He remembered that when he was 5 years old, his father couldnt find work. 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. I wanted to help my mother and my father, but there wasnt much money in the neighborhood, Russell said in a 2006 interview with The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Russells grandchildren also spoke, remembering the lessons he taught them about hard work and how he demonstrated so much passion in everything he did that he made shredding paper even seem exciting. Herman said, If you give me 1 percent more of the profit, you can take my name off of it altogether.. Hala Moddelmog (@HalaModdelmog) November 16, 2014, Thoughts & prayers go out to the Russell family. We waded through all of that. 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. 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. 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. 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. [9], "Herman J. Russell built legacy in Atlanta", "International Civil Rights: Walk of Fame Herman J. Russell", "Atlanta business icon Herman J. Russell has died", "Herman Jerome Russel (1930- ), Business Mogul, Community Leader, Philanthropist", "BUILDING ATLANTA by Herman J. Russell , Bob Andelman", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Herman_J._Russell&oldid=1114763061, This page was last edited on 8 October 2022, at 04:13. We should pray to have even a fraction of the impact he had on the lives of others!. It is a loss that I and so many others share.. 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. Russell Construction Co. 1963: Becomes first African-American member of the Atlanta Chamber of Commerce. My father taught me how to love, Jerome said. 2003: Chooses youngest son, Michael Russell, as new CEO of H.J. 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 did. 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. Their relationship grew into a real partnership, beginning with the building of the new Hartsfield International Airport (now Hartsfield-Jackson). 1989: Constructs Atlanta City Hall Complex. 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, before his death in 2014. An interview with the filmmakers can be found on the H. J. Russell & Company We Build: The Podcast here or on other podcast platforms. Official condolences from Gov. Russell bought his first piece of land when he was 16 for $125. Russell's other interests are in airport concessions. Russell did. He left his indelible mark on our citys skyline as one of the developers who constructed some of our regions iconic structures. Perry then asked for a job description. H.J. Everything in his world was designed to be an obstacle.. Such a move could have destroyed other families and made for an awkward relationship among siblings, but Herman Russell executed a smooth transition. The film includes interviews with notable people from Atlanta who knew Russell and . Details about his funeral arrangements are pending. 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. All Rights Reserved by H.J. He was not just an example of self-made success, but a demonstration of a life well lived. But Russell saw him going to his car and asked him where he was going. Do not speak all day. That entrepreneurial spirit was passed on through his legacy to his children and grandchildren. Visit hjrussell.com to learn more about the firm. [8], Herman J. Russell died on November 15, 2014, at the age of 83, in Atlanta Georgia and was buried at South-View Cemetery. No words can express the depth of our sorrow as we remember Mr. H.J. Photo credit: Courtesy Herman J. Russell family. I loved him and he will be missed, said Civil Rights icon, Rev. Where are todays Muhammad Ali-like athletes? He built movements.. "The firm he built continues to shape what this city will look like for decades to come.". When he saw his father on Tuesday and told him that his youngest child would be turning 50 in a few months, Russell was proud. Speaking to the children, Young said they will always hear their father speaking to them, sharing advice and demanding excellence. 1945: At 16, buys land in Summerhill for $125. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Russell was an extraordinary visionary, a dynamic leader and a philanthropist who uplifted and mentored so many. A native of Atlanta, Herman J. Russell was an accomplished tradesman by the age of 12 having learned the plastering business from his father, Rogers Russell. With this responsibility, Herman gave me two conflicting pieces of advice, Jordan said. 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. Under the leadership of the Russell siblings, the first decade of the new millennium started with a bang. His brilliance is reflected across Atlantas skyline and throughout communities across the country. Not satisfied with Majors answer, Russell told him: Go back inside and find something to do. 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. Russell did. In 1994 Russells construction businesses were reorganized under H. J. Russell and Company. The letter said. Lee May (@LeeMay) November 15, 2014. He made an indelible mark on the city of Atlanta and the nation and he will be deeply missed.. Today, the company is at number 25 on the BE Top 100 list. He bought his first piece of land at 16 years old," Michael B. Russell said about his father. I got nervous in front of all the white aldermen. The firm is a partner in the joint venture selected to build the new $1 billion Atlanta Falcons stadium, scheduled to open in 2017. He was the real deal, Perry said recalling when he went to work for the company when he was in his mid 20s. Herman J. Russell West End Academy | Building an inclusive and diverse community Belt line for a. Atlanta, GA 30310 Over the years, the Holders and the Russells became close friends as well as business partners. Lee May (@LeeMay) November 15, 2014. Staff writers Katie Leslie and Eric Stirgus contributed to this report. You ask if someone has made a difference. This was also the year that Herman founded H. J. Russell Plastering Company in Atlanta, whichwould later become H. J. Russell & Company. Copyright 2023. Herman had to make a speech, Jordan said, and his speech impediment made Russell difficult to understand. Later while in college, he and friends build a . 1938: Starts first business shining shoes. The documentary is also the inspirational back story on which RCIE is being created to grow Black entrepreneurship. By the time of his retirement in 1997, Russell had . Few men have done more to make Atlanta a place where people of all races and backgrounds can bring and build their dreams.". [1][2][3][4][5] He founded H. J. Russell & Company, the largest minority-owned real estate and construction business in the United States. 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. 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. 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. Office: (954) 525-1489 Through Our Eyes: Panelist seek to encourage surrounding communities and generations after. Russell & Company CEO Michael Russell said in a statement. 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. During this period Russell owned several construction and real estate companies, among them H. J. Russell and Company, H. J. Russell Construction Company, H. J. Russell Plastering Company, Paradise Management Inc., DDR International, and Southeast Land Development Company. Joseph Lowery. Perry lost the bet believing Russell wouldnt dig in the commode for simply a penny. As early as the age of 8, Herman J. Russell was inspired to build and own real estate, and to be his own employer. He is one of the best men our city has ever produced, said Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed. 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. 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. 7th Terrace, And that's just what his firm did in Atlanta not to mention what the construction magnate built across the nation. 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. His father was a plasterer from whom he learned the trade starting at the age of twelve. He will be with you always until the end of the ages.. They picked Herman first, and then we were brought in. 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. Russell served as the first African American member of the Atlanta Chamber of Commerce. Lastly, did one pass on peacefully and with grace. 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. And dont leave until 6.. When history was being made in Atlanta, chances were Russell was present. Herman Russell was a remarkable gentleman and I greatly appreciate the work he did in District 10. 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. I want to tell you how lucky I was that Herman was in my life, Holder said. 1945: At 16, buys land in Summerhill for $125. 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. 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. 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. It melted my heart.. I feel the mist of the River Jordan, and Im ready to cross over, Russell answered. All rights reserved. Perry said you judge a generation by the generation that follows it. Russell retired from H.J. Khalil said he took the job even going back to ask for $250 more a month so he could make his car payments because he knew he would learn and eventually earn much more than he was giving up under Russells tutelage. Our association became a kaleidoscope of beautiful colors that included our wives and children integrating with each other. "As humble as he was, I think he would be thrilled that a movie about his life would air on Delta. 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. Age 101, of Bloomington. One person who initially underestimated Russell was Robert Holder, a fellow builder. New Atlantas Founding Father, Herman J. Russell, dies. 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. By building one of our nations most successful minority-owned companies, his legacy is a shining example for small business owners with big dreams. 1989: Constructs Delta Flight Operations Center. 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. He served with dedication and distinction as a former King Center board member, and he was a beloved personal friend and supporter of both my father, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and my mother, Mrs. Coretta Scott King.
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