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. "When history catches its breath, Mr. Russell's life work will place him among the most significant heroes of the Civil Rights Movement because of his unwavering contributions and commitment to the progress of this city and nation. We put your body to rest, Young said. 1967: Gets the winning bid to handle the fireproofing and wetwall work on the Equitable Life Assurance Building. Late Herman Russell praised for his special brand of humanity - ajc He was willing to sacrifice for the good of the community, Lowery said. When are the 2023 college graduation ceremonies in Georgia? I have seen H.J. We waded through all of that. He left an indelible mark on Atlanta and the world. The film includes interviews with notable people from Atlanta who knew Russell and . He retired twice once in 1996 and the last time in 2003. PDF citycouncil.columbiasc.gov They came from all walks of life, with sections of the behemoth church set aside for employees of H.J. Real estate and property development had always been at the core of the Russell companies, but the unpredictable real estate market created enough concern for the company to look at other areas. [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. Returning to Atlanta after college, he worked . Russell both built a visible and admired company and worked behind the scenes on racial and economic issues. Young, who began is professional life as preacher, said the Bible tells us that the spirit of God is within us. 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. When will I get my Georgia tax rebate for 2023? It includes public projects such as the Georgia Dome, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Philips Arena, and Turner Field. 1989: Constructs Grady High School addition. 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 [] The world and Atlanta have indeed lost a remarkable individual and humanitarian. 1962: Establishes H.J. 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He most notably founded H.J. 1987: Expands his own corporate office to 42,000 square feet. Whether at The Inquirer or with our respective families, he supported me to the very end, and I will always be most appreciative of that respect and friendship. The death Saturday of Atlanta business pioneer and philanthrophist Herman J. Russell brought a swell of reaction on social media and other channels. The letter said. He bought his first parcel of land for $125 at age sixteen, later building a duplex on the property. Mr. Russell will be sorely missed by many, but he leaves behind an exceptional legacy of community concern and corporate social responsibility that will be continued through the outstanding work of his children.. 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. He inspired many with words of wisdom, and assisted financially local and national political leaders, and office seekers. [1] Russell's autobiography Building Atlanta was published in April 2014, shortly before his death. You will remember his hugs, his wisdom. Herman Russell had a major impact on many of. Russell was only 12 years old when he founded his shoeshine business. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. New Atlanta's Founding Father, Herman J. Russell, dies 'Building Atlanta: The Story of Herman J. Russell' Documentary to be Russell is also survived by his wife, Sylvia, two stepsons, and eight grandchildren. H.J. 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. All Rights Reserved by H.J. I loved him and he will be missed., Civil rights icon The Rev. No words can express the depth of our sorrow as we remember Mr. H.J. Herman J. Russell. Real Times Media. 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. And we have cried together.. Noel Khalil, who also was a proteg, told the story of how Russell hired him. And dont leave until 6.. Russell & Company in 1952, becoming one of the largest Minority Business Enterprises in America. The Westside Gazette @ 2023 - Site Designed by No Regret Media, Carma Lynn Henry With this responsibility, Herman gave me two conflicting pieces of advice, Jordan said. 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. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., helped shape the citys skyline and wielded influence far beyond his hometown. No one could understand him, but everybody liked him, Jordan said. Half-sister of Herman Russell's children wants share of his estate 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. 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. Former Mayor Shirley Franklin in an interview several years ago called Russell a superb example of the American dream.. 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. 1930: Born in Atlanta on Dec. 23, 1930. Russell, testified Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed without a hint of hyperbole or overstatement. When are the 2023 college graduation ceremonies in Georgia? He was a powerbroker who helped transform not just the skyline of one of the countrys greatest cities; he helped redeem the soul of America. As early as the age of 8, Herman J. Russell was inspired to build and own real estate, and to be his own employer. 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. Watergate, oil shortages and declining real estate markets created uncertainty in every area of the nation. This was the decade that began with a grand announcement that Atlanta would be the site of the 1996 Centennial Olympic Games. And dont leave until 6.. By building one of our nations most successful minority-owned companies, his legacy is a shining example for small business owners with big dreams. But most importantly, they bridged two worlds with a close friendship. Ill offer you $30,000, and if youre half as good as you think you are, youll be making a lot more money, Russell told Khalil. Russell's other interests are in airport concessions. Here is a 60-second trailer of the film. All Rights Reserved. Herman Russell had a major impact on many of us, and he lived a great life.. An avid supporter of Atlanta and its youth, Russell is the founder of the Herman J. Russell Entrepreneurial Scholarship Foundation for an Atlanta elementary school. Copyright 2023. Russell offered him $30,000, Khalil said, with attendees erupting in laughter. Herman said, Vernon, do not speak all day. H.J. Staff writers Katie Leslie and Eric Stirgus contributed to this report. In addition, his company continues to manage concessions at several American airports, including services at Hartsfield-Jackson. In 2001, he continued his personal investment in the revitalization investment of his companys neighborhood, including construction of The Castleberry Inn (now the Clarion Inn & Suites Atlanta Downtown), Legacy Lofts, Intown Lofts, and Paschals Restaurant. Nathan Deal, Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed and the Metro Atlanta Chamber, of which Russell was a former leader, preceded dozens of quotes in tribute. 1982: Constructs Georgia-Pacific Headquarters. 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. Over the next fifty years, he continued to build businesses, amassing one of the nations and the worlds most profitable minority-owned conglomerates. Today, the former headquarters location for H. J. Russell & Company is becoming the Russell Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship in recognition of the founders entrepreneurial spirit and desire to give back. Russell did. He bought his first parcel of land for $125 at age sixteen, later building a duplex on the property. Back in those days, I faced some tough segregation, Russell said in an interview in March. Go run the company, Russell told him. "He was quite an entrepreneur, I always say. It caused a lot of people to underestimate him. I also had a stuttering problem at that time. He was 83. Russells office showcased photos of him with U.S. presidents in the White House. However, I believe the most important part of Mr. Russells legacy is what we dont see in that he built himself up from the bottom to ultimately serve as a role model for so many Atlantans of all races. Senator Vincent Fort (@Senatorfort) November 15, 2014, R. I.P. When will I get my Georgia tax rebate for 2023? I cant express how much we will miss him.. "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. He used the n-word and asked, Why cant you shine shoes on your front porch? Thats when I was reborn.. U.S. Rep. John Lewis [D-Ga.] said, Herman J. Russell was one of the founding fathers of the new Atlanta. 1987: Constructs Wachovia Bank operations center in North Carolina. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. We are saying good-bye to the physical aspect of a person but I know the person is still alive. 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. Preceded in death by husband, Edmund. 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. [8], Herman J. Russell died on November 15, 2014, at the age of 83, in Atlanta Georgia and was buried at South-View Cemetery. A slick, 28-page color glossy program designed with the kind of professionalism used for Fortune 500 annual reports documented Russells life. Russell is also survived by his wife, Sylvia, two stepsons, and eight grandchildren. As he did, he became a part of Russells family. But he invested most of his time and energy in his hometown. Russell said his modest beginnings had a lasting impact. 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. I salute you sir for a long life-well done: http://t.co/wEOUdzQj65 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 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. Herman had to make a speech, Jordan said, and his speech impediment made Russell difficult to understand. The . All rights reserved. Herman J. Russell (l) at a book party with Mayor Kasim Reed. Herman Russell helped to make real the legacy of a city too busy to hate.. In every phase of Atlanta development from Hartsfield to the present, he was a major and dominant influence. Lastly, she thanked Sylvia for being there in his sunset years and providing the rock that he needed.. Russell & Co. 2003: Grady Hospital Cancer Center of Excellence project. What Falcons NFC South rivals did in 2023 NFL draft. 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 left his mark on our citys skyline as one of the builders and developers who constructed some of our regions iconic structures," Fulton County Chairman John Eaves said in a statement. 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. Details about his funeral arrangements are pending. In 1963, Russell became the first black member, and later president, of the Atlanta Chamber of Commerce. Building Atlanta: The Story of Herman J. Russell will be airing on Delta Studio until May 31, 2021 and will be featured within the airlines Must See Documentaries spotlight collection. Nov 15, 2014 The death Saturday of Atlanta business pioneer and philanthrophist Herman J. Russell brought a swell of reaction on social media and other channels: "He was elated and proud of the. 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. Launching his entrepreneurship journey at the age of 12, H.J. 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. Continue to construct great buildings in heaven. I cant express how much we will miss him., Hermans spirit permeated the community. His father was a plasterer from whom he learned the trade starting at the age of twelve. Friends and family shed tears, share laughter at Herman Russell's Because jobs were scarce, at the age of 8, he decided to become his own boss and create his own jobs (neighborhood handyman, newspaper deliverer) and continued in that entrepreneurial mindset his entire life. 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. Hundreds packed Saint Philip AME Church on Candler Road in east Atlanta to say goodbye to Russell, who died Nov. 15 at age 83. "As the founder of one of America's most successful construction and real estate businesses, Mr. Russell shattered countless barriers and created greater opportunities for all, but especially for African-Americans," Mayor Kasim Reed said in a statement. He is one of the heroes of Atlantas story, a real life legend to now aspire to. Atlanta City Councilmember Michael Julian Bond. 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. 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. Russell, the youngest of eight children, was born during the heart of the Depression in the Atlanta community of Summerhill. 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. Grand-daughter Sydney Russell recited a poem: When I am Gone overcome with emotion as she read the powerful words. My father taught me how to love, Jerome said. Herman J. Russell. Russell passed that test. Russell & Company, a local construction firm that helped build many of the city's most important structures, in 1952.