His obsession with Prince, Spike Lee movies, Hamilton and the New York Yankees is odd. The city rejoiced and many Atlanta businesses, including H. J. Russell & Company, went to work getting ready for the international event. Through Our Eyes: Panelist seek to encourage surrounding communities and generations after. The letter said. Herman J Russell built one of the country's leading black owned construction, real estate and concessions empires. He made an indelible mark on the city of Atlanta and the nation and he will be deeply missed.. These are the reasons along with a slew others that cavalcades of dignitaries, civil leaders and politicians are streaming into Atlanta to pause and pay homage to one of the pillars of modern Atlanta. Later while in college, he and friends build a . The documentary is also the inspirational back story on which RCIE is being created to grow Black entrepreneurship. 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. It is a loss that I and so many others share.. Hermans spirit permeated the community. 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. We should pray to have even a fraction of the impact he had on the lives of others! When Jordan heard Russell was ill a couple of months ago, he called him when he knew he would be alone. Because jobs were scarce, at the age of 8, he decided to become his own boss and create his own jobs (neighborhood handyman, newspaper deliverer) and continued in that entrepreneurial mindset his entire life. [9], "Herman J. Russell built legacy in Atlanta", "International Civil Rights: Walk of Fame Herman J. Russell", "Atlanta business icon Herman J. Russell has died", "Herman Jerome Russel (1930- ), Business Mogul, Community Leader, Philanthropist", "BUILDING ATLANTA by Herman J. Russell , Bob Andelman", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Herman_J._Russell&oldid=1114763061, This page was last edited on 8 October 2022, at 04:13. 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. 1952: Establishes H.J. 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. 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. He didnt just build buildings. Herman J. Russell. He saved up enough rental income from that duplex to pay for his college education at Tuskegee Institute in Alabama where he earned his degree in building construction in 1952 and worked as a subcontractor with his brother Roger Russell assisting. Perry lost the bet believing Russell wouldnt dig in the commode for simply a penny. 1994: Constructs Turner Field/Centennial Olympic Stadium. 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. 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. There was no stutter in Herman Russells soul.. Your email address will not be published. Thats how Khalil became a developer and entrepreneur. 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. Returning to Atlanta, he worked alongside his father. I loved him and he will be missed, said Civil Rights icon, Rev. Later while in college, he and friends build a duplex there. Ironically, the decision was to locate the Olympic stadium in the Summerhill neighborhood in Southeast Atlanta, the very same neighborhood in which H. J. Russell had grown up. Russell did. "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. While prestigious construction jobs remained at the heart of their activities, diversification was critical to its stability. 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. One person who initially underestimated Russell was Robert Holder, a fellow builder. 1988: Constructs McGill Place Condominiums. Russell & Co., Hoovers Company Profiles, Whos Who Among African Americans (14th ED), Staff Research. Russell is also survived by his wife, Sylvia, two stepsons, and eight grandchildren. He has seen me cry. He most notably founded H.J. 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. Russell Company headquarters, Photo - Herman Russell during construction of his duplex, 1947, Occupation(s): 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. It includes public projects such as the Georgia Dome, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Philips Arena, and Turner Field. He was mistaken. Daughter Donata was picked to head the family philanthropic arm. 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. 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. 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. 2023 CREATIVE LOAFING, LLC. He was a great citizen, a great business man and a brother. 1945: At 16, buys land in Summerhill for $125. Russell. Herman was born October 19, 1935 in Victoria, Kansas. Soon after, he formed the plastering company that over several decades became a successful development and construction conglomerate. Tags: Ambassador Andrew Young, atlanta city council president ceaser mitchell, civil rights movement, Congressman John Lewis, Herman J. Russell, Mayor Kasim Reed. 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. "The firm he built continues to shape what this city will look like for decades to come.". 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. Russell Plastering Company with his father. 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. All Rights Reserved by H.J. Ernie Suggs is an enterprise reporter covering race and culture for the AJC since 1997. We met Mr. Russell when we interviewed him for our documentary on former City of Atlanta Mayor Ivan Allen, said John Duke. 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. 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. Stolle, Geraldine J. As he did, he became a part of Russells family. When history was being made in Atlanta, chances were Russell was present. The decade of the 1960s was important for both the United States and H. J. Russell & Company. It caused a lot of people to underestimate him. Even though H.J. never learned how to pronounce his first name, Russell taught him essential lessons of business and life. 1962: Establishes H.J. He retired twice once in 1996 and the last time in 2003. He replaced dilapidated low-income housing with mixed-income communities near the Atlanta University Center. 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. 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. Lastly, did one pass on peacefully and with grace. 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. Herman Russell had a major impact on many of. 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. Did youfind true love? Watergate, oil shortages and declining real estate markets created uncertainty in every area of the nation. Preceded in death by husband, Edmund. 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 & Company, a local construction firm that helped build many of the city's most important structures, in 1952. As the nations business environment shifted, so did the company. If you lose any money, its your ass. At that time, the construction company had revenues of $12 million a year. 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. Andrew Young (@AmbAndrewYoung) November 15, 2014, Today, we lost one of the founding fathers of modern Atl in Mr. H.J. 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. 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. When he saw his father on Tuesday and told him that his youngest child would be turning 50 in a few months, Russell was proud. 1986: Constructs Atlanta Gas Light Headquarters. 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 was one of the reasons that Atlanta is the great http://t.co/xCQp0HVmsL 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. In addition, his company continues to manage concessions at several American airports, including services at Hartsfield-Jackson. I also had a stuttering problem at that time. 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. The entire nation is indebted to Herman J. Russell for the vision of hope and progress he had for Atlanta and the country. However, his beginnings were humble. 1945: At 16, buys land in Summerhill for $125. 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. Russell & Company's portfolio is massive. And we have cried together.. That entrepreneurial spirit was passed on through his legacy to his children and grandchildren. He bought his first parcel of land for $125 at age sixteen, later building a duplex on the property. Details about his funeral arrangements are pending. Office: (954) 525-1489
But I didnt want to make assumptions about putting our name first. 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. But it wasn't until 2015 that the three. Atlanta has lost a socially conscious native son. The firm is a partner in the joint venture selected to build the new $1 billion Atlanta Falcons stadium, scheduled to open in 2017. 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 [] 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. 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. And that's just what his firm did in Atlanta not to mention what the construction magnate built across the nation. Russell & Co. built much of Atlantas skyline often through joint ventures from the Georgia-Pacific headquarters to the Georgia Dome. Photo credit: Courtesy Herman J. Russell family. 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. 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 . The nearly hour-long film features interviews with notable Atlantans who knew Herman J. Russell well. The fact that his fathers entrepreneurial DNA was passed on to his son was clearly evident at an age when most school-aged boys were beginning to chase girls and distract themselves with other frivolities. 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. 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. The program described his achievements as an entrepreneur, his love of family and of friends. Young, who began is professional life as preacher, said the Bible tells us that the spirit of God is within us. He was an unforgettable philanthropist, a wise corporate citizen, a shrewd businessman and my dear friend. 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 remembered that when he was 5 years old, his father couldnt find work. Russell was only 12 years old when he founded his shoeshine business. Their relationship grew into a real partnership, beginning with the building of the new Hartsfield International Airport (now Hartsfield-Jackson). In addition to amazing people with his prodigious business exploits, many people were astounded by the remarkable humility and sense of humanity that belied the good natured disposition, which is too often uncharacteristic of those who have achieved Russells level of incredible success and fortune. 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. I wanted to help my mother and my father, but there wasnt much money in the neighborhood, Russell said in a 2006 interview with The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Russell almost immediately expanded the family business, taking onlarger projects that ranged from home building to real estate investment. Our association became a kaleidoscope of beautiful colors that included our wives and children integrating with each other. You will remember his hugs, his wisdom. Visit the Atlanta Civic Circle, a nonprofit journalism and civic engagement site, which works on community-wide issues and solutions. The company has annual sales of more than $150 million and employs 700. Real Times Media. Grandson H. Jerome Russell Jr. said his grandfather didnt play favorites with employees. The world is immeasurably better because of Herman J. Russell, said Atlanta City Council President Ceasar C. Mitchell Building Atlanta: The Story of Herman J. Russell Documentary to be featured by Delta Air Lines Starting in Black History Month 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. Great Memorial to A great man-Gloria WaddellReport, Your email address will not be published. I feel the mist of the River Jordan, and Im ready to cross over, Russell answered. Back in those days, I faced some tough segregation, Russell said in an interview in March. She spoke of how faith was so important to her father. Russell & Co. 2003: Grady Hospital Cancer Center of Excellence project. 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. He was my friend for the rest of my life.. The Westside Gazette @ 2023 - Site Designed by No Regret Media, Carma Lynn Henry
document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. It melted my heart.. atlanta city council president ceaser mitchell. Russell was alreadymillionaire builder before the civil rights movement led by Dr. Kinghijacked American consciousness. Like Atlanta, he started off with a little shoe shine stand, now his company is a major influence in everything happening in the city. 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. With an ample mix of tears and laughter friends, family and associates said good-bye to Herman J. Russell at a Celebration of Life service at Saint Philip AME Church in DeKalb County for two-and-a-half hours on Saturday. 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. 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. Because of these dizzying exploits and success, the tributes continue to pour in for Russell, who will be laid to rest this week. 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. I am at peace.. He had a good mind and sharp pencil. 1987: Constructs Wachovia Bank operations center in North Carolina. His grandfather caught up with him, gave him a stern look and Russell Jr. knew he was in trouble. 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. At the same time, his construction partnerships expanded to include residential, educational, commercial, and recreational structures. 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.. What do the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the Georgia Dome, Turner Field, Phillips Arena, the downtown Atlanta skyline, the administration of the iconic Mayor Maynard Jackson and the Civil Rights Movement all have in common? Westside Gazette Newspaper
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? He used his savings to help pay his tuition at Tuskegee University. 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. But Russell saw him going to his car and asked him where he was going. 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 was one of thirteen children born to Michael and Florence (Brungardt) Gerhardt. 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. His father was a plasterer from whom he learned the trade starting at the age of twelve. [], These panelists took their time to share their own real life experiences and opinions about the issues faced in todays society. H. Hermans spirit permeated the community. 'The firm he built continues to shape what this city will look like for decades to come'. The lawyers drew up a joint-venture agreement that was about two inches thick. Everything in his world was designed to be an obstacle.. FOX 5s Deidra Dukes sat down with H.J. My sadness is only eclipsed by the great admiration and inspiration that his life had up on my own. Go back inside and find something to do, Russell Jr. said his grandfather ordered. Age 101, of Bloomington. Several of his grandchildren participated in the service. 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 nation's most influential African American construction and property management company in southwest Atlanta, from a plastering business in the '50s - made transition, on People have other things to do. 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. Russell is also survived by his wife, Sylvia, two stepsons, and eight grandchildren. 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. We are saying good-bye to the physical aspect of a person but I know the person is still alive. 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.
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