In December 2009 Russells family donated $1 million to expand a new facility of Childrens Healthcare of Atlantaat Hughes Spalding. Herman J. Russell. Grandson H. Jerome Russell Jr. said his grandfather didnt play favorites with employees. Russell would later assist with inaugural funding of The King Center, as well as a myriad of other Atlanta institutions. R.I.P. 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.. Russell & Company CEO Michael Russell said in a statement. After presenting the plan to his boss, Russell told him that he should run the company as the president and COO. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Over the next fifty years, he continued to build businesses, amassing one of the nations and the worlds most profitable minority-owned conglomerates. Along the way, he broke virtually every racial and economic barrier. He left a lasting legacy that will be remembered for years to come.said Atlanta City Councilmember C.T. A 1990 graduate of N.C. Central University and a 2009 Harvard University Nieman Fellow, he is also the former vice president of the National Association of Black Journalists. And at the last meeting in our conference room, I proposed to name the joint venture: Holder-Russell. 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. Herman J. Russell (1930- ) - BlackPast.org 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. Russell & Co. built much of Atlantas skyline often through joint ventures from the Georgia-Pacific headquarters to the Georgia Dome. 1952: Establishes H.J. 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. Russell's other interests are in airport concessions. No one could understand him, but everybody liked him, Jordan said. Herman J. Russell West End Academy - Home - Facebook Nationally prominent Atlanta business leader Herman J. Russell, 83, died Saturday morning after a brief illness. 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. He is one of the best men our city has ever produced, said Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed. 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. When will I get my Georgia tax rebate for 2023? As humble as he was, I think he would be thrilled that a movie about his life would air on Delta flights around the world, said Herman J. Russells son, Michael B. Russell, CEO, H. J. Russell & Company. By John B. Smith, Sr. Special to the NNPA from The Atlanta Inquirer. Russell served as the first African American member of the Atlanta Chamber of Commerce. However, his beginnings were humble. 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. "H.J. 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. I have seen H.J. Age 101, of Bloomington. His father was a plasterer from whom he learned the trade starting at the age of twelve. 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. Herman said, Vernon, do not speak all day. Details about his funeral arrangements are pending. He was working for a residential developer at the time. Noel Khalil, who also was a proteg, told the story of how Russell hired him. Here are several highlights of the remembrances that were shared. Joseph Lowery. Soon, Russell branched out from construction and property management businesses by adding communications, concessions, and sports franchises to his portfolio. Our association became a kaleidoscope of beautiful colors that included our wives and children integrating with each other. I feel the mist of the River Jordan, and Im ready to cross over, Russell answered. Russell almost immediately expanded the family business, taking onlarger projects that ranged from home building to real estate investment. He left his indelible mark on our citys skyline as one of the developers who constructed some of our regions iconic structures. 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. There was no one as cheap as H.J., Egbert Perry, a business protege, said to great laughter and nods from attendees at the Saturday funeral. His grandfather caught up with him, gave him a stern look and Russell Jr. knew he was in trouble. Perry then asked for a job description. HJ helped build Atlanta. All rights reserved. Several of his grandchildren participated in the service. Before attending David T. Howard High School, Russell worked for his father who was a plasterer. 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. Giving the benediction was another longtime friend and associate Andrew Young a civil rights leader and former Atlanta mayor. 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. 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. Lee May (@LeeMay) November 15, 2014. Stolle, Geraldine J. PDF citycouncil.columbiasc.gov There was no stutter in Herman Russells soul.. 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? 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. All Rights Reserved. Andrew Young, former Atlanta mayor and U.N. ambassador, on Saturday called Russell one of the giants of our time. He bought his first parcel of land for $125 at age sixteen, later building a duplex on the property. 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. As he did, he became a part of Russells family. He will be with you always until the end of the ages.. 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. He made his transition in a peaceful way, said his son, Michael, who serves as CEO of his fathers firm. 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. He was mistaken. Real Times Media. Everything in his world was designed to be an obstacle.. 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. And that's just what his firm did in Atlanta not to mention what the construction magnate built across the nation. Few men have done more to make Atlanta a place where people of all races and backgrounds can bring and build their dreams.". #titan 2023 The HistoryMakers. By clicking Sign Up, I confirmthat I have read and agreeto the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. 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. Russell used the profits from his shoeshine business to buy a vacant lot, and then built a residential duplex, all while he was still a teenager. They all, in one way or another, bare the DNA of late, great business impresario Herman J. Russell. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., helped shape the citys skyline and wielded influence far beyond his hometown. 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. 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.. Herman Russell had a major impact on many of us, and he lived a great life.. While business was his public face, Herman Russell Sr.s heart belonged to family, friends and equality, speaker after speaker said. He was elated and proud of the fact that he was able to share his legacy with others and, most importantly, his grandchildren. Their other films include Mayor Ivan Allen, Jr.: A Different Road, The Wise Heart: The Story of Emory University, One Law for All: The Story of the Atlanta Legal Aid Society, and The Story of Hope and Will: Childrens Healthcare of Atlanta. For more about Living Stories, visit livingstories.tv. Updated Nov 17, 2014, 3:50pm EST. Copyright 2023. 1982: Constructs Georgia-Pacific Headquarters. Sep 28, 2018. With this responsibility, Herman gave me two conflicting pieces of advice, Jordan said. No words can express the depth of our sorrow as we remember Mr. H.J. However, his beginnings were humble. Herman Russell had a major impact on many of. It is a loss that I and so many others share.. 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. Half-sister of Herman Russell's children wants share of his estate Russell, chairman/CEO of H. J. Russell & Co., was born on December 23, 1930, in Atlanta, one of seven childrenof Maggie and Rogers Russell. 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 [] Jordan, who the sounding board for presidents and power brokers, said Russell had other talents. Today, the experience the firm had in building the Olympic stadium has contributed to the building of the Mercedes-Benz Stadium positioned halfway between the companys old and new headquarters location. Russell both built a visible and admired company and worked behind the scenes on racial and economic issues. 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. Because of these dizzying exploits and success, the tributes continue to pour in for Russell, who will be laid to rest this week. Herman J. Russell, one of Atlanta's most important business figures, known best for his role in starting one of the country's largest minority-owned companies, passed away this morning following a brief illness at the age of 83. Throughout the decades of enormous success, Mr. Russell continued to give back to the community that nurtured his business pursuits. Some of Russells better-known projects include numerous Atlanta landmarks, among them the Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Philips Arena, Turner Field, the Georgia Dome as well as the construction of the new trillion-dollar Falcons stadium. When history was being made in Atlanta, chances were Russell was present. 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. Russell was a tower of strength who used his sharp mind and business know-how to become a major player in Atlantas business community. 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,. 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. Even though H.J. never learned how to pronounce his first name, Russell taught him essential lessons of business and life. 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. 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. Zane Major Jr., the son of Donata Russell Major Russells oldest child, called his grandfather the most influential person my life who kept the family together. The Summerhill native owned several businesses throughout his career, starting at age 16 when he purchased a dilapidated home for $125. He also played a leading role in the modern Civil Rights Movement working very closely with Rev. 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. While prestigious construction jobs remained at the heart of their activities, diversification was critical to its stability. 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. 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. 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. Several of his grandchildren participated in the service. Russell was only 12 years old when he founded his shoeshine business. They came from all walks of life, with sections of the behemoth church set aside for employees of H.J. My father taught me how to love, Jerome said. One person who initially underestimated Russell was Robert Holder, a fellow builder. Russell bought his first piece of land when he was 16 for $125. Herman J. Russell, an entrepreneur and philanthropist who turned a small plastering firm into one of the most successful African-American-owned real estate development and construction. Herman J. Russell (l) at a book party with Mayor Kasim Reed. Maria Saporta,Editor,is a longtime Atlanta business, civic and urban affairs journalist with a deep knowledge of our city, our region and state. In 2006, Otelia Hackney Russell, his wife of 50 years, died. Required fields are marked *. 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? Man, overflow was overflowed, said one attendee, to which another replied, I can believe it, he was a pioneer.. 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. All Rights Reserved. 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. Herman J Russell built one of the country's leading black owned construction, real estate and concessions empires. 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. Hala Moddelmog (@HalaModdelmog) November 16, 2014, Thoughts & prayers go out to the Russell family. We know hes at rest., He continued, He was elated and proud of the fact that he was able to share his legacy with others and, most importantly, his grandchildren. 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. But most importantly, they bridged two worlds with a close friendship. 1994: Constructs Turner Field/Centennial Olympic Stadium. In addition, his company continues to manage concessions at several American airports, including services at Hartsfield-Jackson. New Atlanta's Founding Father' Herman J. Russell dies 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. [], These panelists took their time to share their own real life experiences and opinions about the issues faced in todays society. The decade of the 1960s was important for both the United States and H. J. Russell & Company. Perry said you judge a generation by the generation that follows it. 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. 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 [] 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. 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. Civil rights leader the Rev. 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. [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. My sadness is only eclipsed by the great admiration and inspiration that his life had up on my own. 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. Russell & Company. 1962: Establishes H.J. Herman said, If you give me 1 percent more of the profit, you can take my name off of it altogether.. He retired twice once in 1996 and the last time in 2003. atlanta city council president ceaser mitchell. 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 obsession with Prince, Spike Lee movies, Hamilton and the New York Yankees is odd. Russell & Company is currently involved with the construction of the $1.3 billion Atlanta Falcons stadium development. Atlanta business icon Herman J. Russell has died - ajc.com He inspired many with words of wisdom, and assisted financially local and national political leaders, and office seekers. Reactions to the death of Herman J. Russell - ajc The . He gave us just enough to keep us hungry but without starving us, said Jerome, who said he followed in his fathers footsteps when he donated his kidney to his brother Michael. My world was designed to succeed, Holder said. Russell & Co. in 1979, Russell asked Perry to do a growth plan for the company, which took him six months to complete. 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. Dar'shun Kendrick (@DarshunKendrick) November 15, 2014, The country has lost a GIANT, Herman J. Russell. He built movements.. The firm is a partner in the joint venture selected to build the new $1 billion Atlanta Falcons stadium, scheduled to open in 2017.
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