He was an unforgettable philanthropist, a wise corporate citizen, a shrewd businessman and my dear friend. 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. 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. You can not bury Hermans laughter in that casket, Young said. In every phase of Atlanta development from Hartsfield to the present, he was a major and dominant influence. The church was filled with a Whos Who of Atlanta and so many people who had felt personally moved or touched by Russell and his family by blood or by business or by human bonds. 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. 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. He made an indelible mark on the city of Atlanta and the nation and he will be deeply missed.. Hermans spirit permeated the community. Few men have done more to make Atlanta a place where people of all races and backgrounds can bring and build their dreams.". Where are todays Muhammad Ali-like athletes? He is one of the heroes of Atlantas story, a real life legend to now aspire to. Atlanta City Councilmember Michael Julian Bond. At the time, Russell talked about how his foundation was going to be a big foundation because a lot of my wealth will go into that foundation once I leave the world. Russell later remarried. 1979: Forms Concessions International LLC, a food service. 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. Noel Khalil, who also was a proteg, told the story of how Russell hired him. Maria was born in Atlanta to European parents and has two youngadult children. Russell & Co. in 1979, Russell asked Perry to do a growth plan for the company, which took him six months to complete. 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. 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. Russell Plastering Company with his father. 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. 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. 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. Herman said, Vernon, do not speak all day. His obsession with Prince, Spike Lee movies, Hamilton and the New York Yankees is odd. Martin. U.S. Rep. John Lewis [D-Ga.] said, Herman J. Russell was one of the founding fathers of the new Atlanta. 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 [] Herman Jerome Russell was born to Maggie Googson and Rogers Russell in Atlanta on December 23, 1930. 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. 1930: Born in Atlanta on Dec. 23, 1930. Learn how your comment data is processed. The letter said. They came from all walks of life, with sections of the behemoth church set aside for employees of H.J. 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. 1974: Becomes the co-chairman of the finance committee to elect Maynard Jackson. Not satisfied with Majors answer, Russell told him: Go back inside and find something to do. He released his autobiography, Building Atlanta: How I Broke Through Segregation to Launch a Business Empire, last April. Russell is also survived by his wife, Sylvia, two stepsons, and eight grandchildren. 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. For Michael Russell Jr., he said he would remember the passion of his grandfather and how he understood a tight-knit family is rare.. His father was a plasterer from whom he learned the trade starting at the age of twelve. Herman J Russell built one of the country's leading black owned construction, real estate and concessions empires. Column: Five Georgia nonprofits rank among nations top 25, Georgia State gets transformational $22.8 million Woodruff Foundation gift. He recalled working for Russell for a couple of years, and at 4:30 p.m. one afternoon, after finishing his work, he packed up and headed to car to go home. All Rights Reserved by H.J. 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. 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). One of the most emotional moments of the celebration was when Jerome Russell spoke of how his father taught them about unconditional love whether it was how he felt about his siblings, his late wife Otelia, his current widow Sylvia, his children , grandchildren and friends. Russell, the youngest of eight children, grew up in the Summerhill district, near Turner Field. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Soon, he started a shoe-shining business and sold Coca-Colas. While business was his public face, Herman Russell Sr.s heart belonged to family, friends and equality, speaker after speaker said. cry. As Atlanta natives, we pride ourselves on telling stories of some of the most consequential figures in our citys and states history through film, and it was particularly rewarding to be able to create a documentary about an Atlanta icon who quietly and fearlessly did so much to help create the Atlanta we know today, said co-director, David Duke of Living Stories Film & Video. I am at peace.. Lastly, she thanked Sylvia for being there in his sunset years and providing the rock that he needed.. As we worked on Mr. Russells own story we quickly saw that he built more than buildings; he built relationships. The country has lost a GIANT, Herman J. Russell. Building Atlanta: The Story of Herman J. Russell Documentary to be featured by Delta Air Lines Starting in Black History Month Watergate, oil shortages and declining real estate markets created uncertainty in every area of the nation. 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. Herman Russell had a major impact on many of. Grand-daughter Sydney Russell recited a poem: When I am Gone overcome with emotion as she read the powerful words. Even though H.J. never learned how to pronounce his first name, Russell taught him essential lessons of business and life. The program described his achievements as an entrepreneur, his love of family and of friends. Photo credit: Courtesy Herman J. Russell family. 7th Terrace, In every phase of Atlanta development from Hartsfield (airport) to the present, he was a major and dominant influence, Young said. 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. 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. One person who initially underestimated Russell was Robert Holder, a fellow builder. She spoke of how faith was so important to her father. 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. Russell had picked up the penny. Do not speak all day. 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. 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. Joseph Lowery. His legacy in our region is well established, and while Atlanta has lost a builder, developer and philanthropist, I have lost a dear friend. Today, the variousorganizations thatareoperated and controlled by the Russell family include Concessions International, Russell Center for Innovation& Entrepreneurship, Russell Family Enterprises, LLC, and Russell New Urban Development, LLC. Russell & Company. The firm is a partner in the joint venture selected to build the new $1 billion Atlanta Falcons stadium, scheduled to open in 2017. Delta put us together in a shotgun wedding, Holder said in an interview several years ago. [1] Russell's autobiography Building Atlanta was published in April 2014, shortly before his death. 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. Construction Executive, Favorite Vacation Spot: New Zealand, Europe. We waded through all of that. ATLANTA, GA (NNPA) Herman J. Russell, the native Atlantan born in 1931 from humble beginnings in the Summerhill community who ultimately grew to become founder of the nations 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. Michael Russell continues to run his father's company, along with his two siblings, Jerome and Donata. 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. Herman Russ Russell III said his grandfather urged them all to stay focused and be upbeat. Once he asked his elder what made him happy. 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. Through Our Eyes: Panelist seek to encourage surrounding communities and generations after. The trust, confidence, and lasting friendships he established enabled a new generation of Black entrepreneurs to move into the mainstream. The . Since 2008, she has written a weekly column and news stories for theAtlanta Business Chronicle. The city rejoiced and many Atlanta businesses, including H. J. Russell & Company, went to work getting ready for the international event. Two years later, Jerome donated one of his kidneys to his brother. Russell offered him $30,000, Khalil said, with attendees erupting in laughter. He didnt just build buildings. Russell almost immediately expanded the family business, taking onlarger projects that ranged from home building to real estate investment. Russell, testified Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed without a hint of hyperbole or overstatement. My father taught me how to love, Jerome said. He was willing to sacrifice for the good of the community, Lowery said. All Rights Reserved. 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. He retired twice once in 1996 and the last time in 2003. Bernice A. Herman Russell helped to make real the legacy of a city too busy to hate.. H.J. Herman Russell had a major impact on many of us, and he lived a great life.. 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. Russell, the youngest of eight children, was born during the heart of the Depression in the Atlanta community of Summerhill. The Westside Gazette @ 2023 - Site Designed by No Regret Media, Carma Lynn Henry Russells office showcased photos of him with U.S. presidents in the White House. 1989: Constructs Delta Flight Operations Center. "H.J. The Summerhill native owned several businesses throughout his career, starting at age 16 when he purchased a dilapidated home for $125. The Russell empire also includes Concessions International, a hospitality company that operates the famed Paschals Restaurant in Castleberry Hill and restaurants in airports across the country, including Atlantas Hartsfield-Jackson International. Russell's role model was his grandfather, who helped foster and nurture his entrepreneurial spirit. He left an indelible mark on Atlanta and the world. 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. He bought his first parcel of land for $125 at age sixteen, later building a duplex on the property. After returning to Atlanta upon graduation, Russell performed small-scale plastering and repair services until he inherited his fathers business, then known as the Rogers Russell Plastering Company, upon his fathers death in 1957. 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. All rights reserved. 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. "His life inspires us to continue to strive to help others and be the best we can be.. I also had a stuttering problem at that time. 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. 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. New Atlantas Founding Father, Herman J. Russell, dies. The death Saturday of Atlanta business pioneer and philanthrophist Herman J. Russell brought a swell of reaction on social media and other channels. Staff writers Katie Leslie and Eric Stirgus contributed to this report. When will I get my Georgia tax rebate for 2023? Russell did. Go back inside and find something to do, Russell Jr. said his grandfather ordered. 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. [8], Herman J. Russell died on November 15, 2014, at the age of 83, in Atlanta Georgia and was buried at South-View Cemetery. 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. Nationally prominent Atlanta business leader Herman J. Russell, 83, died Saturday morning after a brief illness. Along with being an inimitable and distinctive business leader and icon, who created H.J. Herman Russell had a major impact on many of us, and he lived a great life.. 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. That entrepreneurial spirit was passed on through his legacy to his children and grandchildren. Clearly, the answer is yes. [], Where are todays Muhammad Ali-like athletes? Russell was an extraordinary visionary, a dynamic leader and a philanthropist who uplifted and mentored so many. Two boysJerome and Michaelfollowed. And dont leave until 6.. Russell, a lifelong Atlantan who counted among his friends several presidents and the Rev. Their relationship grew into a real partnership, beginning with the building of the new Hartsfield International Airport (now Hartsfield-Jackson). 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. Herman J. Russell. Because of these dizzying exploits and success, the tributes continue to pour in for Russell, who will be laid to rest this week. Herman Russell was a remarkable gentleman and I greatly appreciate the work he did in District 10. 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. 1988: Constructs McGill Place Condominiums. The company has annual sales of more than $150 million and employs 700. 1989: Constructs Atlanta City Hall Complex. Their other films include Mayor Ivan Allen, Jr.: A Different Road, The Wise Heart: The Story of Emory University, One Law for All: The Story of the Atlanta Legal Aid Society, and The Story of Hope and Will: Childrens Healthcare of Atlanta. For more about Living Stories, visit livingstories.tv. If you lose any money, its your ass. At that time, the construction company had revenues of $12 million a year. He was not just an example of self-made success, but a demonstration of a life well lived. Herman J. Russell (l) at a book party with Mayor Kasim Reed.
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