Spotlight: The Man Behind the Mission – Harmon Parker, Founder of Bridging the Gap Africa
Let’s take a fun dive into the legendary story of Harmon Parker, the founder of Bridging the Gap Africa (BTGA)! Whether you're a longtime fan or just getting acquainted, Harmon’s story is packed with heart, adventure, and a lot of passion—oh, and guitars!
From a Simple Footbridge to a Life-Changing Mission
The Deal…
It all kicked off in 1996, but before Harmon became the bridge guy, he had another skill under his belt—bricklaying. How did that happen, you ask? Well, it’s classic Harmon. He struck a deal with his friend, a mason: “Teach me how to lay bricks, and I’ll teach you how to play the guitar!” That’s right—Harmon’s not just a bridge builder; he’s got a serious passion for music. When he’s not saving lives with footbridges, you’ll find him strumming his guitar.
That bricklaying deal came in handy for his first mission to build a footbridge in rural Kenya. Harmon joined a friend on what was supposed to be a one-time project, but after seeing how one simple bridge could transform a community, Harmon knew he had found his calling.
The Kenyan Adventure Begins
Harmon didn’t just dip his toes into this mission—he dove in headfirst, moving to Kenya with his wife and their 3-year-old son, Josh, to dedicate his life to building bridges (literally). Little Josh, who grew up around bridges and communities, is now all grown up and serves as a proud board member of BTGA!
Over 80 Bridges and Still Counting
Fast forward to today, and Harmon has overseen the construction of more than 80 footbridges in some of Kenya’s most remote regions. These bridges are more than just structures—they’re lifelines that connect communities to vital resources like healthcare, education, and markets. And it’s all because one man traded bricklaying for guitar lessons and followed his heart to Kenya!
Harmon also shares the powerful realities of life in a "Walking World" during his TEDx talk. He highlights the immense challenges mothers face as they cross dangerous rivers just to reach clinics or markets. Along the way, he has heard heartbreaking stories of people being swept away by rushing waters, simply in their quest for basic needs. These stories fuel his mission to build safe footbridges that transform the lives of isolated communities.
Harmon’s CNN Hero Moment
Of course, Harmon’s journey hasn’t been all smooth sailing. From battling malaria to staring down dangerous situations (we’re talking a literal gun), Harmon’s faced some wild challenges. But his passion for saving lives through bridges has never wavered.
In 2010, Harmon’s tireless work was recognized on a global scale when he was named one of CNN’s Top 10 Heroes. This award, presented by actor Aaron Eckhart, put a global spotlight on BTGA and the communities they serve.
A Vision Bigger Than Bridges
But here’s the kicker: Harmon’s dream doesn’t stop with the bridges he’s already built. His vision for BTGA is even bigger. He’s got his sights set on creating a bridge-building factory that will make it possible to produce footbridges more quickly and efficiently. Why? Because these bridges don’t just help people cross rivers—they build connections, foster peace, and give communities access to a brighter future.
The Adventure Continues
Now, with Josh all grown up and on the board, the Parker family is as committed as ever to building bridges and changing lives. And Harmon’s passion for music is still a part of his life.
Harmon’s story is proof that when you follow your passion, whether it’s for bricklaying, guitar playing, or saving lives, the possibilities are endless.
Join the Journey
You can be part of this incredible mission too! With your support, BTGA can keep building bridges that transform lives. Every bridge we build isn’t just about crossing rivers—it’s about creating opportunities and making sure no one gets left behind.
So, stay tuned for more exciting updates, and thanks for being a part of this amazing journey. Together, we’re building more than just bridges—we’re building hope, one step at a time. 🫶