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. 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. 1945: At 16, buys land in Summerhill for $125. This was the decade that began with a grand announcement that Atlanta would be the site of the 1996 Centennial Olympic Games. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Before attending David T. Howard High School, Russell worked for his father who was a plasterer. 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. If you lose any money, its your ass. At that time, the construction company had revenues of $12 million a year. 1989: Constructs Grady High School addition. Maria received her Masters degree in urban studies from GeorgiaState and her Bachelors degree in journalism from Boston University. Russell passed that test. 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. Russell & Co., family and friends such as baseball legend Hank Aaron, and political and civic heavyweights, including U.S. Rep. John Lewis and Martin Luther King III. When will I get my Georgia tax rebate for 2023? "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. 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. 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. 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 . Several of his grandchildren participated in the service. They met 40 years later on the business field, and they developed one of the most successful joint venture relationships in Atlanta history. All Rights Reserved. 7th Terrace, 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. Rep. Hank Johnson (@RepHankJohnson) November 15, 2014, Herman Russell understood the role of businesspeople in the journey toward social justice. 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. Giving the benediction was another longtime friend and associate Andrew Young a civil rights leader and former Atlanta mayor. 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? R.I.P. Young, who began is professional life as preacher, said the Bible tells us that the spirit of God is within us. It includes public projects such as the Georgia Dome, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Philips Arena, and Turner Field. We should pray to have even a fraction of the impact he had on the lives of others!. And dont leave until 6.. 1994: Constructs Turner Field/Centennial Olympic Stadium. 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. (Left)Michael B. Russell& Jerome Russell(Right). While business was his public face, Herman Russell Sr.s heart belonged to family, friends and equality, speaker after speaker said. The firm is a partner in the joint venture selected to build the new $1 billion Atlanta Falcons stadium, scheduled to open in 2017. You can not bury Hermans laughter in that casket, Young said. 1967: Gets the winning bid to handle the fireproofing and wetwall work on the Equitable Life Assurance Building. Details about his funeral arrangements are pending. He was my friend for the rest of my life.. My sadness is only eclipsed by the great admiration and inspiration that his life had up on my own. R.I.P., Herman J. Russell, influential construction and development I remember watching my father on the side of the bed on his knees and pray, Donata Major said. 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. 1938: Starts first business shining shoes. 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. Russell asked him how much he was making, and Khalil said $60,000 and up to $75,000 a year with a bonus. He bought his first parcel of land for $125 at age sixteen, later building a duplex on the property. Hala Moddelmog (@HalaModdelmog) November 16, 2014, Thoughts & prayers go out to the Russell family. 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. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., helped shape the citys skyline and wielded influence far beyond his hometown. The lawyers drew up a joint-venture agreement that was about two inches thick. The documentary originally aired in February 2020 on ATL PBA. 1969: Is awarded the contract for the Citizens Trust Bank Building. He made an indelible mark on the city of Atlanta and the nation and he will be deeply missed.. I want to tell you how lucky I was that Herman was in my life, Holder said. Russell is also survived by his wife, Sylvia, two stepsons, and eight grandchildren. "The firm he built continues to shape what this city will look like for decades to come.". However, his beginnings were humble. Here's a few of their responses: The entire community mourns the passing of Herman Russell. Herman J. Russell West End Academy | Building an inclusive and diverse community Belt line for a. Atlanta, GA 30310 I cant express how much we will miss him., Hermans spirit permeated the community. PDF Finding Aid to The HistoryMakers Video Oral History with Herman Russell One person who initially underestimated Russell was Robert Holder, a fellow builder. 'Building Atlanta: The Story of Herman J. Russell' Documentary to be Did youfind true love? 'New Atlanta's Founding Father' Herman J. Russell Dies "His life inspires us to continue to strive to help others and be the best we can be.. I also had a stuttering problem at that time. Building Wealth While Black: How Atlanta Fueled a Family Fortune 1974: Becomes the co-chairman of the finance committee to elect Maynard Jackson. No one could understand him, but everybody liked him, Jordan said. Herman said, Vernon, do not speak all day. But instead of naming his elder son and namesake as CEO as expected, he chose his youngest son, Michael. Herman J. Russell (1930- ) - BlackPast.org 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. Herman J. Russell - New Georgia Encyclopedia What Falcons NFC South rivals did in 2023 NFL draft. I salute you sir for a long life-well done: http://t.co/wEOUdzQj65 Herman J. Russell: 2013 Georgia Trustee Go back inside and find something to do, Russell Jr. said his grandfather ordered. Four months after he joined H.J. 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. Russell Company headquarters, Photo - Herman Russell during construction of his duplex, 1947, Occupation(s): 1978: Wins Black Enterprise Magazine Annual Achievement Award. 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. I got nervous in front of all the white aldermen. 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. Second, do not leave anything out.. His role model was his father who owned his own plastering business. He left an indelible mark on Atlanta and the world. 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. Your email address will not be published. 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. 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. But Holder did give Russell an interview holding a business conference with a black person for the first time in his life and believed that Russell wanted a chance to prove himself. Egbert Perry viewed Russell as his second father. The Westside Gazette @ 2023 - Site Designed by No Regret Media, Carma Lynn Henry He was a powerbroker who helped transform not just the skyline of one of the countrys greatest cities; he helped redeem the soul of America. As he did, he became a part of Russells family. As early as the age of 8, Herman J. Russell was inspired to build and own real estate, and to be his own employer. The world and Atlanta have indeed lost a remarkable individual and humanitarian. Russell & Company's portfolio is massive. And that's just what his firm did in Atlanta not to mention what the construction magnate built across the nation. [1][2][3][4][5] He founded H. J. Russell & Company, the largest minority-owned real estate and construction business in the United States. Half-sister of Herman Russell's children wants share of his estate 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. Tweet from DeKalb County Interim CEO Lee May, @LeeMay. Russell had picked up the penny. This was also the year that Herman founded H. J. Russell Plastering Company in Atlanta, whichwould later become H. J. Russell & Company. It is a loss that I and so many others share.. Herman J Russell built one of the country's leading black owned construction, real estate and concessions empires. Several of his grandchildren participated in the service. 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. Photo credit: Courtesy Herman J. Russell family. 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. 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. Age 101, of Bloomington. Russell was only 12 years old when he founded his shoeshine business. Delta put us together in a shotgun wedding, Holder said in an interview several years ago. 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. Russell Plastering Company with his father. Building Atlanta: The Story of Herman J. Russell was created in coordination with the Russell family by Emmy Award-winning father and son co-directors, David and John Duke of Living Stories Film & Video. Herman J. Russell, who founded Atlanta-based H. J. Russell & Company in 1952 and Concessions International, LLC, in 1979, is known for helping to build the Atlanta skyline as its seen today as well as for shaping the airport dining experience for travelers throughout the country and the U. S. Virgin Islands. Atlanta business icon Herman J. Russell has died - ajc 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. But I didnt want to make assumptions about putting our name first. It melted my heart.. 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. 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. He used his savings to help pay his tuition at Tuskegee University. Russell Construction Co. 1963: Becomes first African-American member of the Atlanta Chamber of Commerce. "H.J. Since 2008, she has written a weekly column and news stories for theAtlanta Business Chronicle. Black developer Herman J. Russell documentary now available on Delta An interview with the filmmakers can be found on the H. J. Russell & Company We Build: The Podcast here or on other podcast platforms. 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.. Where are todays Muhammad Ali-like athletes? 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. Ever the enterprising adolescent, Russell used the revenue from his teen businesses to fully finance his expensive education at the private HBCU Tuskegee Universityin Alabama. 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 replaced dilapidated low-income housing with mixed-income communities near the Atlanta University Center. In every phase of Atlanta development from Hartsfield to the present, he was a major and dominant influence. There was a campaign for class president and vice president, and Herman Russell was talking at an outdoor assembly. Prior to that, she spent 27 years with TheAtlanta Journal-Constitution,becoming its business columnist in 1991. He also was a key member of the Civil Rights movement and broke down barriers for minority entrepreneurs. All Rights Reserved by H.J. And dont leave until 6.. I gave a gift of life., Jerome said the last time he saw his father at the Rollins Pavilion at Emory Hospital, he gave me the biggest smile and a hand wave. When are the 2023 college graduation ceremonies in Georgia? 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. When Russell told Khalil he had a new love Sylvia Anderson, he said: Shes my sugar Momma.. The Great Depression heavily influenced company founder, Herman J. Russell (1930-2014). Russell, the youngest of eight children, was born during the heart of the Depression in the Atlanta community of Summerhill. 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. At the same time, his construction partnerships expanded to include residential, educational, commercial, and recreational structures. New Atlanta's Founding Father' Herman J. Russell dies 1979: Forms Concessions International LLC, a food service. Visit the Atlanta Civic Circle, a nonprofit journalism and civic engagement site, which works on community-wide issues and solutions. There was nobody I met in life cheaper than H.J., said Perry, who was overcome with emotion throughout and after the service. Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33311 By building one of our nations most successful minority-owned companies, his legacy is a shining example for small business owners with big dreams. 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. To this day, the company remains a leader in building and managing affordable housing to citizens in the southeast. Russell was a tower of strength who used his sharp mind and business know-how to become a major player in Atlantas business community. H.J. However, his beginnings were humble. Joseph Lowery. I will always remember with fondness the times that I spent in his family home playing with his children. The decade of the 1960s was important for both the United States and H. J. Russell & Company. He remembered that when he was 5 years old, his father couldnt find work. 2023 CREATIVE LOAFING, LLC. The world is immeasurably better because of Herman J. Russell, said Atlanta City Council President Ceasar C. Mitchell Russell did. I loved him and he will be missed., Civil rights icon The Rev. Vernon Jordan, one of Russells closest friends who served on his companys board, remembered when he first met Herman in October of 1948 at Howard High School in Atlanta. Builder Robert Holder said he and Herman Russell were born about 30 days of each other and about four miles apart, but it might as well have been two different worlds. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. Over the next fifty years, he continued to build businesses, amassing one of the nations and the worlds most profitable minority-owned conglomerates. Noel Khalil, who also was a proteg, told the story of how Russell hired him. Today, the former headquarters location for H. J. Russell & Company is becoming the Russell Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship in recognition of the founders entrepreneurial spirit and desire to give back. His legacy in our region is well established, and while Atlanta has lost a builder, developer and philanthropist, I have lost a dear friend. Herman was not just a great man, but, sorry Evander (Holyfield), he was the real deal, Perry said. Russell was alreadymillionaire builder before the civil rights movement led by Dr. Kinghijacked American consciousness. Atlanta has lost a socially conscious native son. Lastly, did one pass on peacefully and with grace. 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. Would he pick it up or let it sit there at the bottom of the bowl?
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