More Parks Sausages, Mom…Please!

A breakfast food jingle known to generations was revived at a 2019 reception held in collaboration with the Henry G. Parks Foundation to celebrate the legacy of the founder of the Parks Sausage Company, Henry Parks. Parks Sausage was the first Black-owned company to be traded on an American stock exchange.

At the reception, Maryland Lt. Gov. Boyd Rutherford, and Rosalie Johnson, granddaughter of Henry G. Parks and creator of the foundation bearing his name, both provided inspiring remarks. Working with Ms. Johnson, the BMI announced plans for an exhibition highlighting Parks Sausage as part of a larger initiative to incorporate more stories of workers into existing exhibitions.

The story of Henry G. Parks, Jr. is one of resiliency and excellence. As a Black entrepreneur, he not only broke racial barriers and excelled in a white corporate world, he also helped set the standard for meat manufacturing and created a positive work environment for his workers. Learn more about Mr. Parks, and hear a recording of the company jingle, in the food processing gallery at the BMI.