He was a powerbroker who helped transform not just the skyline of one of the countrys greatest cities; he helped redeem the soul of America. King, chief executive officer of The King Center, stated, It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that the King Center acknowledges the passing of one of Atlantas extraordinary civic leaders and entrepreneurs, Mr. Herman J. Russell. Since 1952, H. J. Russell & Companys commitment to strengthening Americas foundation through entrepreneurship, empowerment and excellence has propelled the company to legendary success. When history was being made in Atlanta, chances were Russell was present. People have other things to do. It also was Russell who wrote checks to pay the bail of students arrested after sit-ins at lunch counters in the South during the civil rights movement, said Jordan. After his father's death in 1957, Russell took over the company and expanded it into a conglomerate that includes general contracting, construction/program management, real estate development and property and asset management. Russell, the youngest of eight children, grew up in the Summerhill neighborhood, in the shadow of the baseball complex he would later help rebuild into the spectacular sports edifice Turner Field, which would become at that time, the envy of Major League Baseball franchises. Where are todays Muhammad Ali-like athletes? Noel Khalil, who worked with and was mentored by Russell, said when Russell offered him a job, he asked Khalil how much he was making. One of the funniest stories was about a bet Perry made with Russells executive assistant about intentionally dropping a penny in Russells toilet at the office. Russell had picked up the penny. 1987: Expands his own corporate office to 42,000 square feet. Perry said you judge a generation by the generation that follows it. By the time of his retirement in 1997, Russell had . Russell & Company is currently involved with the construction of the $1.3 billion Atlanta Falcons stadium development. With the skills his father taught him, he, with the help of friends, built a duplex on a vacant lot he had saved up to purchase. When we embarked on this family project, we never dreamed his life would be made available to be seen on television, let alone by millions of Delta customers., In the 1980s, Delta had the foresight to put a Black-owned company and a white-owned company together, H. J. Russell & Company and Holder Construction, to build the companys headquarters, said his son H. Jerome Russell, Jr., Chairman of the Board, the Russell Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship (RCIE). He and his wife, Otelia, lived in midtown Atlanta. Senator Vincent Fort (@Senatorfort) November 15, 2014, R. I.P. He bought his first parcel of land for $125 at age sixteen, later building a duplex on the property. 1978: Wins Black Enterprise Magazine Annual Achievement Award. His role model was his father who owned his own plastering business. R.I.P. Andrew Young, a former Atlanta mayor and U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, echoed Reeds sentiments when he said, [Russell] was one of the giants of our time. Over the years, the Holders and the Russells became close friends as well as business partners. Hermans drive, tenacity and vision carry on throughout the company today. He was a gentleman., Sam Massell, a former Atlanta mayor who is now president of the Buckhead Coalition, Herman Russells success is indelible proof that Georgia is indeed a place where all are welcome and where all can succeed. Continue to construct great buildings in heaven., Tweet from state Rep. Darshun Kendrick, D-Lithonia, @DarshunKendrick, The country has lost a GIANT, Herman J. Russell. When are the 2023 college graduation ceremonies in Georgia? (Left)Michael B. Russell& Jerome Russell(Right). New Atlantas Founding Father, Herman J. Russell, dies. Russell partnered with noted white business leaders such as developer John Portman and Aarons founder Charles Loudermilk. What Falcons NFC South rivals did in 2023 NFL draft. During this period Russell owned several construction and real estate companies, among them H. J. Russell and Company, H. J. Russell Construction Company, H. J. Russell Plastering Company, Paradise Management Inc., DDR International, and Southeast Land Development Company. However, the nation has lost a genuine and sincere chaplain of the common, First N.C. State Supreme Court Justice honored, Is this the time to stand up and fight back? His obsession with Prince, Spike Lee movies, Hamilton and the New York Yankees is odd. Maria Saporta,Editor,is a longtime Atlanta business, civic and urban affairs journalist with a deep knowledge of our city, our region and state. H.J. Herman Jerome Russell was born to Maggie Googson and Rogers Russell in Atlanta on December 23, 1930. We should pray to have even a fraction of the impact he had on the lives of others! Their other films include Mayor Ivan Allen, Jr.: A Different Road, The Wise Heart: The Story of Emory University, One Law for All: The Story of the Atlanta Legal Aid Society, and The Story of Hope and Will: Childrens Healthcare of Atlanta. For more about Living Stories, visit livingstories.tv. An interview with the filmmakers can be found on the H. J. Russell & Company We Build: The Podcast here or on other podcast platforms. Russell, the youngest of eight children, was born during the heart of the Depression in the Atlanta community of Summerhill. Herman Russell had a major impact on many of us, and he lived a great life.. Russell's other interests are in airport concessions. Russell left his mark on our citys skyline as one of the builders and developers who constructed some of our regions iconic structures," Fulton County Chairman John Eaves said in a statement. I gave a gift of life., Jerome said the last time he saw his father at the Rollins Pavilion at Emory Hospital, he gave me the biggest smile and a hand wave. Egbert Perry viewed Russell as his second father. Russell was alreadymillionaire builder before the civil rights movement led by Dr. Kinghijacked American consciousness. Everything in his world was designed to be an obstacle.. Former Mayor Shirley Franklin in an interview several years ago called Russell a superb example of the American dream.. As we worked on Mr. Russells own story we quickly saw that he built more than buildings; he built relationships. Russell almost immediately expanded the family business, taking onlarger projects that ranged from home building to real estate investment. Russell & Company, Russell was also a formidable community and civic leader, as well as author of his recently released autobiography, Building Atlanta: How I Broke Through Segregation to Launch a Business Empire. His brilliance is reflected across Atlantas skyline and throughout communities across the country. He released his autobiography, Building Atlanta: How I Broke Through Segregation to Launch a Business Empire, last April. His father was a plasterer from whom he learned the trade starting at the age oftwelve. Russells sons who, along with his daughter and grandchildren, now carry on his legacy. Today, the Atlanta-based H. J. Russell and Company is a nationally recognized leader in the construction and real estate development industry, as well as the single largest Minority Business Enterprise real estate firm in the United States. 1962: Establishes H.J. Herman is survived by his wife, Sylvia, daughter, Donata Russell Major, sons H. Jerome (Stephanie) and Michael (Lovette) Russell, stepsons Eric and Kevin Anderson, eight grandchildren --. The documentary is also the inspirational back story on which RCIE is being created to grow Black entrepreneurship. I was an obnoxious, over-educated, arrogant, illegal immigrant.. Back in those days, I faced some tough segregation, Russell said in an interview in March. [1][2][3][4][5] He founded H. J. Russell & Company, the largest minority-owned real estate and construction business in the United States. Hala Moddelmog (@HalaModdelmog) November 16, 2014, Thoughts & prayers go out to the Russell family. We know hes at rest., He continued, He was elated and proud of the fact that he was able to share his legacy with others and, most importantly, his grandchildren. I remember watching my father on the side of the bed on his knees and pray, Donata Major said. By John B. Smith, Sr. Special to the NNPA from The Atlanta Inquirer ATLANTA - Herman J. Russell, the native Atlantan born in 1931 from humble beginnings in the Summerhill community who ultimately grew to become founder of the nation's most influential African-American construction and property management company in southwest Atlanta, from a plastering business in [] U.S. Rep. John Lewis [D-Ga.] said, Herman J. Russell was one of the founding fathers of the new Atlanta. Rep. Hank Johnson (@RepHankJohnson) November 15, 2014, Herman Russell understood the role of businesspeople in the journey toward social justice. I cant express how much we will miss him., Hermans spirit permeated the community. There was just no way to go to work at a very early age.. When Jordan heard Russell was ill a couple of months ago, he called him when he knew he would be alone. [8], Herman J. Russell died on November 15, 2014, at the age of 83, in Atlanta Georgia and was buried at South-View Cemetery. Russells office showcased photos of him with U.S. presidents in the White House. Russell did. The companys leadership was shifting too, placing his capable children H. Jerome, Michael and Donata to significant leadership positions as H. J. Russell announced his retirement was imminent. No tribute to Russell would be complete without a word from a mainstay of the Civil Rights era, where Russell worked behind-the-scenes to secure and provide financial support for its mission. Andrew Young, former Atlanta mayor and U.N. ambassador, on Saturday called Russell one of the giants of our time. Herman Russell helped to make real the legacy of a city too busy to hate.. He was a great citizen, a great business man and a brother. Age 101, of Bloomington. Through Our Eyes: Panelist seek to encourage surrounding communities and generations after. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Russell asked him how much he was making, and Khalil said $60,000 and up to $75,000 a year with a bonus. Before he died, Russell held board seats for the Atlanta Chamber of Commerce, Citizens Trust Bank, Georgia Power Company, Wachovia Bank, the Georgia Ports Authority, and other influential organizations. The company has annual sales of more than $150 million and employs 700. Maria was born in Atlanta to European parents and has two youngadult children. []. Along with a myriad of other community and corporate boards, Russell, after retiring in 2003 from his company, continued to be an in demand speaker with business classes, as well as for various corporate settings, channeling his business acumen to future business owners and leaders for the growth and economic advancement. No words can express the depth of our sorrow as we remember Mr. H.J. Herman J. Russell - Wikipedia His legacy in our region is well established, and while Atlanta has lost a builder, developer and philanthropist, I have lost a dear friend. I want to tell you how lucky I was that Herman was in my life, Holder said. I am at peace.. Fax: (954) 525-1861, Boxing Legend George Foreman And Actor Khris Davis Share Inspiration Of Big George Foreman Film, Deborah Janes Strange Fruit Film Revisits The Past To Fix The Future In Racial Reconciliation, Former Tesla Executive Explains How Elon Musk Juggles Four Companies And His Time, Jerry Springer Has Died At 79 After Months Of Battling Pancreatic Cancer, Meta Platforms Scrapping Facebook Watch As Jada Pinkett-Smiths Show Sees Its Final Days, Its Time for Blacks to stand up and fight Trump. Since Ive seen so much hard times coming up as a young person, I could never walk away from improving peoples lives, Russell said. Russell, the youngest of eight children, grew up in the Summerhill district, near Turner Field. The Russell empire also includes Concessions International, a hospitality company that operates the famed Paschals Restaurant in Castleberry Hill and restaurants in airports across the country, including Atlantas Hartsfield-Jackson International. When will I get my Georgia tax rebate for 2023? Herman Russell had a major impact on many of us and he lived a great life.- Michael Russell, son of Herman Russell and CEO of H.J. And we have cried together.. Nine months after Atlanta business icon Herman J. Russell died in November 2014, his three children received a letter from lawyers representing Joycelyn Alston of New York. Family, friends and colleagues from former Atlanta Mayor Andrew Young and fellow construction giant Robert Holder to Russells children and grandchildren remembered a leader who had a deft sense of humor, favored a strong work ethic and could pinch a penny until it bled. Noel Khalil, who also was a proteg, told the story of how Russell hired him. 'New Atlanta's Founding Father' Herman J. Russell Dies All Rights Reserved. Go back inside and find something to do, Russell Jr. said his grandfather ordered. A slick, 28-page color glossy program designed with the kind of professionalism used for Fortune 500 annual reports documented Russells life. Today, the former headquarters location for H. J. Russell & Company is becoming the Russell Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship in recognition of the founders entrepreneurial spirit and desire to give back. He left an indelible mark on Atlanta and the world. Office: (954) 525-1489 Rev. Herman said, If you give me 1 percent more of the profit, you can take my name off of it altogether.. Russell was a tower of strength who used his sharp mind and business know-how to become a major player in Atlantas business community. Herman Russell understood the role of businesspeople in the journey toward social justice., Tweet from state Sen. Vincent Fort, D-Atlanta, @Senatorfort, He was not just a businessman and not just a civic leader. 1995: Constructs Wachovia Headquarters in Winston-Salem, N.C. 1999: Donates $4 million to Tuskegee University, Clark Atlanta University, Georgia State University and Morehouse College. Daughter Donata was picked to head the family philanthropic arm. They are the parents of two sons and a daughter, who are executives with H. J. Russell Co. Herman Russell passed away on November 15, 2014, at the age of 83. Herman Russell known city- , state- and nationwide for his formidable business knowledge and acumen has received many plaudits since his passing on Nov. 15. H. "I feel that my grandfather was influenced by Booker T. Washington, and what he talked about in controlling your destiny, by taking a passion or a trade and turning it into an economic opportunity," Jerome Russell shared. And he leaves people searching for the right words to summarize the indelible impact the legendary businessman, philanthropist and civic leader made on the maturation of the city of Atlanta as a power player on the national and international landscape. I loved him and he will be missed, said Civil Rights icon, Rev. It caused a lot of people to underestimate him. Russell & Company, a local construction firm that helped build many of the city's most important structures, in 1952. He had a good mind and sharp pencil., Andrew Young, former Atlanta Mayor and ambassador to the United Nations, He is one of the best men our city has ever produced. We put your body to rest, Young said. Ever the enterprising adolescent, Russell used the revenue from his teen businesses to fully finance his expensive education at the private HBCU Tuskegee Universityin Alabama. He has seen me cry. The entire nation is indebted to Herman J. Russell for the vision of hope and progress he had for Atlanta and the country. We are saying good-bye to the physical aspect of a person but I know the person is still alive. Ill offer you $30,000, and if youre half as good as you think you are, youll be making a lot more money, Russell told Khalil. But that showed his determination for the causes of the day better cafeteria food, no more hand-me-down books from the white schools and other inequities. Russell, a lifelong Atlantan who counted among his friends several presidents and the Rev. Atlanta business icon Herman J. Russell has died - ajc However, his beginnings were humble. Russells grandchildren also spoke, remembering the lessons he taught them about hard work and how he demonstrated so much passion in everything he did that he made shredding paper even seem exciting. Bernice A. Real Times Media. This was the decade that began with a grand announcement that Atlanta would be the site of the 1996 Centennial Olympic Games. Khalil said he took the job even going back to ask for $250 more a month so he could make his car payments because he knew he would learn and eventually earn much more than he was giving up under Russells tutelage. Russell bought his first piece of land when he was 16 for $125. To this day, the company remains a leader in building and managing affordable housing to citizens in the southeast. In December 2009 Russells family donated $1 million to expand a new facility of Childrens Healthcare of Atlantaat Hughes Spalding. At the time, Russell talked about how his foundation was going to be a big foundation because a lot of my wealth will go into that foundation once I leave the world. Russell later remarried. And he was just a sophomore in high school a mere infant in the business world when he exemplified the level of business acumen that would turn him into a superstar in adulthood. Andrew Young (@AmbAndrewYoung) November 15, 2014, Today, we lost one of the founding fathers of modern Atl in Mr. H.J. The Westside Gazette @ 2023 - Site Designed by No Regret Media, Carma Lynn Henry Russell & Co. built much of Atlantas skyline often through joint ventures from the Georgia-Pacific headquarters to the Georgia Dome. Having the privilege of knowing him since childhood, as I grew, I was able to watch Mr. Russell grow and build this beautiful city with his hands, his words, and his deeds. Atlanta-Fulton County Board of Commissioners Chairman, John Eaves stated, It is with great regret and immense sadness that Ive learned of the passing of an Atlanta icon: Herman J. Russell. Herman "Russ" Russell III said his grandfather urged them all to "stay focused" and "be upbeat." Once he asked his elder what made. By building one of our nations most successful minority-owned companies, his legacy is a shining example for small business owners with big dreams. His company helped erect much of the city's skyline such as Coca-Cola's headquarters, 191 Peachtree Tower, Atlanta City Hall, and the Georgia-Pacific building, among others. Grandson H. Jerome Russell Jr. said his grandfather didnt play favorites with employees. 1967: Gets the winning bid to handle the fireproofing and wetwall work on the Equitable Life Assurance Building. Jordan, who gave the eulogy at the funeral, said Russell had given him two conflicting directions on how to handle the tribute. After Atlanta icon Herman Russell died, DNA proved - Atlanta Magazine Atlanta parents say trip to state soccer finals marred by racial slurs, Seeing is believing: Stars and styles from tonight's Met Gala, No, a bionic bordello isnt coming to rural Georgia, Braves star Ronald Acua Jr. day to day after exiting game with left shoulder contusion, Mistrial over murder charge for defendant accused in Gwinnett teens death, International cyberhackers disrupt websites of UPS, Hartsfield-Jackson, Spelman students win $1M Goldman Sachs prize, Why Silicon Valley Banks fall still impacts Black Atlanta founders. Herman Russell helped to make real the legacy of a city too busy to hate.. You ask if someone has made a difference. November 20, 2014 "He was elated and proud of the fact that he was able to share his legacy with others and, most importantly, his grandchildren. But I didnt want to make assumptions about putting our name first. He was 83. Russell & Company in 1952, becoming one of the largest Minority Business Enterprises in America. Continue to construct great buildings in heaven. Clearly, the answer is yes. [], Where are todays Muhammad Ali-like athletes? The world and Atlanta have indeed lost a remarkable individual and humanitarian. Building Atlanta: The Story of Herman J. Russell was created in coordination with the Russell family by Emmy Award-winning father and son co-directors, David and John Duke of Living Stories Film & Video. He most notably founded H.J. He replaced dilapidated low-income housing with mixed-income communities near the Atlanta University Center. Russell later founded H.J. Speaking to the children, Young said they will always hear their father speaking to them, sharing advice and demanding excellence. The Summerhill native owned several businesses throughout his career, starting at age 16 when he purchased a dilapidated home for $125. He had a good mind and sharp pencil. He was a great citizen, a great business man and a brother. Courtney English (@CourtneyEnglish) November 15, 2014, #ATL is forever indebted to #HJRussell-he helped transform our skyline & worked tirelessly 2 make our city better - he will truly be missed. When I was 14, I went in front of the Atlanta City Council (known then as the Board of Aldermen) to ask for the rezoning of a lot that the city owned so I could expand my business. It is a loss that I and so many others share.. Herman J. Russell, who founded Atlanta-based H. J. Russell & Company in 1952 and Concessions International, LLC, in 1979, is known for helping to build the Atlanta skyline as it's seen today as well as for shaping the airport dining experience for travelers throughout the country and the U. S. Virgin Islands. Returning to Atlanta, he worked alongside his father. 1974: Becomes the co-chairman of the finance committee to elect Maynard Jackson. Today, the company is at number 25 on the BE Top 100 list. Russell's role model was his grandfather, who helped foster and nurture his entrepreneurial spirit. Herman Russell had a major impact on many of. But Holder did give Russell an interview holding a business conference with a black person for the first time in his life and believed that Russell wanted a chance to prove himself. [], These panelists took their time to share their own real life experiences and opinions about the issues faced in todays society. Russell Plastering Company with his father. As a son, Im honored to carry on the family business and community activities my father started with my brother Jerome and sister Donata," current H.J. He was the first black member of what was then called the Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the second African-American to serve as its president. And that's just what his firm did in Atlanta not to mention what the construction magnate built across the nation. Since 2008, she has written a weekly column and news stories for theAtlanta Business Chronicle. But he was sharp as a tack.. There was no one as cheap as H.J., Egbert Perry, a business protege, said to great laughter and nods from attendees at the Saturday funeral. Russell never really stopped working, staying involved as chairman of his companies and in Castleberry Hill where his businesses were based. He made his transition in a peaceful way, said his son, Michael, who serves as CEO of his fathers firm. He used the n-word and asked, Why cant you shine shoes on your front porch? Thats when I was reborn.. In addition, his company continues to manage concessions at several American airports, including services at Hartsfield-Jackson. The nearly hour-long film features interviews with notable Atlantans who knew Herman J. Russell well. #gapol #gadems His legacy will live on in the projects he built, the family he raised, and the people he touched throughout his life., Ernest Greer, chairman of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce and vice president and Atlanta managing shareholder at law firm Greenberg Traurig, He was one of the Giants of our time. "As the founder of one of America's most successful construction and real estate businesses, Mr. Russell shattered countless barriers and created greater opportunities for all, but especially for African-Americans," Mayor Kasim Reed said in a statement. One person who initially underestimated Russell was Robert Holder, a fellow builder. Real estate and property development had always been at the core of the Russell companies, but the unpredictable real estate market created enough concern for the company to look at other areas. Tags: Ambassador Andrew Young, atlanta city council president ceaser mitchell, civil rights movement, Congressman John Lewis, Herman J. Russell, Mayor Kasim Reed. I want to think the Russell children for sharing your father with me, Khalil said. From founding a beverage distributor company and having a majority share in a company that owned a television station in Macon, Ga., to establishing airport concessionaire Concessions International, LLC to being a part of the Omni Group which purchased two major professional sports franchises, diversification was the focus of the decade. Herman J. Russell, who founded Atlanta-based H. J. Russell & Company in 1952 and Concessions International, LLC, in 1979, is known for helping to build the Atlanta skyline as its seen today as well as for shaping the airport dining experience for travelers throughout the country and the U. S. Virgin Islands. And at the last meeting in our conference room, I proposed to name the joint venture: Holder-Russell. He was elated and proud of the fact that he was able to share his legacy with others and, most importantly, his grandchildren. Tweet from DeKalb County Interim CEO Lee May, @LeeMay. Herman J. Russell, an entrepreneur and philanthropist who turned a small plastering firm into one of the most successful African-American-owned real estate development and construction.
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