Your email address will not be published. You will remember his hugs, his wisdom. Once, when he was working for the elder Russell, he had finished his work and was in the parking lot getting ready to leave. Westside Gazette Newspaper "H.J. Russell partnered with noted white business leaders such as developer John Portman and Aarons founder Charles Loudermilk. Russell & Co. in 1979, Russell asked Perry to do a growth plan for the company, which took him six months to complete. 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. Over the years, the Holders and the Russells became close friends as well as business partners. We will celebrate his life and learn from his example. But I didnt want to make assumptions about putting our name first. A slick, 28-page color glossy program designed with the kind of professionalism used for Fortune 500 annual reports documented Russells life. [1] Russell's autobiography Building Atlanta was published in April 2014, shortly before his death. He also said there was no entitlement in the Russell household. 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. Lee May (@LeeMay) November 15, 2014. [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. 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. After presenting the plan to his boss, Russell told him that he should run the company as the president and COO. Russell, testified Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed without a hint of hyperbole or overstatement. Herman Russell known city- , state- and nationwide for his formidable business knowledge and acumen has received many plaudits since his passing on Nov. 15. Russell almost immediately expanded the family business, taking onlarger projects that ranged from home building to real estate investment. Michael Russell continues to run his father's company, along with his two siblings, Jerome and Donata. He remembered that when he was 5 years old, his father couldnt find work. Required fields are marked *. Herman Russell had a major impact on many of us and he lived a great life.- Michael Russell, son of Herman Russell and CEO of H.J. And then Michael remembered one his fathers favorite sayings: Bring something more to the table than your appetite.. Delta is bringing the film onboard as part of all new content on Delta Studio, its in-flight entertainment platform, beginning this month. Sources: H.J. 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? Ernie Suggs is an enterprise reporter covering race and culture for the AJC since 1997. Daughter Donata was picked to head the family philanthropic arm. He bought his first parcel of land for $125 at age sixteen, later building a duplex on the property. Russell & Company is currently involved with the construction of the $1.3 billion Atlanta Falcons stadium development. 1967: Gets the winning bid to handle the fireproofing and wetwall work on the Equitable Life Assurance Building. Russell later founded H.J. Second, do not leave anything out.. By clicking Sign Up, I confirmthat I have read and agreeto the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. I will always remember with fondness the times that I spent in his family home playing with his children. 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. However, the nation has lost a genuine and sincere chaplain of the common, First N.C. State Supreme Court Justice honored, Is this the time to stand up and fight back? 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. Herman was not just a great man. These same principles and values will continue to guide the company into the next 60 years of exceptional service to its clients, genuine commitment to its associates and caring support for the communities in which we live and work. The entire nation is indebted to Herman J. Russell for the vision of hope and progress he had for Atlanta and the country. Visit hjrussell.com to learn more about the firm. 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. He made an indelible mark on the city of Atlanta and the nation and he will be deeply missed.. 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. But instead of naming his elder son and namesake as CEO as expected, he chose his youngest son, Michael. 1979: Forms Concessions International LLC, a food service. Andrew Young (@AmbAndrewYoung) November 15, 2014, Today, we lost one of the founding fathers of modern Atl in Mr. H.J. 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. He used his talents and experience and hard work to have one of the most successful businesses and African-American businesses in the city and the country, she said. 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. Jordan, who gave the eulogy at the funeral, said Russell had given him two conflicting directions on how to handle the tribute. 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. Hundreds packed Saint Philip AME Church on Candler Road in east Atlanta to say goodbye to Russell, who died Nov. 15 at age 83. Along the way, he broke virtually every racial and economic barrier. He bought his first piece of land at 16 years old," Michael B. Russell said about his father. That entrepreneurial spirit was passed on through his legacy to his children and 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. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The documentary is also the inspirational back story on which RCIE is being created to grow Black entrepreneurship. 2023 The HistoryMakers. 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. H.J. When will I get my Georgia tax rebate for 2023? 1945: At 16, buys land in Summerhill for $125. Nationally prominent Atlanta business leader Herman J. Russell, 83, died Saturday morning after a brief illness. 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. Russell & Company's portfolio is massive. Former Mayor Shirley Franklin in an interview several years ago called Russell a superb example of the American dream.. He made his transition in a peaceful way, said his son, Michael, who serves as CEO of his fathers firm. Later while in college, he and friends build a . When are the 2023 college graduation ceremonies in Georgia? The film includes interviews with notable people from Atlanta who knew Russell and . Here is a 60-second trailer of the film. There was a campaign for class president and vice president, and Herman Russell was talking at an outdoor assembly. Russell also told him that he wanted Vernon Jordan to speak at his service. Former staff writer Maria Saporta also contributed. That entrepreneurial spirit was passed on through his legacy to his children and grandchildren. You ask if someone has made a difference. Herman was not just a great man, but, sorry Evander (Holyfield), he was the real deal, Perry said. 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. Since 2008, she has written a weekly column and news stories for theAtlanta Business Chronicle. Nathan Deal, Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed and the Metro Atlanta Chamber, of which Russell was a former leader, preceded dozens of quotes in tribute. [9], "Herman J. Russell built legacy in Atlanta", "International Civil Rights: Walk of Fame Herman J. Russell", "Atlanta business icon Herman J. Russell has died", "Herman Jerome Russel (1930- ), Business Mogul, Community Leader, Philanthropist", "BUILDING ATLANTA by Herman J. Russell , Bob Andelman", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Herman_J._Russell&oldid=1114763061, This page was last edited on 8 October 2022, at 04:13. He was a great citizen, a great business man and a brother. Russells sons who, along with his daughter and grandchildren, now carry on his legacy. In every phase of Atlanta development from Hartsfield (airport) to the present, he was a major and dominant influence, Young said. The world is immeasurably better because of Herman J. Russell, said Atlanta City Council President Ceasar C. Mitchell This was also the year that Herman founded H. J. Russell Plastering Company in Atlanta, whichwould later become H. J. Russell & Company. Returning to Atlanta after college, he worked . She spoke of how faith was so important to her father. There was just no way to go to work at a very early age.. At the same time, his construction partnerships expanded to include residential, educational, commercial, and recreational structures. He inspired many with words of wisdom, and assisted financially local and national political leaders, and office seekers. 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. Russell & Company also assisted in the construction of the Atlanta Police headquarters, Fulton County Jail, nearly a dozen Atlanta Public Schools buildings, Atlanta History Center, Atlanta Symphony Hall, the Carter Center, Ebenezer Baptist Church, and many other structures. 1994: Constructs Turner Field/Centennial Olympic Stadium. The program described his achievements as an entrepreneur, his love of family and of friends. King Jr., Ralph Abernathy, Andrew Young, Vernon Jordan and Jesse Hill. However, his beginnings were humble. Soon, he started a shoe-shining business and sold Coca-Colas. Courtney English (@CourtneyEnglish) November 15, 2014, #ATL is forever indebted to #HJRussell-he helped transform our skyline & worked tirelessly 2 make our city better - he will truly be missed. Even though H.J. never learned how to pronounce his first name, Russell taught him essential lessons of business and life. All Rights Reserved. New Atlantas Founding Father, Herman J. Russell, dies. 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. The lawyers drew up a joint-venture agreement that was about two inches thick. 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. Herman was born October 19, 1935 in Victoria, Kansas. Russell & Company CEO Michael Russell said in a statement. He taught us that the greatest love we could show our children was to love our spouses.. 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. The couple eventually had three children: Donata, H. Jerome, and Michael. The decade of the 1960s was important for both the United States and H. J. Russell & Company. The companys Construction, Program Management, Property Management and Real Estate Development divisions, along with Concessions International, LLC, Russell Center for Innovation& Entrepreneurship,Russell Family Enterprises, LLC and H. J. Russell Foundation, are all built on a legacy of the companys founder andare being elevated to the next level by the visions of the new generation. Rev. 1982: Constructs Georgia-Pacific Headquarters. Official condolences from Gov. 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. The Westside Gazette @ 2023 - Site Designed by No Regret Media, Carma Lynn Henry "His life inspires us to continue to strive to help others and be the best we can be.. 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. But Russell saw him going to his car and asked him where he was going. Russell, a lifelong Atlantan who counted among his friends several presidents and the Rev. 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. 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. Clearly, the answer is yes. [], Where are todays Muhammad Ali-like athletes? He was not just a local businessman, but a visionary and one of the men who built Atlanta as we know it today. By the time of his retirement in 1997, Russell had . If you lose any money, its your ass. At that time, the construction company had revenues of $12 million a year. 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. Real Times Media. When Perry left 12 years after being named president, the companys revenues totaled $200 million and was the largest black-owned construction company in the country. But it wasn't until 2015 that the three. Russell passed that test. We are saying good-bye to the physical aspect of a person but I know the person is still alive. As the nations business environment shifted, so did the company. 1980: Becomes president of the Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and is awarded the contract for the Hartsfield Atlanta International Airport's main terminal complex. Russell & Co., Hoovers Company Profiles, Whos Who Among African Americans (14th ED), Staff Research. Russells office showcased photos of him with U.S. presidents in the White House. Did youfind true love? Grandson H. Jerome Russell Jr. said his grandfather didnt play favorites with employees. (Left)Michael B. Russell& Jerome Russell(Right). 1974: Becomes the co-chairman of the finance committee to elect Maynard Jackson. Russell is also survived by his wife, Sylvia, two stepsons, and eight grandchildren. 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. We put your body to rest, Young said. Russell did. Russell. 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,. Russell loved sharing his inspirational life story with others and frequently regaled listeners with account of how he overcame racism, poverty, and a debilitating speech impediment to become one of the most successful African American entrepreneurs, and unsung heroes of the civil rights movement. He had a good mind and sharp pencil. Herman J. Russell, who founded Atlanta-based H. J. Russell & Company in 1952 and Concessions International, LLC, in 1979, is known for helping to build the Atlanta skyline as it's seen today as well as for shaping the airport dining experience for travelers throughout the country and the U. S. Virgin Islands. Russell, the youngest of eight children, was born during the heart of the Depression in the Atlanta community of Summerhill.

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