Where are todays Muhammad Ali-like athletes? Returning to Atlanta, he worked alongside his father. Herman was not just a great man, but, sorry Evander (Holyfield), he was the real deal, Perry said. 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,. They met 40 years later on the business field, and they developed one of the most successful joint venture relationships in Atlanta history. In 1994 Russells construction businesses were reorganized under H. J. Russell and Company. 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. The entire nation is indebted to Herman J. Russell for the vision of hope and progress he had for Atlanta and the country. This was the decade that began with a grand announcement that Atlanta would be the site of the 1996 Centennial Olympic Games. Some of Russells better-known projects include numerous Atlanta landmarks, among them the Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Philips Arena, Turner Field, the Georgia Dome as well as the construction of the new trillion-dollar Falcons stadium. 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 [] Russell & Company's portfolio is massive. Giving the benediction was another longtime friend and associate Andrew Young a civil rights leader and former Atlanta mayor. 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. 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. When will I get my Georgia tax rebate for 2023? Maria Saporta,Editor,is a longtime Atlanta business, civic and urban affairs journalist with a deep knowledge of our city, our region and state. He grew up on a farm near Victoria and graduated from Victoria High School. Herman Russell had a major impact on many of us, and he lived a great life.. Russell bought his first piece of land when he was 16 for $125. 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. Not satisfied with Majors answer, Russell told him: Go back inside and find something to do. He gave us just enough to keep us hungry but without starving us, said Jerome, who said he followed in his fathers footsteps when he donated his kidney to his brother Michael. He was the first black member of what was then called the Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the second African-American to serve as its president. Since 2008, she has written a weekly column and news stories for theAtlanta Business Chronicle. Along the way, he broke virtually every racial and economic barrier. 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 was working for a residential developer at the time. Herman J. Russell. Prior to that, she spent 27 years with TheAtlanta Journal-Constitution,becoming its business columnist in 1991. Four months after he joined H.J. Details about his funeral arrangements are pending. The decade of the 1960s was important for both the United States and H. J. Russell & Company. And he was just a sophomore in high school a mere infant in the business world when he exemplified the level of business acumen that would turn him into a superstar in adulthood. 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. In every phase of Atlanta development from Hartsfield to the present, he was a major and dominant influence. 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. When are the 2023 college graduation ceremonies in Georgia? Soon, Russell branched out from construction and property management businesses by adding communications, concessions, and sports franchises to his portfolio. 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. Russell later founded H.J. He also was a key member of the Civil Rights movement and broke down barriers for minority entrepreneurs. [1][2][3][4][5] He founded H. J. Russell & Company, the largest minority-owned real estate and construction business in the United States. Herman Russell had a major impact on many of us, and he lived a great life.. And then Michael remembered one his fathers favorite sayings: Bring something more to the table than your appetite.. And dont leave until 6.. He taught us that the greatest love we could show our children was to love our spouses.. But he invested most of his time and energy in his hometown. Here are several highlights of the remembrances that were shared. Later while in college, he and friends build a duplex there. Go back inside and find something to do, Russell Jr. said his grandfather ordered. Herman said, If you give me 1 percent more of the profit, you can take my name off of it altogether.. [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. 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. The city rejoiced and many Atlanta businesses, including H. J. Russell & Company, went to work getting ready for the international event. Perry said you judge a generation by the generation that follows it. 1969: Is awarded the contract for the Citizens Trust Bank Building. 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. While business was his public face, Herman Russell Sr.s heart belonged to family, friends and equality, speaker after speaker said. [1] Russell's autobiography Building Atlanta was published in April 2014, shortly before his death. 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. FOX 5s Deidra Dukes sat down with H.J. 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. I want to think the Russell children for sharing your father with me, Khalil said. Russell also told him that he wanted Vernon Jordan to speak at his service. Former staff writer Maria Saporta also contributed. 1945: At 16, buys land in Summerhill for $125. 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. "The firm he built continues to shape what this city will look like for decades to come.". atlanta city council president ceaser mitchell. The nearly hour-long film features interviews with notable Atlantans who knew Herman J. Russell well. 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. 1988: Constructs McGill Place Condominiums. 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. I have seen H.J. You can not bury Hermans laughter in that casket, Young said. 1993: Oversees Birmingham International Airport. While prestigious construction jobs remained at the heart of their activities, diversification was critical to its stability. And we have cried together.. He was 83. He was one of the reasons that Atlanta is the great http://t.co/xCQp0HVmsL One of the funniest stories was about a bet Perry made with Russells executive assistant about intentionally dropping a penny in Russells toilet at the office. He built a duplex on the parcel of land he purchased for $125 at age 16 and used his savings to help pay his tuition at Tuskegee University. 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. Photo credit: Courtesy Herman J. Russell family. Russell's other interests are in airport concessions. 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. The film includes interviews with notable people from Atlanta who knew Russell and . He bought his first parcel of land for $125 at age sixteen, later building a duplex on the property. 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. Builder Robert Holder said he and Herman Russell were born about 30 days of each other and about four miles apart, but it might as well have been two different worlds. 1995: Constructs Wachovia Headquarters in Winston-Salem, N.C. 1999: Donates $4 million to Tuskegee University, Clark Atlanta University, Georgia State University and Morehouse College. 'The firm he built continues to shape what this city will look like for decades to come'. Russell & Company is currently involved with the construction of the $1.3 billion Atlanta Falcons stadium development. Herman Jerome Russell was born to Maggie Googson and Rogers Russell in Atlanta on Dec. 23, 1930. Column: Five Georgia nonprofits rank among nations top 25, Georgia State gets transformational $22.8 million Woodruff Foundation gift. 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. King, chief executive officer of The King Center, stated, It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that the King Center acknowledges the passing of one of Atlantas extraordinary civic leaders and entrepreneurs, Mr. Herman J. Russell. Russell. Numerous local leaders expressed their condolences and spoke about his legacy today. 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. He befriended contemporaries like M.L. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Herman Russell helped to make real the legacy of a city too busy to hate.. U.S. Rep. John Lewis [D-Ga.] said, Herman J. Russell was one of the founding fathers of the new Atlanta. Not only did the firm receive company and leadership awards and recognitions by various organizations and institutions in Atlanta, the companys Project Management division set up offices in Birmingham, AL and expanded its headquarters to more than 42,000 square feet in the Castleberry Hill neighborhood of Atlanta. My father taught me how to love, Jerome said. Delta is bringing the film onboard as part of all new content on Delta Studio, its in-flight entertainment platform, beginning this month. He and his wife, Otelia, lived in midtown Atlanta. The program described his achievements as an entrepreneur, his love of family and of friends. No one could understand him, but everybody liked him, Jordan said. 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. Visit the Atlanta Civic Circle, a nonprofit journalism and civic engagement site, which works on community-wide issues and solutions. 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. Business and civil rights icon Herman J. Russell Sr. was celebrated Saturday not with tears of pain, but through laughter and demonstrations of love for a man whose funeral was closed with the song My Way.. 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. Grand-daughter Sydney Russell recited a poem: When I am Gone overcome with emotion as she read the powerful words. He made his transition in a peaceful way, said his son, Michael, who serves as CEO of his fathers firm. 7th Terrace, I cant express how much we will miss him.. cry. November 20, 2014 "He was elated and proud of the fact that he was able to share his legacy with others and, most importantly, his grandchildren. In every phase of Atlanta development from Hartsfield to the present, he was a major and dominant influence. 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. Hundreds packed Saint Philip AME Church on Candler Road in east Atlanta to say goodbye to Russell, who died Nov. 15 at age 83. And at the last meeting in our conference room, I proposed to name the joint venture: Holder-Russell. 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. But it wasn't until 2015 that the three. The documentary originally aired in February 2020 on ATL PBA. King Jr., Ralph Abernathy, Andrew Young, Vernon Jordan and Jesse Hill. 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 & Co. His role model was his father who owned his own plastering business. Here is a 60-second trailer of the film. He was the real deal, Perry said recalling when he went to work for the company when he was in his mid 20s. 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 asked him how much he was making, and Khalil said $60,000 and up to $75,000 a year with a bonus. The documentary is also the inspirational back story on which RCIE is being created to grow Black entrepreneurship. He bought his first piece of land at 16 years old," Michael B. Russell said about his father. Later while in college, he and friends build a . Like Atlanta, he started off with a little shoe shine stand, now his company is a major influence in everything happening in the city. Real Times Media. 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. A multi-faceted organization providing integrated solutions and an exceptional customer experience, Russell has developed, designed/built, renovated, and managed some of the nations most complex, high profile projects involving multiple stakeholders and requiring exceptional diplomacy and skill, including the Mercedes-Benz Stadium with the HHRM JV and the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture with Clark Construction and Smoot Construction. In 1959, the same year as his mother's death, Herman and Otelia Russell welcomed their first child, Donata. Herman J. Russell (1930- ) What started as a $125.00 purchase of a small parcel of land at 15 grew and blossomed over the years into a multi million-dollar company, and with this, Herman Jerome Russell came to epitomize black entrepreneurship by becoming one of the first black millionaires. Herman J. Russell was interviewed by The HistoryMakers on March 15, 2002. Even though H.J. never learned how to pronounce his first name, Russell taught him essential lessons of business and life. Herman J. Russell West End Academy | Building an inclusive and diverse community Belt line for a. Atlanta, GA 30310 When are the 2023 college graduation ceremonies in Georgia? Russell would later assist with inaugural funding of The King Center, as well as a myriad of other Atlanta institutions. 1979: Forms Concessions International LLC, a food service. 1938: Starts first business shining shoes. []. Several of his grandchildren participated in the service. The world and Atlanta have indeed lost a remarkable individual and humanitarian. 1930: Born in Atlanta on Dec. 23, 1930. 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. Andrew Young, former Atlanta mayor and U.N. ambassador, on Saturday called Russell one of the giants of our time. 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. Herman had to make a speech, Jordan said, and his speech impediment made Russell difficult to understand. By clicking Sign Up, I confirmthat I have read and agreeto the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. The Westside Gazette @ 2023 - Site Designed by No Regret Media, Carma Lynn Henry Former Mayor Shirley Franklin in an interview several years ago called Russell a superb example of the American dream.. 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. David Hughes Duke and John Duke of Living Stories Video & Film are Emmy Award-winning filmmakers and natives of Atlanta. Russell was an extraordinary visionary, a dynamic leader and a philanthropist who uplifted and mentored so many. 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? 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. Learn how your comment data is processed. When she stayed with him about a month ago for a few days, he still made an extra effort to pray by his bedside every night. He has seen me cry. 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. The . His obsession with Prince, Spike Lee movies, Hamilton and the New York Yankees is odd. Perry lost the bet believing Russell wouldnt dig in the commode for simply a penny. 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. Russell never really stopped working, staying involved as chairman of his companies and in Castleberry Hill where his businesses were based. Martin Luther King is more alive in our lives today than he was 45 years ago.. He was not just an example of self-made success, but a demonstration of a life well lived. My sadness is only eclipsed by the great admiration and inspiration that his life had up on my own. Russell & Co. in 1979, Russell asked Perry to do a growth plan for the company, which took him six months to complete. In 1963, Russell became the first black member, and later president, of the Atlanta Chamber of Commerce. I salute you sir for a long life-well done: http://t.co/wEOUdzQj65 Delta put us together in a shotgun wedding, Holder said in an interview several years ago. He didnt treat us any different than anybody else, Major said. 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. Herman J. Russell. Russell partnered with noted white business leaders such as developer John Portman and Aarons founder Charles Loudermilk. Those who wont be flying in the coming months can also enjoy the film on H. J. Russell & Companys YouTube channel. Michael Russell spoke of how honored he felt to be carrying on the role of running his fathers company. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. However, his beginnings were humble. Go run the company, Russell told him. The lawyers drew up a joint-venture agreement that was about two inches thick. Russell & Co., Hoovers Company Profiles, Whos Who Among African Americans (14th ED), Staff Research. 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. Along with being an inimitable and distinctive business leader and icon, who created H.J. Sep 28, 2018. Herman Jerome was put in charge of the companys development arm. "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. 1982: Constructs Georgia-Pacific Headquarters. Their relationship grew into a real partnership, beginning with the building of the new Hartsfield International Airport (now Hartsfield-Jackson). [8], Herman J. Russell died on November 15, 2014, at the age of 83, in Atlanta Georgia and was buried at South-View Cemetery. 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. 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. Herman J. Russell (l) at a book party with Mayor Kasim Reed. Preceded in death by husband, Edmund. We should pray to have even a fraction of the impact he had on the lives of others!. Russell & Company CEO Michael Russell said in a statement. We put your body to rest, Young said. Speaking to the children, Young said they will always hear their father speaking to them, sharing advice and demanding excellence. 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.