2023 The HistoryMakers. Hermans spirit permeated the community. He left a lasting legacy that will be remembered for years to come.said Atlanta City Councilmember C.T. Watergate, oil shortages and declining real estate markets created uncertainty in every area of the nation. 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 [] He was my friend for the rest of my life.. Russell, a lifelong Atlantan who counted among his friends several presidents and the Rev. "As humble as he was, I think he would be thrilled that a movie about his life would air on Delta. He served with dedication and distinction as a former King Center board member, and he was a beloved personal friend and supporter of both my father, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and my mother, Mrs. Coretta Scott King. 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. Russell, the youngest of eight children, grew up in the Summerhill district, near Turner Field. The lawyers drew up a joint-venture agreement that was about two inches thick. Russell almost immediately expanded the family business, taking onlarger projects that ranged from home building to real estate investment. Hermans drive, tenacity and vision carry on throughout the company today. 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). When are the 2023 college graduation ceremonies in Georgia? He left an indelible mark on Atlanta and the world. While prestigious construction jobs remained at the heart of their activities, diversification was critical to its stability. Russell & Company. 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. There was just no way to go to work at a very early age.. 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. His father was a plasterer from whom he learned the trade starting at the age oftwelve. He was a great citizen, a great business man and a brother. Russell bought his first piece of land when he was 16 for $125. Martin Luther King, Jr. Russell has served also as a board member for civic organizations like the Allen Temple; Butler Street YMCA; Central Atlanta Progress; Tuskegee University; the NAACP Atlanta chapter; Citizens Trust Bank; Midtown Improvement District and the Georgia State University Advisory Board. [], These panelists took their time to share their own real life experiences and opinions about the issues faced in todays society. 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. And dont leave until 6.. HJ helped build Atlanta. By building one of our nations most successful minority-owned companies, his legacy is a shining example for small business owners with big dreams. 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. Russell & Company in 2003, at which point his son, Michael, succeeded him in running the business. Andrew Young (@AmbAndrewYoung) November 15, 2014, Today, we lost one of the founding fathers of modern Atl in Mr. H.J. 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. When Perry left 12 years after being named president, the companys revenues totaled $200 million and was the largest black-owned construction company in the country. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Russell partnered with noted white business leaders such as developer John Portman and Aarons founder Charles Loudermilk. I want to tell you how lucky I was that Herman was in my life, Holder said. John B. Smith, Sr., second vice chairman of NNPA and publisher and CEO of The Atlanta Inquirer, said, It is with deep sadness and a heavy heart that I comment on the death of my friend, business associate and brother of the common good, Herman J. Russell. And dont leave until 6.. No one could understand him, but everybody liked him, Jordan said. [1] Russell's autobiography Building Atlanta was published in April 2014, shortly before his death. We put your body to rest, Young said. Over the next fifty years, he continued to build businesses, amassing one of the nations and the worlds most profitable minority-owned conglomerates. #gapol #gadems And then Michael remembered one his fathers favorite sayings: Bring something more to the table than your appetite.. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., helped shape the citys skyline and wielded influence far beyond his hometown. Second, do not leave anything out.. 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. Herman "Russ" Russell III said his grandfather urged them all to "stay focused" and "be upbeat." Once he asked his elder what made. 545 N.W. Russell's 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. We waded through all of that. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. He didnt just build buildings. He was elated and proud of the fact that he was able to share his legacy with others and, most importantly, his grandchildren, Michael Russell said. When Russell told Khalil he had a new love Sylvia Anderson, he said: Shes my sugar Momma.. Herman J Russell built one of the country's leading black owned construction, real estate and concessions empires. 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. To support the movement for equality and civil rights, he discretely financed the civil rights crusade, bonded outdemonstrators and provided funding for political campaigns thathelped pass landmark legislation to transform American society and race relations. Joseph Lowery. The Summerhill native owned several businesses throughout his career, starting at age 16 when he purchased a dilapidated home for $125. Numerous local leaders expressed their condolences and spoke about his legacy today. Lee May (@LeeMay) November 15, 2014. He inspired many with words of wisdom, and assisted financially local and national political leaders, and office seekers. I want to think the Russell children for sharing your father with me, Khalil said. Updated Nov 17, 2014, 3:50pm EST. 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. Your email address will not be published. Giving the benediction was another longtime friend and associate Andrew Young a civil rights leader and former Atlanta mayor. He used his talents and experience and hard work to have one of the most successful businesses and African-American businesses in the city and the country, she said. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Delta is bringing the film onboard as part of all new content on Delta Studio, its in-flight entertainment platform, beginning this month. Everything in his world was designed to be an obstacle.. 1989: Constructs Delta Flight Operations Center. []. 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. 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. Herman J. Russell nurtured his children, H. Jerome, Donata, and Michael, to carry on his vision: stay focused, be committed, continue to develop expertise, and remain on the cutting edge with the best technology and human talent to meet the changing needs of both business and society. Herman Jerome was put in charge of the companys development arm. Go back inside and find something to do, Russell Jr. said his grandfather ordered. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. 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 . R.I.P. Not satisfied with Majors answer, Russell told him: Go back inside and find something to do. Here's a few of their responses: The entire community mourns the passing of Herman Russell. Like Atlanta, he started off with a little shoe shine stand, now his company is a major influence in everything happening in the city. Russell also told him that he wanted Vernon Jordan to speak at his service. Russell retired from H.J. 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. Thinking of her father, Donata Russell abbreviated her comments saying he wouldnt want people to spend their whole day at the church because they have lots of things to do. As the nations business environment shifted, so did the company. My world was designed to succeed, Holder said. He was not just a local businessman, but a visionary and one of the men who built Atlanta as we know it today. Vernon Jordan, activist and political adviser to heads of state such as President Bill Clinton, said Russell was one of the first people he saw in his hospital room after an attempt was made on Jordans life in 1980 in Fort Wayne, Ind. Russell was also a visionary, as well as a silent partner in the most transformative movement of the last century in America and continually involved in shaping the cultural, political and economic landscape of Atlanta. 1967: Gets the winning bid to handle the fireproofing and wetwall work on the Equitable Life Assurance Building. 1982: Constructs Georgia-Pacific Headquarters. Mr. Russell will be sorely missed by many, but he leaves behind an exceptional legacy of community concern and corporate social responsibility that will be continued through the outstanding work of his children.. 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. As Atlanta natives, we pride ourselves on telling stories of some of the most consequential figures in our citys and states history through film, and it was particularly rewarding to be able to create a documentary about an Atlanta icon who quietly and fearlessly did so much to help create the Atlanta we know today, said co-director, David Duke of Living Stories Film & Video. Nathan Deal, Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed and the Metro Atlanta Chamber, of which Russell was a former leader, preceded dozens of quotes in tribute. He also was a key member of the Civil Rights movement and broke down barriers for minority entrepreneurs. J. Russell was a man of means but his conscience and his values were always greater than his wealth, Jesse Jackson, Sr. remarked last weekend via Twitter. Do not speak all day. 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. He left his indelible mark on our citys skyline as one of the developers who constructed some of our regions iconic structures. Sep 28, 2018. When will I get my Georgia tax rebate for 2023? 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. Today, the company is at number 25 on the BE Top 100 list. Tweet from DeKalb County Interim CEO Lee May, @LeeMay. 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. In addition, his company continues to manage concessions at several American airports, including services at Hartsfield-Jackson. Russell & Company also assisted in the construction of the Atlanta Police headquarters, Fulton County Jail, nearly a dozen Atlanta Public Schools buildings, Atlanta History Center, Atlanta Symphony Hall, the Carter Center, Ebenezer Baptist Church, and many other structures. The world is immeasurably better because of Herman J. Russell, said Atlanta City Council President Ceasar C. Mitchell Herman Jerome Russell was born to Maggie Googson and Rogers Russell in Atlanta on Dec. 23, 1930. Where are todays Muhammad Ali-like athletes? Russell. There was nobody I met in life cheaper than H.J., said Perry, who was overcome with emotion throughout and after the service. cry. My father taught me how to love, Jerome said. Jordan, who gave the eulogy at the funeral, said Russell had given him two conflicting directions on how to handle the tribute. Along with being an inimitable and distinctive business leader and icon, who created H.J. Russell is also survived by his wife, Sylvia, two stepsons, and eight grandchildren. "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. 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. By the time of his retirement in 1997, Russell had . Herman was not just a great man, but, sorry Evander (Holyfield), he was the real deal, Perry said. 1938: Starts first business shining shoes. She spoke of how faith was so important to her father. Copyright 2023. New Atlantas Founding Father, Herman J. Russell, dies. In every phase of Atlanta development from Hartsfield (airport) to the present, he was a major and dominant influence, Young said. The decade of the 1960s was important for both the United States and H. J. Russell & Company. Herman did twice, Perry said. 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. Herman J. Russell nurtured his children, H. Jerome, Donata, and Michael, to carry on his vision: stay focused, be committed, continue to develop expertise, and remain on the cutting edge with the best technology and human talent to meet the changing needs of both business and society. Herman Russell had a major impact on many of us, and he lived a great life.. I loved him and he will be missed., Civil rights icon The Rev. A multi-faceted organization providing integrated solutions and an exceptional customer experience, Russell has developed, designed/built, renovated, and managed some of the nations most complex, high profile projects involving multiple stakeholders and requiring exceptional diplomacy and skill, including the Mercedes-Benz Stadium with the HHRM JV and the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture with Clark Construction and Smoot Construction. Michael Russell Sr., from left, Donata Ross, and Jerome Russell Source: Black PR Wire More than six years after his death at 83, Russell's three children, Michael Russell Sr., 56; Jerome. He was 83. Russell & Company is currently involved with the construction of the $1.3 billion Atlanta Falcons stadium development. [6][7] Russell was a 1991 recipient of the Horatio Alger Award, and received the title Georgia Trustee from the Georgia Historical Society in 2013. He was 83. Ernie Suggs is an enterprise reporter covering race and culture for the AJC since 1997. 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. "The firm he built continues to shape what this city will look like for decades to come.". 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. U.S. Rep. John Lewis [D-Ga.] said, Herman J. Russell was one of the founding fathers of the new Atlanta. Herman J. Russell (1930- ) What started as a $125.00 purchase of a small parcel of land at 15 grew and blossomed over the years into a multi million-dollar company, and with this, Herman Jerome Russell came to epitomize black entrepreneurship by becoming one of the first black millionaires. They came from all walks of life, with sections of the behemoth church set aside for employees of H.J. His obsession with Prince, Spike Lee movies, Hamilton and the New York Yankees is odd. Russell did. That entrepreneurial spirit was passed on through his legacy to his children and grandchildren. 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. Age 101, of Bloomington. In 1959, the same year as his mother's death, Herman and Otelia Russell welcomed their first child, Donata. Russell did. I loved him and he will be missed.. Herman Russell had a major impact on many of. The two men who built Deltas headquarters grew up two miles and two worlds apart in segregated Atlanta and came together through business opportunities to do great things to uplift our city and country.. 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 the '50s - made transition, on Saturday, Nov. 15, following a brief illness. All Rights Reserved. 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. An interview with the filmmakers can be found on the H. J. Russell & Company We Build: The Podcast here or on other podcast platforms. He replaced dilapidated low-income housing with mixed-income communities near the Atlanta University Center. Herman Russell known city- , state- and nationwide for his formidable business knowledge and acumen has received many plaudits since his passing on Nov. 15. Westside Gazette Newspaper
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. Herman J. Russell, an entrepreneur and philanthropist who turned a small plastering firm into one of the nation's most successful African-American-owned real estate development and construction companies, died Saturday. He befriended contemporaries like M.L. But we open up our hearts to your spirit.. When she stayed with him about a month ago for a few days, he still made an extra effort to pray by his bedside every night. His role model was his father who owned his own plastering business. We should pray to have even a fraction of the impact he had on the lives of others!. Herman Jerome Russell was born to Maggie Googson and Rogers Russell in Atlanta on December 23, 1930. Herman was not just a great man. Construction Executive, Favorite Vacation Spot: New Zealand, Europe. Real Times Media. Civil rights leader the Rev. Russell, the youngest of eight children, was born during the heart of the Depression in the Atlanta community of Summerhill. Among the dignitaries who were present Saturday included: Congressman John Lewis, Congressman Hank Johnson, Congressman David Scott, Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed, Morehouse College President John Wilson, Clark Atlanta President Carlton Brown, public relations/marketing entrepreneur Kent Matlock, retired Citizens Trust director Johnnie Clark, Martin Luther King III, Bernice King, Atlanta City Council President Ceasar Mitchell, Maynard Buzzy Jackson III and his wife Wendy, Dr. Louis Sullivan, WXIAs Brenda Wood, environmentalists Laura Turner Seydel and Rutherford Seydel, fundraiser Ann Curry, former Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin, Coca-Colas Lisa Borders, chair of Habitat for Humanity International board Renee Glover, Dr. David Satcher, Atlanta City Council persons Kwanza Hall and Andrew Dickens, Atlanta Business Leagues Leona Barr Davenport, 2015 Nobel Peace Prize Summit CEO and COO respectively Mohammad Bhuiyan and Shamima Amin, Atlanta Lifes Bill Taggart, former Clayton Chair Eldrin Bell, contract compliance leader Rodney Strong, behind the scenes power-broker Eugene Duffy, retired Coca-Cola executive Ingrid Saunders Jones, photographer Sue Ross, political observer and businessman Dan Halpern, former Russell general counsel Joia Johnson, Andrea Young Thomas and her husband Jerry Thomas, architects George and Laura Heery as well as countless others. 1968: Is awarded HUD housing contracts in the Southeast and the Equitable Building. About a decade ago, Russell turned over the operations of the H.J. He is one of the best men our city has ever produced, said Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed. FOX 5s Deidra Dukes sat down with H.J. Along the way, he broke virtually every racial and economic barrier. The companys Construction, Program Management, Property Management and Real Estate Development divisions, along with Concessions International, LLC, Russell Center for Innovation& Entrepreneurship,Russell Family Enterprises, LLC and H. J. Russell Foundation, are all built on a legacy of the companys founder andare being elevated to the next level by the visions of the new generation. 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. The church was filled with a Whos Who of Atlanta and so many people who had felt personally moved or touched by Russell and his family by blood or by business or by human bonds. 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. But I didnt want to make assumptions about putting our name first. Several of his grandchildren participated in the service. Returning to Atlanta, he worked alongside his father. 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. And we have cried together.. Great Memorial to A great man-Gloria WaddellReport, Your email address will not be published. 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. Stolle, Geraldine J. He built movements.. Because of these dizzying exploits and success, the tributes continue to pour in for Russell, who will be laid to rest this week. Grandson H. Jerome Russell Jr. said his grandfather didnt play favorites with employees. Details about his funeral arrangements are pending. Prior to that, she spent 27 years with TheAtlanta Journal-Constitution,becoming its business columnist in 1991. 1974: Becomes the co-chairman of the finance committee to elect Maynard Jackson. Building Atlanta: The Story of Herman J. Russell Documentary to be featured by Delta Air Lines Starting in Black History Month In 2015 Joycelyn Darby Alston, a resident of New York, claimed that she, too, was among Russell's progeny, a product of a brief relationship between Russell and her mother, an Atlanta native. These same principles and values will continue to guide the company into the next 60 years of exceptional service to its clients, genuine commitment to its associates and caring support for the communities in which we live and work. Im always confused on occasions like this, Young said. But Russell saw him going to his car and asked him where he was going. Herman Jerome Russell (December 23, 1930 November 15, 2014) was an entrepreneur and influential figure in Atlanta, Georgia. [8], Herman J. Russell died on November 15, 2014, at the age of 83, in Atlanta Georgia and was buried at South-View Cemetery. From being the first African-American member of what was then called the Atlanta Chamber of Commerce to being an inaugural member of the board of directors of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Social Change, Inc. (The King Center). 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 had a good mind and sharp pencil. In 1963, Russell became the first black member, and later president, of the Atlanta Chamber of Commerce. Today, our city lost one of the best men it has ever produced. In December 2009 Russells family donated $1 million to expand a new facility of Childrens Healthcare of Atlantaat Hughes Spalding. His tremendous works can be found amongst the Atlanta skyline, the businesses he created, but most of all and the beautiful family that he raised. Clearly, the answer is yes. [], Where are todays Muhammad Ali-like athletes? 1988: Constructs McGill Place Condominiums. 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. He was mistaken. Herman J. Russell. 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.
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