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1989: Constructs Atlanta City Hall Complex. 2003: Chooses youngest son, Michael Russell, as new CEO of H.J. Here's a few of their responses: The entire community mourns the passing of Herman 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, before his death in 2014. Russell was an extraordinary visionary, a dynamic leader and a philanthropist who uplifted and mentored so many. Before he died, Russell held board seats for the Atlanta Chamber of Commerce, Citizens Trust Bank, Georgia Power Company, Wachovia Bank, the Georgia Ports Authority, and other influential organizations. PDF Finding Aid to The HistoryMakers Video Oral History with Herman Russell 2023 The HistoryMakers. When we embarked on this family project, we never dreamed his life would be made available to be seen on television, let alone by millions of Delta customers., In the 1980s, Delta had the foresight to put a Black-owned company and a white-owned company together, H. J. Russell & Company and Holder Construction, to build the companys headquarters, said his son H. Jerome Russell, Jr., Chairman of the Board, the Russell Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship (RCIE). 1978: Wins Black Enterprise Magazine Annual Achievement Award. 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. His legacy will live on in the projects he built, the family he raised, and the people he touched throughout his life., Ernest Greer, chairman of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce and vice president and Atlanta managing shareholder at law firm Greenberg Traurig, He was one of the Giants of our time. In every phase of Atlanta development from Hartsfield to the present, he was a major and dominant influence. 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. (Left)Michael B. Russell& Jerome Russell(Right). Senator Vincent Fort (@Senatorfort) November 15, 2014, R. I.P. HJ helped build Atlanta. When are the 2023 college graduation ceremonies in Georgia? I loved him and he will be missed.. Herman J. Gerhardt - Pohlman~Varner~Peeler Mortuary In every phase of Atlanta development from Hartsfield to the present, he was a major and dominant influence. Jordan, who the sounding board for presidents and power brokers, said Russell had other talents. Column: Five Georgia nonprofits rank among nations top 25, Georgia State gets transformational $22.8 million Woodruff Foundation gift. Russell had picked up the penny. By John B. Smith, Sr. Special to the NNPA from The Atlanta Inquirer. Half-sister of Herman Russell's children wants share of his estate My father taught me how to love, Jerome said. 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. She spoke of how faith was so important to her father. I will always remember with fondness the times that I spent in his family home playing with his children. It includes public projects such as the Georgia Dome, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Philips Arena, and Turner Field. Herman J Russell built one of the country's leading black owned construction, real estate and concessions empires. He retired twice once in 1996 and the last time in 2003. 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. Russell & Company CEO Michael Russell said in a statement. In 2006, Otelia Hackney Russell, his wife of 50 years, died. Russell also told him that he wanted Vernon Jordan to speak at his service. 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. Andrew Young, former Atlanta mayor and U.N. ambassador, on Saturday called Russell one of the giants of our time. "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. He is one of the heroes of Atlantas story, a real life legend to now aspire to. Atlanta City Councilmember Michael Julian Bond. 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. About a decade ago, Russell turned over the operations of the H.J. Joseph Lowery. The firm has landed several key projects, and the patriarch decided to semi-retire. However, before doing so, H. J. developed the ambitious,mixed-use $300 million development in Castleberry Hill. 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.. 1986: Constructs Atlanta Gas Light Headquarters. He had a good mind and sharp pencil. Atlanta Celebrates the Incredible Life of Business Legend Herman J. Russell Not satisfied with Majors answer, Russell told him: Go back inside and find something to do. The firm is a partner in the joint venture selected to build the new $1 billion Atlanta Falcons stadium, scheduled to open in 2017. 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 did. 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. 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. 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 letter said. The nearly hour-long film features interviews with notable Atlantans who knew Herman J. Russell well. 1968: Is awarded HUD housing contracts in the Southeast and the Equitable Building. Once, when he was working for the elder Russell, he had finished his work and was in the parking lot getting ready to leave. He didnt treat us any different than anybody else, Major said. Atlanta construction executive Herman Russell is a civic leader and philanthropist whose construction company ranks as the fourth largest in the U.S. There was just no way to go to work at a very early age.. Dar'shun Kendrick (@DarshunKendrick) November 15, 2014, The country has lost a GIANT, Herman J. Russell. Giving the benediction was another longtime friend and associate Andrew Young a civil rights leader and former Atlanta mayor. Black developer Herman J. Russell documentary now available on Delta 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. Preceded in death by husband, Edmund. Clearly, the answer is yes. [], Where are todays Muhammad Ali-like athletes? Herman J. Russell was interviewed by The HistoryMakers on March 15, 2002. 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. 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. 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. Russell was only 12 years old when he founded his shoeshine business. New Atlantas Founding Father, Herman J. Russell, dies. 7th Terrace, The couple eventually had three children: Donata, H. Jerome, and Michael. 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 . Speaking to the children, Young said they will always hear their father speaking to them, sharing advice and demanding excellence. 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. It was in the 1980s and Khalil, who was in the real estate business in north metro Atlanta, was making between $60,000 to $75,000 a year, a sizable income at the time. His tremendous works can be found amongst the Atlanta skyline, the businesses he created, but most of all and the beautiful family that he raised. He has seen me cry. 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. Herman Jerome was put in charge of the companys development arm. Second, do not leave anything out.. Former Mayor Shirley Franklin in an interview several years ago called Russell a superb example of the American dream.. 1987: Expands his own corporate office to 42,000 square feet. Office: (954) 525-1489 Building Wealth While Black: How Atlanta Fueled a Family Fortune 1930: Born in Atlanta on Dec. 23, 1930. Martin. All Rights Reserved. Herman Russell had a major impact on many of us, and he lived a great life.. 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. Required fields are marked *. He was one of thirteen children born to Michael and Florence (Brungardt) Gerhardt. His father was a plasterer from whom he learned the trade starting at the age of twelve. 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 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. The world is immeasurably better because of Herman J. Russell, said Atlanta City Council President Ceasar C. Mitchell Like Atlanta, he started off with a little shoe shine stand, now his company is a major influence in everything happening in the city. 545 N.W. Egbert Perry viewed Russell as his second father. Michael Russell continues to run his father's company, along with his two siblings, Jerome and Donata. My world was designed to succeed, Holder said. We put your body to rest, Young said. Herman Russell was a remarkable gentleman and I greatly appreciate the work he did in District 10. Herman J. Russell - New Georgia Encyclopedia 1993: Oversees Birmingham International Airport. 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. Along the way, he broke virtually every racial and economic barrier. Today, the company is at number 25 on the BE Top 100 list. 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. Mr. Under the leadership of the Russell siblings, the first decade of the new millennium started with a bang. It is a loss that I and so many others share.. 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. Russell & Company is currently involved with the construction of the $1.3 billion Atlanta Falcons stadium development. 1979: Forms Concessions International LLC, a food service. After presenting the plan to his boss, Russell told him that he should run the company as the president and COO. 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. Russell was a tower of strength who used his sharp mind and business know-how to become a major player in Atlantas business community. 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. He bought his first parcel of land for $125 at age sixteen, later building a duplex on the property. He was not just a local businessman, but a visionary and one of the men who built Atlanta as we know it today. 1980: Becomes president of the Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and is awarded the contract for the Hartsfield Atlanta International Airport's main terminal complex. "His life inspires us to continue to strive to help others and be the best we can be.. His legacy in our region is well established, and while Atlanta has lost a builder, developer and philanthropist, I have lost a dear friend. 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. Lastly, she thanked Sylvia for being there in his sunset years and providing the rock that he needed.. 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. Atlanta Loses Business Giant, Civic Leader and - The Atlanta Inquirer 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. This was the decade that began with a grand announcement that Atlanta would be the site of the 1996 Centennial Olympic Games. By the time of his retirement in 1997, Russell had . That entrepreneurial spirit was passed on through his legacy to his children and grandchildren. Go back inside and find something to do, Russell Jr. said his grandfather ordered. 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. He most notably founded H.J. The country has lost a GIANT, Herman J. Russell. Daughter Donata was picked to head the family philanthropic arm. He left a lasting legacy that will be remembered for years to come.said Atlanta City Councilmember C.T. His father was a plasterer from whom he learned the trade starting at the age of twelve. We will celebrate his life and learn from his example. Visit the Atlanta Civic Circle, a nonprofit journalism and civic engagement site, which works on community-wide issues and solutions. We are saying good-bye to the physical aspect of a person but I know the person is still alive. 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. Perry said you judge a generation by the generation that follows it. Tags: Ambassador Andrew Young, atlanta city council president ceaser mitchell, civil rights movement, Congressman John Lewis, Herman J. Russell, Mayor Kasim Reed. Herman J. Russell. Civil rights leader the Rev. H.J. If you lose any money, its your ass. At that time, the construction company had revenues of $12 million a year. The companys leadership was shifting too, placing his capable children H. Jerome, Michael and Donata to significant leadership positions as H. J. Russell announced his retirement was imminent. My sadness is only eclipsed by the great admiration and inspiration that his life had up on my own. He bought his first parcel of land for $125 at age sixteen, later building a duplex on the property. Do not speak all day. With an ample mix of tears and laughter friends, family and associates said good-bye to Herman J. Russell at a Celebration of Life service at Saint Philip AME Church in DeKalb County for two-and-a-half hours on Saturday. 'The firm he built continues to shape what this city will look like for decades to come'. 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. I am at peace.. Documentary 'Building Atlanta,' About Legendary Black Businessman 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. 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. Russell & Co. built much of Atlantas skyline often through joint ventures from the Georgia-Pacific headquarters to the Georgia Dome. H. 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 --. Russell, a lifelong Atlantan who counted among his friends several presidents and the Rev. By building one of our nations most successful minority-owned companies, his legacy is a shining example for small business owners with big dreams. WhileAfrican-American leaders were waging war for Civil Rights throughout the southern U.S., Herman began his first major project, a development of 12 residential units on South Avenue in Atlanta. Great Memorial to A great man-Gloria WaddellReport, Your email address will not be published. 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. Herman Jerome Russell was born to Maggie Googson and Rogers Russell in Atlanta on Dec. 23, 1930. Herman J. Russell (1930- ) - BlackPast.org I loved him and he will be missed, said Civil Rights icon, Rev. Along with being an inimitable and distinctive business leader and icon, who created H.J. Since 1952, H. J. Russell & Companys commitment to strengthening Americas foundation through entrepreneurship, empowerment and excellence has propelled the company to legendary success. I got nervous in front of all the white aldermen. Where are todays Muhammad Ali-like athletes? 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. 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. Here are several highlights of the remembrances that were shared. He was my friend for the rest of my life.. Maria received her Masters degree in urban studies from GeorgiaState and her Bachelors degree in journalism from Boston University. Michael Russell spoke of how honored he felt to be carrying on the role of running his fathers company. 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. 1945: At 16, buys land in Summerhill for $125. Copyright 2023. 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