H.J. U.S. Rep. John Lewis [D-Ga.] said, Herman J. Russell was one of the founding fathers of the new Atlanta. Russell & Co., Hoovers Company Profiles, Whos Who Among African Americans (14th ED), Staff Research. 1974: Becomes the co-chairman of the finance committee to elect Maynard Jackson. On your next Delta Air Lines flight, if equipped with seatback in-flight entertainment, youll have the opportunity to view Building Atlanta: The Story of Herman J. Russell, a documentary film about the inspiring life and legacy of Atlanta businessman and founder of one of the countrys largest Black-owned commercial real estate development and construction firms, H. J. Russell & Company. Young, who began is professional life as preacher, said the Bible tells us that the spirit of God is within us. He was 83. Senator Vincent Fort (@Senatorfort) November 15, 2014, R. I.P. He was willing to sacrifice for the good of the community, Lowery said. Here are several highlights of the remembrances that were shared. Lee May (@LeeMay) November 15, 2014. WHEREAS, Mr. Herman J. Russell was the founder and former chief executive officer of H. J. Russell and Company and a nationally recognized entrepreneur and philanthropist amassing one of the nation's most profitable minority-owned business empires, turning a small plaster company into a construction and real estate conglomerate; and WHEREAS, Mr . "His life inspires us to continue to strive to help others and be the best we can be.. WhileAfrican-American leaders were waging war for Civil Rights throughout the southern U.S., Herman began his first major project, a development of 12 residential units on South Avenue in Atlanta. 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. The nearly hour-long film premieres on ATL PBA on Sunday, Feb. 16 at 9 p.m. and re-airs at 9 p.m. on Feb. 23. Returning to Atlanta after college, he worked . Today, the company is at number 25 on the BE Top 100 list. Daughter Donata was picked to head the family philanthropic arm. Later while in college, he and friends build a . What surprised me the most was that Herman was speaking at all, Jordan said because of Russells speech impediment. 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. People have other things to do. Herman J. Russell. 1994: Constructs Turner Field/Centennial Olympic Stadium. "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. I cant express how much we will miss him., Hermans spirit permeated the community. You can not bury Hermans laughter in that casket, Young said. He made an indelible mark on the city of Atlanta and the nation and he will be deeply missed.. There was just no way to go to work at a very early age.. After returning to Atlanta upon graduation, Russell performed small-scale plastering and repair services until he inherited his fathers business, then known as the Rogers Russell Plastering Company, upon his fathers death in 1957. 1978: Wins Black Enterprise Magazine Annual Achievement Award. For Michael Russell Jr., he said he would remember the passion of his grandfather and how he understood a tight-knit family is rare.. Turnout was so large that the church directed traffic to two overflow parking lots to handle the crowds that kept coming even after services had begun. His role model was his father who owned his own plastering business. 2023 CREATIVE LOAFING, LLC. 2003: Chooses youngest son, Michael Russell, as new CEO of H.J. 1972: Becomes 10 percent owner of Atlanta Hawks basketball and Atlanta Flames hockey teams, the first African-American to have ownership in a major sports franchise. With this responsibility, Herman gave me two conflicting pieces of advice, Jordan said. Herman J. Russell was a distinctive contributor to the city of Atlanta, as well as for the nation, with his creative building structures, along with his generous philanthropy to schools and other organizations. Russell & Company in 2003, at which point his son, Michael, succeeded him in running the business. Later while in college, he and friends build a duplex there. 'The firm he built continues to shape what this city will look like for decades to come'. A native of Atlanta, Herman J. Russell was an accomplished tradesman by the age of 12 having learned the plastering business from his father, Rogers Russell. The previous decades introduction of the requirement of including minority-owned subcontractors with companies seeking city contracts resulted in a new decade of continued growth and the recognition of the visionary leadership of Herman J. Russell in Atlanta and beyond. Joseph Lowery. Your email address will not be published. In 1959, the same year as his mother's death, Herman and Otelia Russell welcomed their first child, Donata. Two boysJerome and Michaelfollowed. "He was quite an entrepreneur, I always say. You ask if someone has made a difference. When are the 2023 college graduation ceremonies in Georgia? Russell's role model was his grandfather, who helped foster and nurture his entrepreneurial spirit. We waded through all of that. 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. During my friendship with Herman for more than 50 years, following the founding of the historic Atlanta Inquirer, we were mentor and mentee in the early years; however, as we grew within Atlanta, he became more than just a mentor and friend. atlanta city council president ceaser mitchell. He built movements.. I also had a stuttering problem at that time. 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. Copyright 2023. Russell had picked up the penny. I have seen H.J. Since Ive seen so much hard times coming up as a young person, I could never walk away from improving peoples lives, Russell said. In 1999 Russell pledged $4 million to expand educational programs in entrepreneurship at Clark Atlanta University,Georgia State University andMorehouse College,as well as at his alma mater Tuskegee University. Joseph Lowery said he saw Russell during former President Bill Clintons recent visit to Atlanta before the Nov. 4 election, and that Russell said he was not feeling well. Hermans spirit permeated the community. 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. Builder Robert Holder said he and Herman Russell were born about 30 days of each other and about four miles apart, but it might as well have been two different worlds. Grandson H. Jerome Russell Jr. said his grandfather didnt play favorites with employees. 1938: Starts first business shining shoes. Did youfind true love? Man, overflow was overflowed, said one attendee, to which another replied, I can believe it, he was a pioneer.. ATLANTA - As the founder and former CEO of HJ Russell and Company, Herman J. Russell built one of the United States' leading black owned construction, real estate and concessions empires, before his death in 2014. Herman J. Russell. Mr. He has seen me cry. Maria received her Masters degree in urban studies from GeorgiaState and her Bachelors degree in journalism from Boston University. They picked Herman first, and then we were brought in. The firm has landed several key projects, and the patriarch decided to semi-retire. However, before doing so, H. J. developed the ambitious,mixed-use $300 million development in Castleberry Hill. Russell loved sharing his inspirational life story with others and frequently regaled listeners with account of how he overcame racism, poverty, and a debilitating speech impediment to become one of the most successful African American entrepreneurs, and unsung heroes of the civil rights movement. Today, our city lost one of the best men it has ever produced. 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. He was not just an example of self-made success, but a demonstration of a life well lived. We are grateful Delta is interested in featuring his story onboard to inspire an even larger audience., Our family felt it was important to document the legacy of our family patriarch in film for generations to enjoy and be inspired by, as we were all of our lives, said Herman J. Russells daughter, Donata Russell Ross, CEO, Concessions International, LLC. Several of his grandchildren participated in the service. Among his recognition awards are induction into the Junior Achievement Atlanta Business Hall of Fame in 1992, and recipient of the Horatio Alger Award in 1991. Hundreds packed Saint Philip AME Church on Candler Road in east Atlanta to say goodbye to Russell, who died Nov. 15 at age 83. Russell & Company's portfolio is massive. Russell, the youngest of eight children, was born during the heart of the Depression in the Atlanta community of Summerhill. Civil rights leader the Rev. He was one of thirteen children born to Michael and Florence (Brungardt) Gerhardt. Soon after, he formed the plastering company that over several decades became a successful development and construction conglomerate. Staff writers Katie Leslie and Eric Stirgus contributed to this report. 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. 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. One of the most emotional moments of the celebration was when Jerome Russell spoke of how his father taught them about unconditional love whether it was how he felt about his siblings, his late wife Otelia, his current widow Sylvia, his children , grandchildren and friends. Jordan, who gave the eulogy at the funeral, said Russell had given him two conflicting directions on how to handle the tribute. 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. 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. People having other things to do., Leon Staffordcovers south metro government, 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. Go back inside and find something to do, Russell Jr. said his grandfather ordered. Learn how your comment data is processed. He helped get them elected., His speech impediment was an asset, Egbert Perry, a protege of Russells and now CEO of development firm The Integral Group, once told the AJC. 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. One of them looked at me. He remembered that when he was 5 years old, his father couldnt find work. Former staff writer Maria Saporta also contributed. This was also the year that Herman founded H. J. Russell Plastering Company in Atlanta, whichwould later become H. J. Russell & Company. 1989: Constructs Atlanta City Hall Complex. Construction Executive, Favorite Vacation Spot: New Zealand, Europe. Herman Russell was the only businessman Ive known who could tell you to go to hell in such a way that you looked forward to the trip, Jordan said. Herman Russell had a major impact on many of us, and he lived a great life.. We are saying good-bye to the physical aspect of a person but I know the person is still alive. The . But most importantly, they bridged two worlds with a close friendship. Egbert Perry viewed Russell as his second father. There was a campaign for class president and vice president, and Herman Russell was talking at an outdoor assembly. And then Michael remembered one his fathers favorite sayings: Bring something more to the table than your appetite.. I feel the mist of the River Jordan, and Im ready to cross over, Russell answered. 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. As we worked on Mr. Russells own story we quickly saw that he built more than buildings; he built relationships. The Great Depression was a challenging time for most Americans, but particularly for a young African-American boy who was born in 1930 in the segregated South. The decade of the 1960s was important for both the United States and H. J. Russell & Company. Preceded in death by husband, Edmund. Martin. There was nobody I met in life cheaper than H.J., said Perry, who was overcome with emotion throughout and after the service. 2023 FOX Television Stations, Atlanta man discovers way for drivers to legally escape parking lot boots without paying fine, Marine veteran in his 80s held at gunpoint during home invasion: 'I wasn't afraid of him', Atlanta studio already feeling pain from possible Hollywood writers' strike, Legendary folk singer-songwriter Gordon Lightfoot dies at 84, Morehouse offers to open primary care facility on Atlanta's southside to fill gap from Wellstar closures. Russell & Company, a local construction firm that helped build many of the city's most important structures, in 1952. "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. It melted my heart.. However, to me, he was my true brother in Christ and I shall never forget our decades-old friendship and what he meant to me, my family, the city of Atlanta, the nation and the world. Clearly, the answer is yes. [], Where are todays Muhammad Ali-like athletes? Russell was a tower of strength who used his sharp mind and business know-how to become a major player in Atlantas business community. Russell, chairman/CEO of H. J. Russell & Co., was born on December 23, 1930, in Atlanta, one of seven children of Maggie and Rogers Russell. Along with his son Michael, Russell leaves to cherish his memory: his wife, Sylvia; another son, Jerome; daughter, Donata, several grandchildren and a host of other relatives and admirers. He was not just a local businessman, but a visionary and one of the men who built Atlanta as we know it today. Russell did. 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. 1988: Constructs McGill Place Condominiums. [1] Russell's autobiography Building Atlanta was published in April 2014, shortly before his death. 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. He also made money available for bail bonds during the height of the Civil Rights Movement, and was a heavy donor to King and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, 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. Whether at The Inquirer or with our respective families, he supported me to the very end, and I will always be most appreciative of that respect and friendship. 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. However, I believe the most important part of Mr. Russells legacy is what we dont see in that he built himself up from the bottom to ultimately serve as a role model for so many Atlantans of all races. "When history catches its breath, Mr. Russell's life work will place him among the most significant heroes of the Civil Rights Movement because of his unwavering contributions and commitment to the progress of this city and nation. He was 83. 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. When will I get my Georgia tax rebate for 2023? H.J. Copyright 2023. 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 Summerhill native owned several businesses throughout his career, starting at age 16 when he purchased a dilapidated home for $125. Herman Russell had a major impact on many of. The lawyers drew up a joint-venture agreement that was about two inches thick. 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. (Left)Michael B. Russell& Jerome Russell(Right). A priceless photo shows Russell in his living room with Ralph David Abernathy, Martin Luther King Jr. and Andrew Young in the early 1960s, creating strategy for the civil rights movement. Russell is survived by his wife, Sylvia, sons H. Jerome and Michael Russell, daughter Donata Russell Major, two stepsons and eight grandchildren. The documentary is also the inspirational back story on which RCIE is being created to grow Black entrepreneurship. His father was a plasterer from whom he learned the trade starting at the age oftwelve. Russell, a lifelong Atlantan who counted among his friends several presidents and the Rev. He grew up on a farm near Victoria and graduated from Victoria High School. Visit the Atlanta Civic Circle, a nonprofit journalism and civic engagement site, which works on community-wide issues and solutions. Along the way, he broke virtually every racial and economic barrier. Photo - Herman Russell presents a photograph of his mother and other members of a church organization, Photo - Herman Russell presents a photograph of his grandfather, Photo - Herman Russell presents a photograph of his mother and niece in Atlanta, Georgia, Photo - Herman Russell presents a photograph of his mother in front of their Martin Street home, Photo - Herman Russell presents a photograph of his uncle, Photo - Herman Russell presents an Army photograph of his brother Lawrence Russell, Photo - Herman Russell presents a photograph of his sister, Photo - Herman Russell presents a photograph of his brother and friends in Buffalo, New York, 1950s, Photo - Herman Russell with his father, mother and sister at their home, 1947, Photo - Herman Russell and unidentified group at David T. Howard, 1946, Photo - Herman Russell with unidentified woman, 1946, Photo - Herman Russell at the Dogwood construction site, Atlanta, Georgia, 1980, Photo - Herman Russell in his office, 1974, Photo - Herman Russell with Jimmy Carter, Vernon Jordan and Jesse Hill in the Oval Office, Washington, D.C., 1977-1981, Photo - Herman Russell, Vernon Jordan, Jesse Hill and unidentified man, Oval Office, Washington, D.C., 1977-1981, Photo - Herman Russell, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Andrew Young and Ralph Abernathy, Photo - Herman Russell with NSI board members, 1989, Photo - Herman Russell, President Bill Clinton and Ann Jackson, Photo - Herman Russell and Mayor Willie Herenton, 1990-1992, Photo - Herman Russell, Otelia Russell and Donata Russell, 1986, Photo - Herman Russell holding his son Herman Russell Jr., 1959, Photo - Herman Russell with Herman Russell Jr. and Donata Russell, Photo - Herman Russell in ROTC uniform, 1952, Photo - Herman Russell presents a photograph of his parents, Maggie and Roger Russell, Photo - Herman Russell with grandchildren, Herman Russell talks about his mother's background, Herman Russell talks about his father's background, Herman Russell recalls his earliest childhood memories, Herman Russell reflects on his childhood home, Herman Russell remembers sights and smells of Summerhill, Atlanta, Georgia, Herman Russell touches upon the importance of church during his childhood, Herman Russell briefly speaks about elementary school, Herman Russell talks about his speech impediment, Herman Russell describes his successes as a child, Herman Russell speaks about his entrepreneurial talents while growing up, Herman Russel tells about the influence his father had on him, Herman Russell recalls getting his first bank loan, Herman Russell reminisces about his high school era athletic exploits, Herman Russell speaks about one of his heroes, Jackie Robinson, Herman Russell talks about buying and building on his first piece of land, Herman Russell's decides to attend Tuskegee Institute, Herman Russell's experience at Tuskegee Institute, Herman Russell talks about managing his duplex while away at college, Herman Russell describes Tuskegee's highlights and his current involvement with them, Herman Russell outlines his business's growth through the late 1970s, Herman Russell tells of his business relationship with Herman Talmadge, Herman Russell describes his professinal relationship with whites during the 1960s, Herman Russell talks about his insurance company, Herman Russell describes his involvement in the Civil Rights Movement, Herman Russell talks about Civil Rights leaders in Atlanta, Georgia, Herman Russell talks about Martin Luther King Jr. and Vernon Jordan, Herman Russell tells of his involvement in the television industry, Herman Russell briefly tells the current status of his business, Herman Russell explains his experience as a cable franchisee, Herman Russell talks about his wholesale operation comared to the airport business, Herman Russell speaks about his role in politics, Herman Russell discusses the presence of African Americans in politics, Herman Russell tells of his involvement with the Citizens Trust Bank, Herman Russell talks about his current and future business plans, Herman Russell explains the importance of black business ownership, Herman Russell expresses his feelings on the status of the black community, Herman Russell states his opinion on how to better the black community, Herman Russell gives his opinions on family and raising children, Herman Russell talks of the younger generations becoming involved in business, Photo - Herman Russell in front of H.J.
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