Herman Russell had a major impact on many of us, and he lived a great life.. This was the decade that began with a grand announcement that Atlanta would be the site of the 1996 Centennial Olympic Games. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. It also was Russell who wrote checks to pay the bail of students arrested after sit-ins at lunch counters in the South during the civil rights movement, said Jordan. By John B. Smith, Sr. Special to the NNPA from The Atlanta Inquirer. 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. He released his autobiography, Building Atlanta: How I Broke Through Segregation to Launch a Business Empire, last April. No words can express the depth of our sorrow as we remember Mr. H.J. In 2006, Otelia Hackney Russell, his wife of 50 years, died. I was an obnoxious, over-educated, arrogant, illegal immigrant.. These are the reasons along with a slew others that cavalcades of dignitaries, civil leaders and politicians are streaming into Atlanta to pause and pay homage to one of the pillars of modern Atlanta. I loved him and he will be missed., Civil rights icon The Rev. Herman Russell helped to make real the legacy of a city too busy to hate.. In every phase of Atlanta development from Hartsfield (airport) to the present, he was a major and dominant influence, Young said. 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. 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. 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. In 1994 Russells construction businesses were reorganized under H. J. Russell and Company. The program described his achievements as an entrepreneur, his love of family and of friends. [1] Russell's autobiography Building Atlanta was published in April 2014, shortly before his death. Russell & Company. She spoke of how faith was so important to her father. Among his recognition awards are induction into the Junior Achievement Atlanta Business Hall of Fame in 1992, and recipient of the Horatio Alger Award in 1991. His father was a plasterer from whom he learned the trade starting at the age of twelve. Real Times Media. Lee May (@LeeMay) November 15, 2014. 1987: Constructs Wachovia Bank operations center in North Carolina. To this day, the company remains a leader in building and managing affordable housing to citizens in the southeast. The Great Depression heavily influenced company founder, Herman J. Russell (1930-2014). H.J. 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. 1930: Born in Atlanta on Dec. 23, 1930. Russell & Company in 2003, at which point his son, Michael, succeeded him in running the business. He retired twice once in 1996 and the last time in 2003. 1974: Becomes the co-chairman of the finance committee to elect Maynard Jackson. Details about his funeral arrangements are pending. Later while in college, he and friends build a . Andrew Young, a former Atlanta mayor and U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, echoed Reeds sentiments when he said, [Russell] was one of the giants of our time. Required fields are marked *. Russell Company headquarters, Photo - Herman Russell during construction of his duplex, 1947, Occupation(s): Lee May (@LeeMay) November 15, 2014. When Jordan heard Russell was ill a couple of months ago, he called him when he knew he would be alone. Watergate, oil shortages and declining real estate markets created uncertainty in every area of the nation. The . Herman "Russ" Russell III said his grandfather urged them all to "stay focused" and "be upbeat." Once he asked his elder what made. Grand-daughter Sydney Russell recited a poem: When I am Gone overcome with emotion as she read the powerful words. Details about his funeral arrangements are pending. Russell passed that test. We met Mr. Russell when we interviewed him for our documentary on former City of Atlanta Mayor Ivan Allen, said John Duke. I got nervous in front of all the white aldermen. Once, when he was working for the elder Russell, he had finished his work and was in the parking lot getting ready to leave. Russell & Company CEO Michael Russell said in a statement. He also said there was no entitlement in the Russell household. I salute you sir for a long life-well done: http://t.co/wEOUdzQj65 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. Photo credit: Courtesy Herman J. Russell family. Russell told him it was getting up in the morning and going to work. He is one of the best men our city has ever produced, said Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed. I cant express how much we will miss him., Hermans spirit permeated the community. He built movements.. Today, the company is at number 25 on the BE Top 100 list. Russell was alreadymillionaire builder before the civil rights movement led by Dr. Kinghijacked American consciousness. 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. As the nations business environment shifted, so did the company. 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. Russell bought his first piece of land when he was 16 for $125. Atlanta construction executive Herman Russell is a civic leader and philanthropist whose construction company ranks as the fourth largest in the U.S. The world and Atlanta have indeed lost a remarkable individual and humanitarian. Rep. Hank Johnson (@RepHankJohnson) November 15, 2014, Herman Russell understood the role of businesspeople in the journey toward social justice. He was the real deal, Perry said recalling when he went to work for the company when he was in his mid 20s. In every phase of Atlanta development from Hartsfield to the present, he was a major and dominant influence. My father taught me how to love, Jerome said. New Atlantas Founding Father, Herman J. Russell, dies. Hermans spirit permeated the community. 1993: Oversees Birmingham International Airport. Russell & Co. built much of Atlantas skyline often through joint ventures from the Georgia-Pacific headquarters to the Georgia Dome. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 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. 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. In 1959, the same year as his mother's death, Herman and Otelia Russell welcomed their first child, Donata. But we open up our hearts to your spirit.. 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. Soon after, he formed the plastering company that over several decades became a successful development and construction conglomerate. His role model was his father who owned his own plastering business. If you lose any money, its your ass. At that time, the construction company had revenues of $12 million a year. 1938: Starts first business shining shoes. A slick, 28-page color glossy program designed with the kind of professionalism used for Fortune 500 annual reports documented Russells life. Part business generator, innovation lab, and museum, RICE invests in Black entrepreneurs, strengthens businesses, and creates community. Russell asked him how much he was making, and Khalil said $60,000 and up to $75,000 a year with a bonus. There was just no way to go to work at a very early age.. Jordan, who gave the eulogy at the funeral, said Russell had given him two conflicting directions on how to handle the tribute. 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. 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. 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. Copyright 2023. Today, our city lost one of the best men it has ever produced. The documentary is also the inspirational back story on which RCIE is being created to grow Black entrepreneurship. 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. Joseph Lowery said he saw Russell during former President Bill Clintons recent visit to Atlanta before the Nov. 4 election, and that Russell said he was not feeling well. Former staff writer Maria Saporta also contributed. 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. By the time of his retirement in 1997, Russell had . Vernon Jordan, a special adviser to presidents, went to high school with Russell and in an interview several years ago recalled Russell served as the campaign manager for two people who were running for class president and vice president. There was nobody I met in life cheaper than H.J., said Perry, who was overcome with emotion throughout and after the service. Herman was not just a great man, but, sorry Evander (Holyfield), he was the real deal, Perry said. Russell Plastering Company with his father. Column: Five Georgia nonprofits rank among nations top 25, Georgia State gets transformational $22.8 million Woodruff Foundation gift. In 2006, Russell was one of the first Atlantans to contribute $1 million for the successful acquisition of Martin Luther Kings papers, now owned by Morehouse College and a part of the recently opened National Center for Civil and Human Rights. Russell also told him that he wanted Vernon Jordan to speak at his service. Along with being an inimitable and distinctive business leader and icon, who created H.J. 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. 1980: Becomes president of the Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and is awarded the contract for the Hartsfield Atlanta International Airport's main terminal complex. We are saying good-bye to the physical aspect of a person but I know the person is still alive. People have other things to do. Your email address will not be published. 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. 1945: At 16, buys land in Summerhill for $125. 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.. 1968: Is awarded HUD housing contracts in the Southeast and the Equitable Building. He will be with you always until the end of the ages.. As we worked on Mr. Russells own story we quickly saw that he built more than buildings; he built relationships. When are the 2023 college graduation ceremonies in Georgia? 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. Here are several highlights of the remembrances that were shared. At the same time, his construction partnerships expanded to include residential, educational, commercial, and recreational structures. 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. 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 --. That entrepreneurial spirit was passed on through his legacy to his children and grandchildren. Delta put us together in a shotgun wedding, Holder said in an interview several years ago. Dar'shun Kendrick (@DarshunKendrick) November 15, 2014, The country has lost a GIANT, Herman J. Russell. He bought his first parcel of land for $125 at age sixteen, later building a duplex on the property. All rights reserved. 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. One of them looked at me. And we have cried together.. My sadness is only eclipsed by the great admiration and inspiration that his life had up on my own. He and his wife, Otelia, lived in midtown Atlanta. He was an unforgettable philanthropist, a wise corporate citizen, a shrewd businessman and my dear friend. 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. 1989: Constructs Grady High School addition. The death Saturday of Atlanta business pioneer and philanthrophist Herman J. Russell brought a swell of reaction on social media and other channels. Russell, chairman/CEO of H. J. Russell & Co., was born on December 23, 1930, in Atlanta, one of seven childrenof Maggie and Rogers 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. Along with a myriad of other community and corporate boards, Russell, after retiring in 2003 from his company, continued to be an in demand speaker with business classes, as well as for various corporate settings, channeling his business acumen to future business owners and leaders for the growth and economic advancement. 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. Herman Jerome Russell was born to Maggie Googson and Rogers Russell in Atlanta on Dec. 23, 1930. All Rights Reserved. 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 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 Saturday, Nov. 15, following a brief illness. Russell was the low bidder as a subcontractor for Midtowns Colony Square, but it was 1968 and Holder was reluctant to give such a big job to a small, little-known, minority firm. Four months after he joined H.J. Visit the Atlanta Civic Circle, a nonprofit journalism and civic engagement site, which works on community-wide issues and solutions. Herman Russell had a major impact on many of us, and he lived a great life.. 2023 The HistoryMakers. With this responsibility, Herman gave me two conflicting pieces of advice, Jordan said. Russell said his modest beginnings had a lasting impact. And that's just what his firm did in Atlanta not to mention what the construction magnate built across the nation. Thats how Khalil became a developer and entrepreneur. In addition, his company continues to manage concessions at several American airports, including services at Hartsfield-Jackson. 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. 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. "As humble as he was, I think he would be thrilled that a movie about his life would air on Delta. Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33311 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. 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. 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. 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. He left his indelible mark on our citys skyline as one of the developers who constructed some of our regions iconic structures. Here's a few of their responses: The entire community mourns the passing of Herman Russell. 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. Russell. Herman J. Gerhardt, Sr., 83, of Russell, Kansas, passed away Sunday, March 17, 2019, at Wheatland Nursing Center in Russell. Hermans spirit permeated the community. 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. Russells sons who, along with his daughter and grandchildren, now carry on his legacy. Preceded in death by husband, Edmund. But Russell saw him going to his car and asked him where he was going. cry. Later while in college, he and friends build a duplex there. 1989: Constructs Delta Flight Operations Center. There were pictures from early in his career to scenes of his children and grandchildren growing up. Grandson H. Jerome Russell Jr. said his grandfather didnt play favorites with employees. 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. David Hughes Duke and John Duke of Living Stories Video & Film are Emmy Award-winning filmmakers and natives of Atlanta. He left an indelible mark on Atlanta and the world. Bernice A. Updated Nov 17, 2014, 3:50pm EST. About a decade ago, Russell turned over the operations of the H.J. Learn how your comment data is processed. Perry joked about the time he and a colleague dropped a penny in the toilet of Russells private bathroom just to see if the business tycoon would fish it out. Visit hjrussell.com to learn more about the firm. Michael Russell spoke of how honored he felt to be carrying on the role of running his fathers company. Today, the Atlanta-based H. J. Russell and Company is a nationally recognized leader in the construction and real estate development industry, as well as the single largest Minority Business Enterprise real estate firm in the United States. Atlanta has lost a socially conscious native son. They met 40 years later on the business field, and they developed one of the most successful joint venture relationships in Atlanta history. He was a great citizen, a great business man and a brother. Herman Russell was the only businessman Ive known who could tell you to go to hell in such a way that you looked forward to the trip, Jordan said. Russell & Co. 2003: Grady Hospital Cancer Center of Excellence project. "I feel that my grandfather was influenced by Booker T. Washington, and what he talked about in controlling your destiny, by taking a passion or a trade and turning it into an economic opportunity," Jerome Russell shared. One person who initially underestimated Russell was Robert Holder, a fellow builder. 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. You can not bury Hermans laughter in that casket, Young said. Russell, the youngest of eight children, grew up in the Summerhill district, near Turner Field. Russell was an extraordinary visionary, a dynamic leader and a philanthropist who uplifted and mentored so many. 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. 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. 1967: Gets the winning bid to handle the fireproofing and wetwall work on the Equitable Life Assurance Building. 1978: Wins Black Enterprise Magazine Annual Achievement Award. 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. Ernie Suggs is an enterprise reporter covering race and culture for the AJC since 1997. Everything in his world was designed to be an obstacle.. 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. He also played a leading role in the modern Civil Rights Movement working very closely with Rev. When are the 2023 college graduation ceremonies in Georgia? Russell was only 12 years old when he founded his shoeshine business. Two boysJerome and Michaelfollowed. 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. 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. Herman did twice, Perry said. 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. 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. 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. #gapol #gadems Building Atlanta: The Story of Herman J. Russell Documentary to be featured by Delta Air Lines Starting in Black History Month
