Russell was an extraordinary visionary, a dynamic leader and a philanthropist who uplifted and mentored so many. Before attending David T. Howard High School, Russell worked for his father who was a plasterer. 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. 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). But most importantly, they bridged two worlds with a close friendship. Age 101, of Bloomington. He built a duplex on the parcel of land he purchased for $125 at age 16 and used his savings to help pay his tuition at Tuskegee University. 1982: Constructs Georgia-Pacific Headquarters. 1969: Is awarded the contract for the Citizens Trust Bank Building. Rep. Hank Johnson (@RepHankJohnson) November 15, 2014, Herman Russell understood the role of businesspeople in the journey toward social justice. Russell offered him $30,000, Khalil said, with attendees erupting in laughter. In 2006, Russell was one of the first Atlantans to contribute $1 million for the successful acquisition of Martin Luther Kings papers, now owned by Morehouse College and a part of the recently opened National Center for Civil and Human Rights. 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. Today, the company is at number 25 on the BE Top 100 list. There was nobody I met in life cheaper than H.J., said Perry, who was overcome with emotion throughout and after the service. He didnt just build buildings. 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. 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. #gapol #gadems HJ helped build Atlanta. His obsession with Prince, Spike Lee movies, Hamilton and the New York Yankees is odd. Stolle, Geraldine J. Herman J. Russell. He will be with you always until the end of the ages.. Russell & Co. in 1979, Russell asked Perry to do a growth plan for the company, which took him six months to complete. []. 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. Building Atlanta: The Story of Herman J. Russell will be airing on Delta Studio until May 31, 2021 and will be featured within the airlines Must See Documentaries spotlight collection. 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). Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Russell is also survived by his wife, Sylvia, two stepsons, and eight grandchildren. Russell said his modest beginnings had a lasting impact. Russell, a lifelong Atlantan who counted among his friends several presidents and the Rev. He recalled working for Russell for a couple of years, and at 4:30 p.m. one afternoon, after finishing his work, he packed up and headed to car to go home. Herman J. Russell was interviewed by The HistoryMakers on March 15, 2002. Four months after he joined H.J. Mr. He was elated and proud of the fact that he was able to share his legacy with others and, most importantly, his grandchildren. Herman Russell's Biography - The HistoryMakers 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. 1930: Born in Atlanta on Dec. 23, 1930. Through Our Eyes: Panelist seek to encourage surrounding communities and generations after. Launching his entrepreneurship journey at the age of 12, H.J. Hundreds packed Saint Philip AME Church on Candler Road in east Atlanta to say goodbye to Russell, who died Nov. 15 at age 83. Bernice A. U.S. Rep. John Lewis [D-Ga.] said, Herman J. Russell was one of the founding fathers of the new Atlanta. During this time, the company reported annual sales estimated at $150 million, with project offices in several cities from Miami, Florida, to New York City. The entire nation is indebted to Herman J. Russell for the vision of hope and progress he had for Atlanta and the country. I cant express how much we will miss him., Hermans spirit permeated the community. Business and civil rights icon Herman J. Russell Sr. was celebrated Saturday not with tears of pain, but through laughter and demonstrations of love for a man whose funeral was closed with the song My Way.. Later while in college, he and friends build a duplex there. He bought his first piece of land at 16 years old," Michael B. Russell said about his father. Atlanta's Founding Father' Herman J. Russell Dies Back in those days, I faced some tough segregation, Russell said in an interview in March. ATLANTA, GA (NNPA) Herman J. Russell, the native Atlantan born in 1931 from humble beginnings in the Summerhill community who ultimately grew to become founder of the nations 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. His father was a plasterer from whom he learned the trade starting at the age of twelve. With this responsibility, Herman gave me two conflicting pieces of advice, Jordan said. The Westside Gazette @ 2023 - Site Designed by No Regret Media, Carma Lynn Henry Those who wont be flying in the coming months can also enjoy the film on H. J. Russell & Companys YouTube channel. When Jordan heard Russell was ill a couple of months ago, he called him when he knew he would be alone. He has seen me cry. Not satisfied with Majors answer, Russell told him: Go back inside and find something to do. The film includes interviews with notable people from Atlanta who knew Russell and . But he was sharp as a tack.. 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. You ask if someone has made a difference. But I didnt want to make assumptions about putting our name first. Maria Saporta,Editor,is a longtime Atlanta business, civic and urban affairs journalist with a deep knowledge of our city, our region and state. He was an unforgettable philanthropist, a wise corporate citizen, a shrewd businessman and my dear friend. FOX 5s Deidra Dukes sat down with H.J. Herman RUSSELL Obituary (1930 - 2014) - ATLANTA, GA - Legacy.com 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. His grandfather caught up with him, gave him a stern look and Russell Jr. knew he was in trouble. This was also the year that Herman founded H. J. Russell Plastering Company in Atlanta, whichwould later become H. J. Russell & Company. Russell was a tower of strength who used his sharp mind and business know-how to become a major player in Atlantas business community. A few years later, government programs designed to spur residential construction, particularly in the South, provided the opportunities that made H. J. Russell & Company one of the largest builders of HUD affordable housing. 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. Soon, he started a shoe-shining business and sold Coca-Colas. He left an indelible mark on Atlanta and the world. cry. He, along with Atlanta University student leaders Julian Bond, Charlayne (Hunter) Gault, Charles Black, Lonnie King, Jr., Johnny Parham, Marian Wright and local businessman Jesse Hill, Jr., Dr. Clinton E. Warner, Gladys Powell, Hilda Wilson and others, Russell founded, in 1960, The Atlanta Inquirer, a member of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) the Black Press of America during the height of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.-led Civil Rights Movement. He released his autobiography, Building Atlanta: How I Broke Through Segregation to Launch a Business Empire, last April. Herman Russell had a major impact on many of us, and he lived a great life.. All Rights Reserved. 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. He taught us that the greatest love we could show our children was to love our spouses.. Russells office showcased photos of him with U.S. presidents in the White House. Russell & Co. built much of Atlantas skyline often through joint ventures from the Georgia-Pacific headquarters to the Georgia Dome. Dar'shun Kendrick (@DarshunKendrick) November 15, 2014, The country has lost a GIANT, Herman J. Russell. H. Vernon Jordan, a special adviser to presidents, went to high school with Russell and in an interview several years ago recalled Russell served as the campaign manager for two people who were running for class president and vice president. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Clearly, the answer is yes. [], Where are todays Muhammad Ali-like athletes? However, his beginnings were humble. As he did, he became a part of Russells family. He replaced dilapidated low-income housing with mixed-income communities near the Atlanta University Center. Herman did twice, Perry said. 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. 1979: Forms Concessions International LLC, a food service. It was in the 1980s and Khalil, who was in the real estate business in north metro Atlanta, was making between $60,000 to $75,000 a year, a sizable income at the time. He was a great citizen, a great business man and a brother. It melted my heart.. Herman was not just a great man, but, sorry Evander (Holyfield), he was the real deal, Perry said. By clicking Sign Up, I confirmthat I have read and agreeto the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. 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. I salute you sir for a long life-well done: http://t.co/wEOUdzQj65 Michael Russell spoke of how honored he felt to be carrying on the role of running his fathers company. The nearly hour-long film features interviews with notable Atlantans who knew Herman J. Russell well. However, his beginnings were humble. Did youfind true love? Herman Jerome was put in charge of the companys development arm. When will I get my Georgia tax rebate for 2023? Lee May (@LeeMay) November 15, 2014. 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. Friends and family shed tears, share laughter at Herman Russell's 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 Russ Russell III said his grandfather urged them all to stay focused and be upbeat. Once he asked his elder what made him happy. It includes public projects such as the Georgia Dome, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Philips Arena, and Turner Field. Would he pick it up or let it sit there at the bottom of the bowl? 1938: Starts first business shining shoes. The brilliant construction and real estate magnate passed away at age 83 much like he lived quietly, and leaving behind an enviable legacy and vast business portfolio that spellbinds his contemporaries and legions of admirers alike. Like Atlanta, he started off with a little shoe shine stand, now his company is a major influence in everything happening in the city. [], These panelists took their time to share their own real life experiences and opinions about the issues faced in todays society. PDF citycouncil.columbiasc.gov Herman Russell was a remarkable gentleman and I greatly appreciate the work he did in District 10. After Atlanta icon Herman Russell died, DNA proved - Atlanta Magazine Sources: H.J. Through working with his father and watching how he ran his plastering business, he felt the urgency and necessity to create jobs during the difficult economic times, and that is when his entrepreneurial spirit was born, which lasted throughout his life until his passing in 2014. He had a good mind and sharp pencil. He and his wife, Otelia, lived in midtown Atlanta. Herman Jerome Russell was born to Maggie Googson and Rogers Russell in Atlanta on December 23, 1930. Along the way, he broke virtually every racial and economic barrier. All Rights Reserved. It is a loss that I and so many others share.. Michael Russell continues to run his father's company, along with his two siblings, Jerome and Donata. Herman Russell helped to make real the legacy of a city too busy to hate.. Required fields are marked *. Russell Company headquarters, Photo - Herman Russell during construction of his duplex, 1947, Occupation(s): I am at peace.. As early as the age of 8, Herman J. Russell was inspired to build and own real estate, and to be his own employer. 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. 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. He also said there was no entitlement in the Russell household. Joseph Lowery. The documentary originally aired in February 2020 on ATL PBA. In 2001, he continued his personal investment in the revitalization investment of his companys neighborhood, including construction of The Castleberry Inn (now the Clarion Inn & Suites Atlanta Downtown), Legacy Lofts, Intown Lofts, and Paschals Restaurant. Go run the company, Russell told him. 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. 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. New Atlanta's Founding Father, Herman J. Russell, dies You will remember his hugs, his wisdom. Russell's other interests are in airport concessions. 1987: Constructs Wachovia Bank operations center in North Carolina. Atlanta business icon Herman J. Russell has died - ajc They picked Herman first, and then we were brought in. The death Saturday of Atlanta business pioneer and philanthrophist Herman J. Russell brought a swell of reaction on social media and other channels. Herman Russell had a major impact on many of us, and he lived a great life.. He used the n-word and asked, Why cant you shine shoes on your front porch? Thats when I was reborn.. What Falcons NFC South rivals did in 2023 NFL draft. Atlanta has lost a socially conscious native son. We are excited to have, for the first time in our filmmaking history, a film that Delta customers will get to see and learn about the amazing life and legacy of Herman J. Russell, one of Atlantas most prolific business leaders who truly helped inspire and shape not only Atlantas skyline, but also helped integrate a multicultural, partnering workforce in our hometown.. Russell & Company's portfolio is massive. 1974: Becomes the co-chairman of the finance committee to elect Maynard Jackson. Nov 15, 2014 The death Saturday of Atlanta business pioneer and philanthrophist Herman J. Russell brought a swell of reaction on social media and other channels: "He was elated and proud of the. Funeral arrangements were not immediately known. 1986: Constructs Atlanta Gas Light Headquarters. When history was being made in Atlanta, chances were Russell was present. 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. Rev. 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. Returning to Atlanta after college, he worked . Russell was only 12 years old when he founded his shoeshine business. Our association became a kaleidoscope of beautiful colors that included our wives and children integrating with each other. Over the years, the Holders and the Russells became close friends as well as business partners. He was mistaken. 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. Founded in 1952, H. J. Russell & Company is one of the largest minority-owned construction services and real estate development firms in the United States. Atlanta construction executive Herman Russell is a civic leader and philanthropist whose construction company ranks as the fourth largest in the U.S. 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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