." The New York Times. April 10, 1977. Newspaper. 

3. Parks Sausage Company: A Higher Standard." Baltimore Museum of Industry. Museum Exhibit. Website. 

4. "The Resilience of Henry G. Parks Jr.: Leading One of the Nation's Most Profitable Black-Owned Food Manufacturers." Black Enterprise. September 1996. Website. 

5. "Parks Sausage Company Employee." Photograph. Baltimore Museum of Industry. 

6. "More Parks Sausages, Mom." Advertisement. Baltimore Museum of Industry. 

7. "Henry G. Parks Jr." Photograph. BlackPast.org. 

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