Mr. Raymond Haysbert joins the celestial body of our sainted ancestors who craved a path of excellence and demonstrated the power of standing strong in the struggle. I was honored to call him my friend and confident. His insight provided me a glimpse into the power elite of our City and State. When he was the President of Parks Sausage I would visit him intrigued by the stories of Black empowerment and self determination. I marveled that he would taste batches of sausage prior to final production. His taste buds was the quality control for an international iconic slogan, "more Park's sausages, Mom please." His tall stature and confident stride dominated any room he entered. He was the man recognized by all as the epitome of class and distinction. Many may not know that when he took Park's Sausage public, the first African American firm to do so, he established the model for future African American entrepreneurs to access wall street and investments firms. He showed Mr. Johnson of Johnson Publications how they did it. Johnson publications followed suit and went public. On the local level one cannot identify any legitimate attempt of Black empowerment that he did benefit from his insight or participation. Even as I write this I am sadden, but I rejoice in knowing that he did his work while it was day and now that night for him has come, he has earned his rest. Well done my faithful servant. You have been faithful over a few things, now inherit the reward of God's promise.
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