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. 1978: Wins Black Enterprise Magazine Annual Achievement Award. Since 1952, H. J. Russell & Companys commitment to strengthening Americas foundation through entrepreneurship, empowerment and excellence has propelled the company to legendary success. 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. The brilliant construction and real estate magnate passed away at age 83 much like he lived quietly, and leaving behind an enviable legacy and vast business portfolio that spellbinds his contemporaries and legions of admirers alike. 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. After presenting the plan to his boss, Russell told him that he should run the company as the president and COO. Once, when he was working for the elder Russell, he had finished his work and was in the parking lot getting ready to leave. In every phase of Atlanta development from Hartsfield to the present, he was a major and dominant influence. People having other things to do., Leon Staffordcovers south metro government, 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. To this day, the company remains a leader in building and managing affordable housing to citizens in the southeast. Russell is survived by his wife, Sylvia, sons H. Jerome and Michael Russell, daughter Donata Russell Major, two stepsons and eight grandchildren. Russell said his modest beginnings had a lasting impact. 1987: Expands his own corporate office to 42,000 square feet. 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. Russell, the youngest of eight children, was born during the heart of the Depression in the Atlanta community of Summerhill. Where are todays Muhammad Ali-like athletes? 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. 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. Russell did. 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. The trust, confidence, and lasting friendships he established enabled a new generation of Black entrepreneurs to move into the mainstream. And at the last meeting in our conference room, I proposed to name the joint venture: Holder-Russell. Russell & Co. in 1979, Russell asked Perry to do a growth plan for the company, which took him six months to complete. 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. Thats how Khalil became a developer and entrepreneur. "H.J. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Four months after he joined H.J. The company has annual sales of more than $150 million and employs 700. Herman J. Russell. As the nations business environment shifted, so did the company. Russell Construction Co. 1963: Becomes first African-American member of the Atlanta Chamber of Commerce. Over the years, the Holders and the Russells became close friends as well as business partners. I remember watching my father on the side of the bed on his knees and pray, Donata Major said. However, his beginnings were humble. Herman J. Russell. 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. When will I get my Georgia tax rebate for 2023? 2003: Chooses youngest son, Michael Russell, as new CEO of H.J. Russell's other interests are in airport concessions. One of them looked at me. 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. Funeral arrangements were not immediately known. atlanta city council president ceaser mitchell. An interview with the filmmakers can be found on the H. J. Russell & Company We Build: The Podcast here or on other podcast platforms. He didnt just build buildings. 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. Herman Jerome was put in charge of the companys development arm. I cant express how much we will miss him., Hermans spirit permeated the community. Rep. Hank Johnson (@RepHankJohnson) November 15, 2014, Herman Russell understood the role of businesspeople in the journey toward social justice. Russell Company headquarters, Photo - Herman Russell during construction of his duplex, 1947, Occupation(s): 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. You will remember his hugs, his wisdom. Perry lost the bet believing Russell wouldnt dig in the commode for simply a penny. Egbert Perry viewed Russell as his second father. Grand-daughter Sydney Russell recited a poem: When I am Gone overcome with emotion as she read the powerful words. He bought his first piece of land at 16 years old," Michael B. Russell said about his father. 1982: Constructs Georgia-Pacific Headquarters. He didnt treat us any different than anybody else, Major said. The firm is a partner in the joint venture selected to build the new $1 billion Atlanta Falcons stadium, scheduled to open in 2017. Photo credit: Courtesy Herman J. Russell family. Russell told him it was getting up in the morning and going to work. All rights reserved. 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. 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. My father taught me how to love, Jerome said. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Herman "Russ" Russell III said his grandfather urged them all to "stay focused" and "be upbeat." Once he asked his elder what made. Official condolences from Gov. 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. Today, our city lost one of the best men it has ever produced. He had a good mind and sharp pencil. Along with being an inimitable and distinctive business leader and icon, who created H.J. 1989: Constructs Atlanta City Hall Complex. 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. 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 was a great citizen, a great business man and a brother. [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. Even though H.J. never learned how to pronounce his first name, Russell taught him essential lessons of business and life. Herman was born October 19, 1935 in Victoria, Kansas. While business was his public face, Herman Russell Sr.s heart belonged to family, friends and equality, speaker after speaker said. Perry said you judge a generation by the generation that follows it. 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. Delta is bringing the film onboard as part of all new content on Delta Studio, its in-flight entertainment platform, beginning this month. 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. H.J. [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. H.J. 1979: Forms Concessions International LLC, a food service. No one could understand him, but everybody liked him, Jordan said. Part business generator, innovation lab, and museum, RICE invests in Black entrepreneurs, strengthens businesses, and creates community. Two years later, Jerome donated one of his kidneys to his brother. He was a great citizen, a great business man and a brother. Herman J. Russell, an entrepreneur and philanthropist who turned a small plastering firm into one of the most successful African-American-owned real estate development and construction. Lee May (@LeeMay) November 15, 2014. Numerous local leaders expressed their condolences and spoke about his legacy today. Im always confused on occasions like this, Young said. Few men have done more to make Atlanta a place where people of all races and backgrounds can bring and build their dreams.". 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. 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 [] New Atlantas Founding Father, Herman J. Russell, dies. He bought his first parcel of land for $125 at age sixteen, later building a duplex on the property. Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33311 He was not just an example of self-made success, but a demonstration of a life well lived. The . Ernie Suggs is an enterprise reporter covering race and culture for the AJC since 1997. We should pray to have even a fraction of the impact he had on the lives of others!. 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. 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. My world was designed to succeed, Holder said. Second, do not leave anything out.. Since Ive seen so much hard times coming up as a young person, I could never walk away from improving peoples lives, Russell said. Learn how your comment data is processed. In 2015 Joycelyn Darby Alston, a resident of New York, claimed that she, too, was among Russell's progeny, a product of a brief relationship between Russell and her mother, an Atlanta native. Giving the benediction was another longtime friend and associate Andrew Young a civil rights leader and former Atlanta mayor. Herman Russell helped to make real the legacy of a city too busy to hate.. 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. I want to think the Russell children for sharing your father with me, Khalil said. Herman J. Russell West End Academy | Building an inclusive and diverse community Belt line for a. Atlanta, GA 30310 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. What Falcons NFC South rivals did in 2023 NFL draft. Stolle, Geraldine J. He remembered that when he was 5 years old, his father couldnt find work. 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. Russell asked him how much he was making, and Khalil said $60,000 and up to $75,000 a year with a bonus. His grandfather caught up with him, gave him a stern look and Russell Jr. knew he was in trouble. About a decade ago, Russell turned over the operations of the 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. 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. There was just no way to go to work at a very early age.. His father was a plasterer from whom he learned the trade starting at the age of twelve. 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. Herman J. Russell. His father was a plasterer from whom he learned the trade starting at the age of twelve. Building Atlanta: The Story of Herman J. Russell Documentary to be featured by Delta Air Lines Starting in Black History Month Herman Russell understood the role of businesspeople in the journey toward social justice., Tweet from state Sen. Vincent Fort, D-Atlanta, @Senatorfort, He was not just a businessman and not just a civic leader. Russell almost immediately expanded the family business, taking onlarger projects that ranged from home building to real estate investment. And we have cried together.. 7th Terrace, Russell was an extraordinary visionary, a dynamic leader and a philanthropist who uplifted and mentored so many. Martin. They all, in one way or another, bare the DNA of late, great business impresario Herman J. Russell. Go back inside and find something to do, Russell Jr. said his grandfather ordered. Herman Russell was a remarkable gentleman and I greatly appreciate the work he did in District 10. King Jr., Ralph Abernathy, Andrew Young, Vernon Jordan and Jesse Hill. Jordan, who gave the eulogy at the funeral, said Russell had given him two conflicting directions on how to handle the tribute. 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. Joseph Lowery. It caused a lot of people to underestimate him. His role model was his father who owned his own plastering business. 'The firm he built continues to shape what this city will look like for decades to come'. (Left)Michael B. Russell& Jerome Russell(Right). I loved him and he will be missed.. Zane Major Jr., the son of Donata Russell Major Russells oldest child, called his grandfather the most influential person my life who kept the family together. 1988: Constructs McGill Place Condominiums. Russell & Company in 2003, at which point his son, Michael, succeeded him in running the business. 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. Through Our Eyes: Panelist seek to encourage surrounding communities and generations after. They picked Herman first, and then we were brought in. 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. 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. Updated Nov 17, 2014, 3:50pm EST. 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. 1980: Becomes president of the Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and is awarded the contract for the Hartsfield Atlanta International Airport's main terminal complex. 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. 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. Our association became a kaleidoscope of beautiful colors that included our wives and children integrating with each other. I feel the mist of the River Jordan, and Im ready to cross over, Russell answered. The two men who built Deltas headquarters grew up two miles and two worlds apart in segregated Atlanta and came together through business opportunities to do great things to uplift our city and country.. 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,.

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