You will remember his hugs, his wisdom. 1987: Expands his own corporate office to 42,000 square feet. Former Mayor Shirley Franklin in an interview several years ago called Russell a superb example of the American dream.. Andrew Young (@AmbAndrewYoung) November 15, 2014, Today, we lost one of the founding fathers of modern Atl in Mr. H.J. 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.. In 2006, Otelia Hackney Russell, his wife of 50 years, died. What Falcons NFC South rivals did in 2023 NFL draft. 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. Soon after, he formed the plastering company that over several decades became a successful development and construction conglomerate. 1989: Constructs Atlanta City Hall Complex. "The firm he built continues to shape what this city will look like for decades to come.". Four months after he joined H.J. His company helped erect much of the city's skyline such as Coca-Cola's headquarters, 191 Peachtree Tower, Atlanta City Hall, and the Georgia-Pacific building, among others. By John B. Smith, Sr. Special to the NNPA from The Atlanta Inquirer. 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 . Continue to construct great buildings in heaven., Tweet from state Rep. Darshun Kendrick, D-Lithonia, @DarshunKendrick, The country has lost a GIANT, Herman J. Russell. She spoke of how faith was so important to her father. We should pray to have even a fraction of the impact he had on the lives of others!. 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 A priceless photo shows Russell in his living room with Ralph David Abernathy, Martin Luther King Jr. and Andrew Young in the early 1960s, creating strategy for the civil rights movement. Russell had picked up the penny. Russell is also survived by his wife, Sylvia, two stepsons, and eight grandchildren. [8], Herman J. Russell died on November 15, 2014, at the age of 83, in Atlanta Georgia and was buried at South-View Cemetery. Nine months after Atlanta business icon Herman J. Russell died in November 2014, his three children received a letter from lawyers representing Joycelyn Alston of New York. When history was being made in Atlanta, chances were Russell was present. He was a great citizen, a great businessman and a brother. He bought his first piece of land at 16 years old," Michael B. Russell said about his father. 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. 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. However, his beginnings were humble. However, to me, he was my true brother in Christ and I shall never forget our decades-old friendship and what he meant to me, my family, the city of Atlanta, the nation and the world. With this responsibility, Herman gave me two conflicting pieces of advice, Jordan said. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Russell & Company in 2003, at which point his son, Michael, succeeded him in running the business. The country has lost a GIANT, Herman J. Russell. The film includes interviews with notable people from Atlanta who knew Russell and . 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 Russell was a remarkable gentleman and I greatly appreciate the work he did in District 10. 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. Russell is also survived by his wife, Sylvia, two stepsons, and eight grandchildren. Through Our Eyes: Panelist seek to encourage surrounding communities and generations after. Russell told him it was getting up in the morning and going to work. Herman J. Gerhardt, Sr., 83, of Russell, Kansas, passed away Sunday, March 17, 2019, at Wheatland Nursing Center in Russell. He most notably founded H.J. The firm is a partner in the joint venture selected to build the new $1 billion Atlanta Falcons stadium, scheduled to open in 2017. Here are several highlights of the remembrances that were shared. In 2001, he continued his personal investment in the revitalization investment of his companys neighborhood, including construction of The Castleberry Inn (now the Clarion Inn & Suites Atlanta Downtown), Legacy Lofts, Intown Lofts, and Paschals Restaurant. Lee May (@LeeMay) November 15, 2014. Russell was alreadymillionaire builder before the civil rights movement led by Dr. Kinghijacked American consciousness. All Rights Reserved. He is one of the heroes of Atlantas story, a real life legend to now aspire to. Atlanta City Councilmember Michael Julian Bond. All Rights Reserved. The entire nation is indebted to Herman J. Russell for the vision of hope and progress he had for Atlanta and the country. THE DIGITAL REPOSITORY FOR THE BLACK EXPERIENCE. [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. Hala Moddelmog (@HalaModdelmog) November 16, 2014, Thoughts & prayers go out to the Russell family. When will I get my Georgia tax rebate for 2023? He used the n-word and asked, Why cant you shine shoes on your front porch? Thats when I was reborn.. 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. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. One person who initially underestimated Russell was Robert Holder, a fellow builder. I cant express how much we will miss him.. Russell & Company CEO Michael Russell said in a statement. 1968: Is awarded HUD housing contracts in the Southeast and the Equitable Building. Herman Russell had a major impact on many of us, and he lived a great life.. Even though H.J. never learned how to pronounce his first name, Russell taught him essential lessons of business and life. Russell almost immediately expanded the family business, taking onlarger projects that ranged from home building to real estate investment. 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 - 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. Russell was also a visionary, as well as a silent partner in the most transformative movement of the last century in America and continually involved in shaping the cultural, political and economic landscape of Atlanta. 1962: Establishes H.J. Fax: (954) 525-1861, Boxing Legend George Foreman And Actor Khris Davis Share Inspiration Of Big George Foreman Film, Deborah Janes Strange Fruit Film Revisits The Past To Fix The Future In Racial Reconciliation, Former Tesla Executive Explains How Elon Musk Juggles Four Companies And His Time, Jerry Springer Has Died At 79 After Months Of Battling Pancreatic Cancer, Meta Platforms Scrapping Facebook Watch As Jada Pinkett-Smiths Show Sees Its Final Days, Its Time for Blacks to stand up and fight Trump. Grand-daughter Sydney Russell recited a poem: When I am Gone overcome with emotion as she read the powerful words. In addition, his company continues to manage concessions at several American airports, including services at Hartsfield-Jackson. Russell Plastering Company with his father. 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. 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. Over the next fifty years, he continued to build businesses, amassing one of the nations and the worlds most profitable minority-owned conglomerates. 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. He was willing to sacrifice for the good of the community, Lowery said. And dont leave until 6.. 1967: Gets the winning bid to handle the fireproofing and wetwall work on the Equitable Life Assurance Building. I want to tell you how lucky I was that Herman was in my life, Holder said. Later while in college, he and friends build a duplex there. I loved him and he will be missed.. Daughter Donata was picked to head the family philanthropic arm. Russell & Co. in 1979, Russell asked Perry to do a growth plan for the company, which took him six months to complete. 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. The couple eventually had three children: Donata, H. Jerome, and Michael. Delta is bringing the film onboard as part of all new content on Delta Studio, its in-flight entertainment platform, beginning this month. Official condolences from Gov. 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. He has seen me cry. He released his autobiography, Building Atlanta: How I Broke Through Segregation to Launch a Business Empire, last April. Herman "Russ" Russell III said his grandfather urged them all to "stay focused" and "be upbeat." Once he asked his elder what made. Russell & Co., Hoovers Company Profiles, Whos Who Among African Americans (14th ED), Staff Research. I want to think the Russell children for sharing your father with me, Khalil said. Michael Russell continues to run his father's company, along with his two siblings, Jerome and Donata. Jordan, who gave the eulogy at the funeral, said Russell had given him two conflicting directions on how to handle the tribute. Herman said, Vernon, do not speak all day. He, along with Atlanta University student leaders Julian Bond, Charlayne (Hunter) Gault, Charles Black, Lonnie King, Jr., Johnny Parham, Marian Wright and local businessman Jesse Hill, Jr., Dr. Clinton E. Warner, Gladys Powell, Hilda Wilson and others, Russell founded, in 1960, The Atlanta Inquirer, a member of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) the Black Press of America during the height of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.-led Civil Rights Movement. 1994: Constructs Turner Field/Centennial Olympic Stadium. Numerous local leaders expressed their condolences and spoke about his legacy today. 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. 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. 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. 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. Russell & Co. 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. Giving the benediction was another longtime friend and associate Andrew Young a civil rights leader and former Atlanta mayor. Dar'shun Kendrick (@DarshunKendrick) November 15, 2014, The country has lost a GIANT, Herman J. Russell. Hundreds packed Saint Philip AME Church on Candler Road in east Atlanta to say goodbye to Russell, who died Nov. 15 at age 83. 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. 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. Vernon Jordan, activist and political adviser to heads of state such as President Bill Clinton, said Russell was one of the first people he saw in his hospital room after an attempt was made on Jordans life in 1980 in Fort Wayne, Ind. Herman J. Russell was interviewed by The HistoryMakers on March 15, 2002. Clearly, the answer is yes. [], Where are todays Muhammad Ali-like athletes? I am at peace.. When Jordan heard Russell was ill a couple of months ago, he called him when he knew he would be alone. He was my friend for the rest of my life.. The death Saturday of Atlanta business pioneer and philanthrophist Herman J. Russell brought a swell of reaction on social media and other channels. (Left)Michael B. Russell& Jerome Russell(Right). There was nobody I met in life cheaper than H.J., said Perry, who was overcome with emotion throughout and after the service. Russell bought his first piece of land when he was 16 for $125. He was elated and proud of the fact that he was able to share his legacy with others and, most importantly, his grandchildren, Michael Russell said. Perry said you judge a generation by the generation that follows it. Nathan Deal, Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed and the Metro Atlanta Chamber, of which Russell was a former leader, preceded dozens of quotes in tribute. They met 40 years later on the business field, and they developed one of the most successful joint venture relationships in Atlanta history. He had a good mind and sharp pencil. 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. 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. 2023 The HistoryMakers. Several of his grandchildren participated in the service. When are the 2023 college graduation ceremonies in Georgia? The . In 1959, the same year as his mother's death, Herman and Otelia Russell welcomed their first child, Donata. He replaced dilapidated low-income housing with mixed-income communities near the Atlanta University Center. 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. Age 101, of Bloomington. This was the decade that began with a grand announcement that Atlanta would be the site of the 1996 Centennial Olympic Games. They all, in one way or another, bare the DNA of late, great business impresario Herman J. Russell. 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. His father was a plasterer from whom he learned the trade starting at the age oftwelve. Atlanta-Fulton County Board of Commissioners Chairman, John Eaves stated, It is with great regret and immense sadness that Ive learned of the passing of an Atlanta icon: Herman J. Russell. Herman is survived by his wife, Sylvia, daughter, Donata Russell Major, sons H. Jerome (Stephanie) and Michael (Lovette) Russell, stepsons Eric and Kevin Anderson, eight grandchildren --. 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. 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.. H. 1987: Constructs Wachovia Bank operations center in North Carolina. Through working with his father and watching how he ran his plastering business, he felt the urgency and necessity to create jobs during the difficult economic times, and that is when his entrepreneurial spirit was born, which lasted throughout his life until his passing in 2014. He retired twice once in 1996 and the last time in 2003. 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. 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. 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. Russell Co. and the other family interests to his children. Russell did. Once, when he was working for the elder Russell, he had finished his work and was in the parking lot getting ready to leave. 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 [] 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. Here's a few of their responses: The entire community mourns the passing of Herman Russell. "H.J. We met Mr. Russell when we interviewed him for our documentary on former City of Atlanta Mayor Ivan Allen, said John Duke. Russells office showcased photos of him with U.S. presidents in the White House. 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. 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. Copyright 2023. While business was his public face, Herman Russell Sr.s heart belonged to family, friends and equality, speaker after speaker said. Rev. 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. 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. 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,. Throughout the decades of enormous success, Mr. Russell continued to give back to the community that nurtured his business pursuits. By clicking Sign Up, I confirmthat I have read and agreeto the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. Russell also told him that he wanted Vernon Jordan to speak at his service. 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. 1993: Oversees Birmingham International Airport. What Falcons NFC South rivals did in 2023 NFL draft. Russell & Company's portfolio is massive. 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. Sources: H.J. An interview with the filmmakers can be found on the H. J. Russell & Company We Build: The Podcast here or on other podcast platforms. Russell said his modest beginnings had a lasting impact. After presenting the plan to his boss, Russell told him that he should run the company as the president and COO. Lastly, she thanked Sylvia for being there in his sunset years and providing the rock that he needed.. And we have cried together.. Herman did twice, Perry said. 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. Russell's other interests are in airport concessions. You ask if someone has made a difference. With the skills his father taught him, he, with the help of friends, built a duplex on a vacant lot he had saved up to purchase. 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. He served with dedication and distinction as a former King Center board member, and he was a beloved personal friend and supporter of both my father, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and my mother, Mrs. Coretta Scott King. 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. For Michael Russell Jr., he said he would remember the passion of his grandfather and how he understood a tight-knit family is rare.. The Great Depression heavily influenced company founder, Herman J. Russell (1930-2014). Maria Saporta,Editor,is a longtime Atlanta business, civic and urban affairs journalist with a deep knowledge of our city, our region and state. 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.
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