Real Times Media. (Left)Michael B. Russell& Jerome Russell(Right). Go run the company, Russell told him. Russell Co. and the other family interests to his children. Russell & Company, Russell was also a formidable community and civic leader, as well as author of his recently released autobiography, Building Atlanta: How I Broke Through Segregation to Launch a Business Empire. Back in those days, I faced some tough segregation, Russell said in an interview in March. Herman Russell helped to make real the legacy of a city too busy to hate.. Russell partnered with noted white business leaders such as developer John Portman and Aarons founder Charles Loudermilk. cry. 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. Tweet from DeKalb County Interim CEO Lee May, @LeeMay. He most notably founded H.J. Russell Construction Co. 1963: Becomes first African-American member of the Atlanta Chamber of Commerce. People have other things to do. Atlanta has lost a socially conscious native son. 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. During my friendship with Herman for more than 50 years, following the founding of the historic Atlanta Inquirer, we were mentor and mentee in the early years; however, as we grew within Atlanta, he became more than just a mentor and friend. The program described his achievements as an entrepreneur, his love of family and of friends. Noel Khalil, who also was a proteg, told the story of how Russell hired him. In every phase of Atlanta development from Hartsfield (airport) to the present, he was a major and dominant influence, Young said. In 1959, the same year as his mother's death, Herman and Otelia Russell welcomed their first child, Donata. Russell had picked up the penny. 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. No one could understand him, but everybody liked him, Jordan said. He made an indelible mark on the city of Atlanta and the nation and he will be deeply missed.. Launching his entrepreneurship journey at the age of 12, H.J. Speaking to the children, Young said they will always hear their father speaking to them, sharing advice and demanding excellence. It melted my heart.. 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 firm he built continues to shape what this city will look like for decades to come'. 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 & 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. With this responsibility, Herman gave me two conflicting pieces of advice, Jordan said. When history was being made in Atlanta, chances were Russell was present. 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. The nearly hour-long film features interviews with notable Atlantans who knew Herman J. Russell well. Not only did the firm receive company and leadership awards and recognitions by various organizations and institutions in Atlanta, the companys Project Management division set up offices in Birmingham, AL and expanded its headquarters to more than 42,000 square feet in the Castleberry Hill neighborhood of Atlanta. He was 83. R.I.P., Herman J. Russell, influential construction and development By John B. Smith, Sr. Special to the NNPA from The Atlanta Inquirer. H.J. 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. He was an unforgettable philanthropist, a wise corporate citizen, a shrewd businessman and my dear friend. Real Times Media. Nathan Deal, Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed and the Metro Atlanta Chamber, of which Russell was a former leader, preceded dozens of quotes in tribute. Survived by son, Russell (Patricia); grandchildren, Brent (Bethany), Adam (Jessica . He was not just an example of self-made success, but a demonstration of a life well lived. Russell & Company CEO Michael Russell said in a statement. 2003: Chooses youngest son, Michael Russell, as new CEO of H.J. 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. They all, in one way or another, bare the DNA of late, great business impresario Herman J. Russell. At the same time, his construction partnerships expanded to include residential, educational, commercial, and recreational structures. 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. Part business generator, innovation lab, and museum, RICE invests in Black entrepreneurs, strengthens businesses, and creates community. I loved him and he will be missed.. Jordan, who gave the eulogy at the funeral, said Russell had given him two conflicting directions on how to handle the tribute. We should pray to have even a fraction of the impact he had on the lives of others! 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. The world is immeasurably better because of Herman J. Russell, said Atlanta City Council President Ceasar C. Mitchell Herman Jerome was put in charge of the companys development arm. That entrepreneurial spirit was passed on through his legacy to his children and grandchildren. 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. The Westside Gazette @ 2023 - Site Designed by No Regret Media, Carma Lynn Henry 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. 1978: Wins Black Enterprise Magazine Annual Achievement Award. Tags: Ambassador Andrew Young, atlanta city council president ceaser mitchell, civil rights movement, Congressman John Lewis, Herman J. Russell, Mayor Kasim Reed. 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. However, his beginnings were humble. 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. New Atlanta's Founding Father, Herman J. Russell, dies 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. 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. Jordan, who the sounding board for presidents and power brokers, said Russell had other talents. Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33311 Russell was a tower of strength who used his sharp mind and business know-how to become a major player in Atlantas business community. Rev. And dont leave until 6.. 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. Herman Russell had a major impact on many of us, and he lived a great life.. 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. No words can express the depth of our sorrow as we remember Mr. H.J. 1979: Forms Concessions International LLC, a food service. 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 [] 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. 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. Herman RUSSELL Obituary (1930 - 2014) - ATLANTA, GA - Legacy.com H.J. Perry then asked for a job description. He left a lasting legacy that will be remembered for years to come.said Atlanta City Councilmember C.T. Young, who began is professional life as preacher, said the Bible tells us that the spirit of God is within us. He was mistaken. Preceded in death by husband, Edmund. The trust, confidence, and lasting friendships he established enabled a new generation of Black entrepreneurs to move into the mainstream. We put your body to rest, Young said. To support the movement for equality and civil rights, he discretely financed the civil rights crusade, bonded outdemonstrators and provided funding for political campaigns thathelped pass landmark legislation to transform American society and race relations. Atlanta business icon Herman J. Russell has died - ajc.com The documentary is also the inspirational back story on which RCIE is being created to grow Black entrepreneurship. THE DIGITAL REPOSITORY FOR THE BLACK EXPERIENCE. We will celebrate his life and learn from his example. Even though H.J. never learned how to pronounce his first name, Russell taught him essential lessons of business and life. Russell would later assist with inaugural funding of The King Center, as well as a myriad of other Atlanta institutions. Herman Jerome Russell (December 23, 1930 November 15, 2014) was an entrepreneur and influential figure in Atlanta, Georgia. 1989: Constructs Atlanta City Hall Complex. 2023 CREATIVE LOAFING, LLC. When Russell told Khalil he had a new love Sylvia Anderson, he said: Shes my sugar Momma.. Late Herman Russell praised for his special brand of humanity - ajc 'Building Atlanta: The Story of Herman J. Russell' Documentary to be Everything in his world was designed to be an obstacle.. 2023 The HistoryMakers. And we have cried together.. Lastly, did one pass on peacefully and with grace. If you lose any money, its your ass. At that time, the construction company had revenues of $12 million a year. His father was a plasterer from whom he learned the trade starting at the age oftwelve. This was the decade that began with a grand announcement that Atlanta would be the site of the 1996 Centennial Olympic Games. Russell is also survived by his wife, Sylvia, two stepsons, and eight grandchildren. Among the dignitaries who were present Saturday included: Congressman John Lewis, Congressman Hank Johnson, Congressman David Scott, Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed, Morehouse College President John Wilson, Clark Atlanta President Carlton Brown, public relations/marketing entrepreneur Kent Matlock, retired Citizens Trust director Johnnie Clark, Martin Luther King III, Bernice King, Atlanta City Council President Ceasar Mitchell, Maynard Buzzy Jackson III and his wife Wendy, Dr. Louis Sullivan, WXIAs Brenda Wood, environmentalists Laura Turner Seydel and Rutherford Seydel, fundraiser Ann Curry, former Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin, Coca-Colas Lisa Borders, chair of Habitat for Humanity International board Renee Glover, Dr. David Satcher, Atlanta City Council persons Kwanza Hall and Andrew Dickens, Atlanta Business Leagues Leona Barr Davenport, 2015 Nobel Peace Prize Summit CEO and COO respectively Mohammad Bhuiyan and Shamima Amin, Atlanta Lifes Bill Taggart, former Clayton Chair Eldrin Bell, contract compliance leader Rodney Strong, behind the scenes power-broker Eugene Duffy, retired Coca-Cola executive Ingrid Saunders Jones, photographer Sue Ross, political observer and businessman Dan Halpern, former Russell general counsel Joia Johnson, Andrea Young Thomas and her husband Jerry Thomas, architects George and Laura Heery as well as countless others. Russells sons who, along with his daughter and grandchildren, now carry on his legacy. Mr. About a decade ago, Russell turned over the operations of the H.J. [1] Russell's autobiography Building Atlanta was published in April 2014, shortly before his death. 1930: Born in Atlanta on Dec. 23, 1930. His father was a plasterer from whom he learned the trade starting at the age of twelve. Grand-daughter Sydney Russell recited a poem: When I am Gone overcome with emotion as she read the powerful words. Construction Executive, Favorite Vacation Spot: New Zealand, Europe. I also had a stuttering problem at that time. Herman J. Russell: 2013 Georgia Trustee Numerous local leaders expressed their condolences and spoke about his legacy today. There were pictures from early in his career to scenes of his children and grandchildren growing up. As the nations business environment shifted, so did the company. 1938: Starts first business shining shoes. That entrepreneurial spirit was passed on through his legacy to his children and grandchildren. Russell Company headquarters, Photo - Herman Russell during construction of his duplex, 1947, Occupation(s): Russell & Co. built much of Atlantas skyline often through joint ventures from the Georgia-Pacific headquarters to the Georgia Dome. It caused a lot of people to underestimate him. Russell Plastering Company with his father. Russell Center | RICE | About Us Dar'shun Kendrick (@DarshunKendrick) November 15, 2014, The country has lost a GIANT, Herman J. Russell. Atlanta Loses Business Giant, Civic Leader and - The Atlanta Inquirer We met Mr. Russell when we interviewed him for our documentary on former City of Atlanta Mayor Ivan Allen, said John Duke. Hala Moddelmog (@HalaModdelmog) November 16, 2014, Thoughts & prayers go out to the Russell family. He bought his first parcel of land for $125 at age sixteen, later building a duplex on the property. Our association became a kaleidoscope of beautiful colors that included our wives and children integrating with each other. Russell bought his first piece of land when he was 16 for $125. Through Our Eyes: Panelist seek to encourage surrounding communities and generations after. Russell's other interests are in airport concessions. He will be with you always until the end of the ages.. 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. HJ helped build Atlanta. He and his wife, Otelia, lived in midtown Atlanta. 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. Along with being an inimitable and distinctive business leader and icon, who created H.J. Whether at The Inquirer or with our respective families, he supported me to the very end, and I will always be most appreciative of that respect and friendship. He grew up on a farm near Victoria and graduated from Victoria High School. "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. FOX 5s Deidra Dukes sat down with H.J. 1968: Is awarded HUD housing contracts in the Southeast and the Equitable Building. 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. 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. Giving the benediction was another longtime friend and associate Andrew Young a civil rights leader and former Atlanta mayor. Maria Saporta,Editor,is a longtime Atlanta business, civic and urban affairs journalist with a deep knowledge of our city, our region and state. Few men have done more to make Atlanta a place where people of all races and backgrounds can bring and build their dreams.". The Great Depression heavily influenced company founder, Herman J. Russell (1930-2014). Former staff writer Maria Saporta also contributed. Like Atlanta, he started off with a little shoe shine stand, now his company is a major influence in everything happening in the city.
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