But I didnt want to make assumptions about putting our name first. Michael Russell continues to run his father's company, along with his two siblings, Jerome and Donata. My sadness is only eclipsed by the great admiration and inspiration that his life had up on my own. Russell never really stopped working, staying involved as chairman of his companies and in Castleberry Hill where his businesses were based. Today, the variousorganizations thatareoperated and controlled by the Russell family include Concessions International, Russell Center for Innovation& Entrepreneurship, Russell Family Enterprises, LLC, and Russell New Urban Development, LLC. Herman was not just a great man. 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. Herman J. Russell, an entrepreneur and philanthropist who turned a small plastering firm into one of the nations most successful African-American-owned real estate development and construction companies, died Saturday. Russell also told him that he wanted Vernon Jordan to speak at his service. We should pray to have even a fraction of the impact he had on the lives of others! Real Times Media. 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. 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. The world is immeasurably better because of Herman J. Russell, said Atlanta City Council President Ceasar C. Mitchell 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. In December 2009 Russells family donated $1 million to expand a new facility of Childrens Healthcare of Atlantaat Hughes Spalding. He left an indelible mark on Atlanta and the world. 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. Details about his funeral arrangements are pending. "I feel that my grandfather was influenced by Booker T. Washington, and what he talked about in controlling your destiny, by taking a passion or a trade and turning it into an economic opportunity," Jerome Russell shared. 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. His father was a plasterer from whom he learned the trade starting at the age of twelve. Perry joked about the time he and a colleague dropped a penny in the toilet of Russells private bathroom just to see if the business tycoon would fish it out. It includes public projects such as the Georgia Dome, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Philips Arena, and Turner Field. Where are todays Muhammad Ali-like athletes? Copyright 2023. The documentary is also the inspirational back story on which RCIE is being created to grow Black entrepreneurship. Dar'shun Kendrick (@DarshunKendrick) November 15, 2014, The country has lost a GIANT, Herman J. Russell. They came from all walks of life, with sections of the behemoth church set aside for employees of H.J. 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. "H.J. He befriended contemporaries like M.L. Russell Plastering Company with his father. They met 40 years later on the business field, and they developed one of the most successful joint venture relationships in Atlanta history. Russells sons who, along with his daughter and grandchildren, now carry on his legacy. By clicking Sign Up, I confirmthat I have read and agreeto the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. He released his autobiography, Building Atlanta: How I Broke Through Segregation to Launch a Business Empire, last April. But he invested most of his time and energy in his hometown. 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. I am at peace.. Column: Five Georgia nonprofits rank among nations top 25, Georgia State gets transformational $22.8 million Woodruff Foundation gift. 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. Russell, chairman/CEO of H. J. Russell & Co., was born on December 23, 1930, in Atlanta, one of seven childrenof Maggie and Rogers Russell. He used his savings to help pay his tuition at Tuskegee University. He replaced dilapidated low-income housing with mixed-income communities near the Atlanta University Center. H. He and his wife, Otelia, lived in midtown Atlanta. Before attending David T. Howard High School, Russell worked for his father who was a plasterer. And that's just what his firm did in Atlanta not to mention what the construction magnate built across the nation. Russell Construction Co. 1963: Becomes first African-American member of the Atlanta Chamber of Commerce. He was not just a local businessman, but a visionary and one of the men who built Atlanta as we know it today. Later while in college, he and friends build a duplex there. 1945: At 16, buys land in Summerhill for $125. Russell said his modest beginnings had a lasting impact. 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. Required fields are marked *. Maria Saporta,Editor,is a longtime Atlanta business, civic and urban affairs journalist with a deep knowledge of our city, our region and state. Back in those days, I faced some tough segregation, Russell said in an interview in March. "He was quite an entrepreneur, I always say. He was working for a residential developer at the time. 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. 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. 1993: Oversees Birmingham International Airport. 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. 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. He was one of the reasons that Atlanta is the great http://t.co/xCQp0HVmsL 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. 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. Since Ive seen so much hard times coming up as a young person, I could never walk away from improving peoples lives, Russell said. Here are several highlights of the remembrances that were shared. Along with his son Michael, Russell leaves to cherish his memory: his wife, Sylvia; another son, Jerome; daughter, Donata, several grandchildren and a host of other relatives and admirers. One of them looked at me. As he did, he became a part of Russells family. 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. From founding a beverage distributor company and having a majority share in a company that owned a television station in Macon, Ga., to establishing airport concessionaire Concessions International, LLC to being a part of the Omni Group which purchased two major professional sports franchises, diversification was the focus of the decade. 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. Go run the company, Russell told him. Staff writers Katie Leslie and Eric Stirgus contributed to this report. 1988: Constructs McGill Place Condominiums. #titan H.J. And dont leave until 6.. HJ helped build Atlanta. Official condolences from Gov. He was one of thirteen children born to Michael and Florence (Brungardt) Gerhardt. While prestigious construction jobs remained at the heart of their activities, diversification was critical to its stability. Along with being an inimitable and distinctive business leader and icon, who created H.J. Funeral arrangements were not immediately known. "When history catches its breath, Mr. Russell's life work will place him among the most significant heroes of the Civil Rights Movement because of his unwavering contributions and commitment to the progress of this city and nation. 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. 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. Civil rights leader the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. Russell has served also as a board member for civic organizations like the Allen Temple; Butler Street YMCA; Central Atlanta Progress; Tuskegee University; the NAACP Atlanta chapter; Citizens Trust Bank; Midtown Improvement District and the Georgia State University Advisory Board. No words can express the depth of our sorrow as we remember Mr. H.J. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. My father taught me how to love, Jerome said. When are the 2023 college graduation ceremonies in Georgia? 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? In 1994 Russells construction businesses were reorganized under H. J. Russell and Company. 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. By building one of our nations most successful minority-owned companies, his legacy is a shining example for small business owners with big dreams. In 1959, the same year as his mother's death, Herman and Otelia Russell welcomed their first child, Donata. Herman J. Russell (l) at a book party with Mayor Kasim Reed. Russell, the youngest of eight children, grew up in the Summerhill neighborhood, in the shadow of the baseball complex he would later help rebuild into the spectacular sports edifice Turner Field, which would become at that time, the envy of Major League Baseball franchises. 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.. Your email address will not be published. It caused a lot of people to underestimate him. Russell bought his first piece of land when he was 16 for $125. This was also the year that Herman founded H. J. Russell Plastering Company in Atlanta, whichwould later become H. J. Russell & Company. 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. He grew up on a farm near Victoria and graduated from Victoria High School. What Falcons NFC South rivals did in 2023 NFL draft. 1969: Is awarded the contract for the Citizens Trust Bank Building. 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. Russell is also survived by his wife, Sylvia, two stepsons, and eight grandchildren. Here is a 60-second trailer of the film. No one could understand him, but everybody liked him, Jordan said. David Hughes Duke and John Duke of Living Stories Video & Film are Emmy Award-winning filmmakers and natives of Atlanta. They picked Herman first, and then we were brought in. Throughout the decades of enormous success, Mr. Russell continued to give back to the community that nurtured his business pursuits. To this day, the company remains a leader in building and managing affordable housing to citizens in the southeast. 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. 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. Such a move could have destroyed other families and made for an awkward relationship among siblings, but Herman Russell executed a smooth transition. He most notably founded H.J. 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. However, his beginnings were humble. 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). [], These panelists took their time to share their own real life experiences and opinions about the issues faced in todays society. He taught us that the greatest love we could show our children was to love our spouses.. 2003: Chooses youngest son, Michael Russell, as new CEO of H.J. Part business generator, innovation lab, and museum, RICE invests in Black entrepreneurs, strengthens businesses, and creates community. Herman Russell had a major impact on many of us, and he lived a great life.. He was 83. The nearly hour-long film premieres on ATL PBA on Sunday, Feb. 16 at 9 p.m. and re-airs at 9 p.m. on Feb. 23. The firm is a partner in the joint venture selected to build the new $1 billion Atlanta Falcons stadium, scheduled to open in 2017. Russell & Company CEO Michael Russell said in a statement. 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. Russell was a tower of strength who used his sharp mind and business know-how to become a major player in Atlantas business community. 1987: Constructs Wachovia Bank operations center in North Carolina. 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. He bought his first parcel of land for $125 at age sixteen, later building a duplex on the property. 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.. 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. Later while in college, he and friends build a . Sources: H.J. He bought his first piece of land at 16 years old," Michael B. Russell said about his father. Over the years, the Holders and the Russells became close friends as well as business partners. Russell, testified Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed without a hint of hyperbole or overstatement. Russell Co. and the other family interests to his children. Herman J. Russell. [8], Herman J. Russell died on November 15, 2014, at the age of 83, in Atlanta Georgia and was buried at South-View Cemetery. H.J. But Russell saw him going to his car and asked him where he was going. 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. You will remember his hugs, his wisdom. Former staff writer Maria Saporta also contributed. He left his indelible mark on our citys skyline as one of the developers who constructed some of our regions iconic structures. "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. We waded through all of that. Several of his grandchildren participated in the service. One person who initially underestimated Russell was Robert Holder, a fellow builder. He was a great citizen, a great business man and a brother. 1938: Starts first business shining shoes. Numerous local leaders expressed their condolences and spoke about his legacy today. 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. The country has lost a GIANT, Herman J. Russell. New Atlantas Founding Father, Herman J. Russell, dies. 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. 545 N.W. 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. There was nobody I met in life cheaper than H.J., said Perry, who was overcome with emotion throughout and after the service. 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. They are the parents of two sons and a daughter, who are executives with H. J. Russell Co. Herman Russell passed away on November 15, 2014, at the age of 83. 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. 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 [] Herman J. Russell West End Academy | Building an inclusive and diverse community Belt line for a. Atlanta, GA 30310 His father was a plasterer from whom he learned the trade starting at the age oftwelve. Russell was only 12 years old when he founded his shoeshine business. 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. There were pictures from early in his career to scenes of his children and grandchildren growing up. Visit hjrussell.com to learn more about the firm. Lastly, did one pass on peacefully and with grace. Mr. Russell was alreadymillionaire builder before the civil rights movement led by Dr. Kinghijacked American consciousness. Russell did. His brilliance is reflected across Atlantas skyline and throughout communities across the country. "The firm he built continues to shape what this city will look like for decades to come.". Russell asked him how much he was making, and Khalil said $60,000 and up to $75,000 a year with a bonus. Martin. 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. I was an obnoxious, over-educated, arrogant, illegal immigrant.. 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. Russell was the low bidder as a subcontractor for Midtowns Colony Square, but it was 1968 and Holder was reluctant to give such a big job to a small, little-known, minority firm. 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. 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. Our association became a kaleidoscope of beautiful colors that included our wives and children integrating with each other. What surprised me the most was that Herman was speaking at all, Jordan said because of Russells speech impediment. I loved him and he will be missed.. 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. Herman said, If you give me 1 percent more of the profit, you can take my name off of it altogether.. The couple eventually had three children: Donata, H. Jerome, and Michael. Speaking to the children, Young said they will always hear their father speaking to them, sharing advice and demanding excellence. Herman Russell known city- , state- and nationwide for his formidable business knowledge and acumen has received many plaudits since his passing on Nov. 15. November 20, 2014 "He was elated and proud of the fact that he was able to share his legacy with others and, most importantly, his grandchildren. THE DIGITAL REPOSITORY FOR THE BLACK EXPERIENCE. Herman J. Russell. He remembered that when he was 5 years old, his father couldnt find work. Bernice A. (Left)Michael B. Russell& Jerome Russell(Right). Construction Executive, Favorite Vacation Spot: New Zealand, Europe. When Russell told Khalil he had a new love Sylvia Anderson, he said: Shes my sugar Momma.. Russell would later assist with inaugural funding of The King Center, as well as a myriad of other Atlanta institutions. 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. Russell is survived by his wife, Sylvia, sons H. Jerome and Michael Russell, daughter Donata Russell Major, two stepsons and eight grandchildren. In addition, his company continues to manage concessions at several American airports, including services at Hartsfield-Jackson. And at the last meeting in our conference room, I proposed to name the joint venture: Holder-Russell. 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. 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 & Company's portfolio is massive. His father was a plasterer from whom he learned the trade starting at the age of twelve. 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. 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. Delta put us together in a shotgun wedding, Holder said in an interview several years ago. [6][7] Russell was a 1991 recipient of the Horatio Alger Award, and received the title Georgia Trustee from the Georgia Historical Society in 2013. R.I.P. [1][2][3][4][5] He founded H. J. Russell & Company, the largest minority-owned real estate and construction business in the United States. After presenting the plan to his boss, Russell told him that he should run the company as the president and COO. 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 cant express how much we will miss him., Hermans spirit permeated the community. Once, when he was working for the elder Russell, he had finished his work and was in the parking lot getting ready to leave. Herman was not just a great man, but, sorry Evander (Holyfield), he was the real deal, Perry said. Rev. Herman J. Russell. The Summerhill native owned several businesses throughout his career, starting at age 16 when he purchased a dilapidated home for $125. The film includes interviews with notable people from Atlanta who knew Russell and . 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. He was a great citizen, a great business man and a brother. I loved him and he will be missed, said Civil Rights icon, Rev. Real Times Media. Their relationship grew into a real partnership, beginning with the building of the new Hartsfield International Airport (now Hartsfield-Jackson). Prior to that, she spent 27 years with TheAtlanta Journal-Constitution,becoming its business columnist in 1991. But we open up our hearts to your spirit.. Learn how your comment data is processed. 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.

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