THE STORY

Brick masonry has become a multi-generational trade in the Parker-Whitaker family dating all the way back to the 1940’s with Joseph Parker.

Joseph Parker attended Tuskegee Institute (now Tuskegee University) and after early experiences of helping on the family farm in Georgia, working at the Ford Motor Company in Detriot, and serving in World War II, Joseph stepped out in faith and started his own construction company, Parker Masonry. 

Joseph built his own successful Black-owned business that helped build many landmark structures in the Metro Detroit area. His construction firm thrived for over 50 years, and along the way he shared his trade skills and business expertise with the younger generations of his family. 

One of his great nephews, Edmund Whitaker, has continued the family legacy with his own construction company that has been specializing in brick masonry and concrete placement for over 20 years.  

Together, Edmund and his cousin Fred Walker have decided to continue Joseph Parker’s legacy to teach younger generations the skill of building, “brick by brick” and all the life lessons that come from it. It is their belief that the process of learning a skill trade teaches the student many things as it relates to life: patience, teamwork, leadership, strong work ethic, organization & so much more.

  • Edmund Whitaker

    Edmund Whitaker graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from Columbus State University. A 22 year veteran of the Columbus Fire & EMS Department, Edmund serves as the Captain. He oversees a fleet containing over 50 million dollars of equipment that is dispatched throughout the State of Georgia. He has continued the family legacy as the owner of Whitaker Concrete & Masonry for over 20 years. His scope of work includes both residential and commercial construction jobs.

  • Fred Walker

    Fred Walker is a successful entrepreneur who grew up in the inner city of Flint, Michigan. Fred graduated from Oakland University with a Bachelor of Computer Science Degree and went on to work for a Fortune 500 Company. In 2006, Walker left his corporate job to pursue entrepreneurial interests ranging from technology, real estate, and retail. After spending his time speaking with and mentoring young adults he saw a need to create a program that would teach them business and life skills.