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 was willing to sacrifice for the good of the community, Lowery said. In every phase of Atlanta development from Hartsfield to the present, he was a major and dominant influence. Rev. He will be with you always until the end of the ages.. I will always remember with fondness the times that I spent in his family home playing with his children. I learned that Herman was never going to let any obstacle or impediment stop him, and Herman would never let an opportunity pass to make the world a better place, Jordan said. 1974: Becomes the co-chairman of the finance committee to elect Maynard Jackson. I also had a stuttering problem at that time. 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. We should pray to have even a fraction of the impact he had on the lives of others! []. Hermans drive, tenacity and vision carry on throughout the company today. 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. His father was a plasterer from whom he learned the trade starting at the age of twelve. Herman J. Russell (l) at a book party with Mayor Kasim Reed. Russell, the youngest of eight children, grew up in the Summerhill district, near Turner Field. Atlanta construction executive Herman Russell is a civic leader and philanthropist whose construction company ranks as the fourth largest in the U.S. 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. 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. 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. Herman Russell known city- , state- and nationwide for his formidable business knowledge and acumen has received many plaudits since his passing on Nov. 15. The documentary originally aired in February 2020 on ATL PBA. Back in those days, I faced some tough segregation, Russell said in an interview in March. I loved him and he will be missed., Civil rights icon The Rev. Details about his funeral arrangements are pending. 1945: At 16, buys land in Summerhill for $125. [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 helped to make real the legacy of a city too busy to hate.. Funeral arrangements were not immediately known. 1986: Constructs Atlanta Gas Light Headquarters. He bought his first parcel of land for $125 at age sixteen, later building a duplex on the property. 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. He was an unforgettable philanthropist, a wise corporate citizen, a shrewd businessman and my dear friend. He released his autobiography, Building Atlanta: How I Broke Through Segregation to Launch a Business Empire, last April. Returning to Atlanta, he worked alongside his father. He was not just an example of self-made success, but a demonstration of a life well lived. As we worked on Mr. Russells own story we quickly saw that he built more than buildings; he built relationships. Through Our Eyes: Panelist seek to encourage surrounding communities and generations after. 1968: Is awarded HUD housing contracts in the Southeast and the Equitable Building. 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. 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. All Rights Reserved by H.J. Photo credit: Courtesy Herman J. Russell family. 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. 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. Giving the benediction was another longtime friend and associate Andrew Young a civil rights leader and former Atlanta mayor. From being the first African-American member of what was then called the Atlanta Chamber of Commerce to being an inaugural member of the board of directors of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Social Change, Inc. (The King Center). Russell did. Russell bought his first piece of land when he was 16 for $125. He was a great citizen, a great business man and a brother. 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. When Jordan heard Russell was ill a couple of months ago, he called him when he knew he would be alone. 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. He was working for a residential developer at the time. Here is a 60-second trailer of the film. He used his savings to help pay his tuition at Tuskegee University. Copyright 2023. 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. Over the years, the Holders and the Russells became close friends as well as business partners. The brilliant construction and real estate magnate passed away at age 83 much like he lived quietly, and leaving behind an enviable legacy and vast business portfolio that spellbinds his contemporaries and legions of admirers alike. 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. Russell is also survived by his wife, Sylvia, two stepsons, and eight grandchildren. Real Times Media. 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. Russell almost immediately expanded the family business, taking onlarger projects that ranged from home building to real estate investment. The Summerhill native owned several businesses throughout his career, starting at age 16 when he purchased a dilapidated home for $125. Michael Russell continues to run his father's company, along with his two siblings, Jerome and Donata. Part business generator, innovation lab, and museum, RICE invests in Black entrepreneurs, strengthens businesses, and creates community. You will remember his hugs, his wisdom. We waded through all of that. He left an indelible mark on Atlanta and the world. There was a campaign for class president and vice president, and Herman Russell was talking at an outdoor assembly. I remember watching my father on the side of the bed on his knees and pray, Donata Major said. Russell used the profits from his shoeshine business to buy a vacant lot, and then built a residential duplex, all while he was still a teenager. They all, in one way or another, bare the DNA of late, great business impresario Herman J. Russell. By John B. Smith, Sr. Special to the NNPA from The Atlanta Inquirer. 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 also told him that he wanted Vernon Jordan to speak at his service. Herman had to make a speech, Jordan said, and his speech impediment made Russell difficult to understand. 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. 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. Ernie Suggs is an enterprise reporter covering race and culture for the AJC since 1997. Russell. Former staff writer Maria Saporta also contributed. 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. Herman J. Russell was interviewed by The HistoryMakers on March 15, 2002. There was just no way to go to work at a very early age.. He bought his first parcel of land for $125 at age sixteen, later building a duplex on the property. Details about his funeral arrangements are pending. Thats how Khalil became a developer and entrepreneur. [8], Herman J. Russell died on November 15, 2014, at the age of 83, in Atlanta Georgia and was buried at South-View Cemetery. And at the last meeting in our conference room, I proposed to name the joint venture: Holder-Russell. 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. If you lose any money, its your ass. At that time, the construction company had revenues of $12 million a year. 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 was not just a great man. 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. It caused a lot of people to underestimate him. 1967: Gets the winning bid to handle the fireproofing and wetwall work on the Equitable Life Assurance Building. Today, our city lost one of the best men it has ever produced. 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. Russell is also survived by his wife, Sylvia, two stepsons, and eight grandchildren. 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. One of them looked at me. All rights reserved. Westside Gazette Newspaper He was one of the reasons that Atlanta is the great http://t.co/xCQp0HVmsL I salute you sir for a long life-well done: http://t.co/wEOUdzQj65 It is a loss that I and so many others share.. Russell retired from H.J. He helped get them elected., His speech impediment was an asset, Egbert Perry, a protege of Russells and now CEO of development firm The Integral Group, once told the AJC. King Jr., Ralph Abernathy, Andrew Young, Vernon Jordan and Jesse Hill. No words can express the depth of our sorrow as we remember Mr. H.J. Staff writers Katie Leslie and Eric Stirgus contributed to this report. 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. Their relationship grew into a real partnership, beginning with the building of the new Hartsfield International Airport (now Hartsfield-Jackson). 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. 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. Russell was a tower of strength who used his sharp mind and business know-how to become a major player in Atlantas business community. In 1994 Russells construction businesses were reorganized under H. J. Russell and Company. 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. Here's a few of their responses: The entire community mourns the passing of Herman Russell. He most notably founded H.J. Russell offered him $30,000, Khalil said, with attendees erupting in laughter. Daughter Donata was picked to head the family philanthropic arm. 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. 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. Herman Jerome Russell was born to Maggie Googson and Rogers Russell in Atlanta on Dec. 23, 1930. Continue to construct great buildings in heaven. 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. New Atlantas Founding Father, Herman J. Russell, dies. Russell & Co. in 1979, Russell asked Perry to do a growth plan for the company, which took him six months to complete. We should pray to have even a fraction of the impact he had on the lives of others!. 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. Two boysJerome and Michaelfollowed. 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. However, his beginnings were humble. 1945: At 16, buys land in Summerhill for $125. 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. Andrew Young (@AmbAndrewYoung) November 15, 2014, Today, we lost one of the founding fathers of modern Atl in Mr. H.J. Soon after, he formed the plastering company that over several decades became a successful development and construction conglomerate. In every phase of Atlanta development from Hartsfield (airport) to the present, he was a major and dominant influence, Young said. And that's just what his firm did in Atlanta not to mention what the construction magnate built across the nation. U.S. Rep. John Lewis [D-Ga.] said, Herman J. Russell was one of the founding fathers of the new Atlanta. By the time of his retirement in 1997, Russell had . 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.. After his father's death in 1957, Russell took over the company and expanded it into a conglomerate that includes general contracting, construction/program management, real estate development and property and asset management. Those who wont be flying in the coming months can also enjoy the film on H. J. Russell & Companys YouTube channel. Russell Construction Co. 1963: Becomes first African-American member of the Atlanta Chamber of Commerce. My sadness is only eclipsed by the great admiration and inspiration that his life had up on my own. Russell & Co., Hoovers Company Profiles, Whos Who Among African Americans (14th ED), Staff Research. 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. In addition, his company continues to manage concessions at several American airports, including services at Hartsfield-Jackson. Herman Russell had a major impact on many of us, and he lived a great life.. 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. 1969: Is awarded the contract for the Citizens Trust Bank Building. We are saying good-bye to the physical aspect of a person but I know the person is still alive. 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. Launching his entrepreneurship journey at the age of 12, H.J. Because of these dizzying exploits and success, the tributes continue to pour in for Russell, who will be laid to rest this week. He was 83 years old. Copyright 2023. He remembered that when he was 5 years old, his father couldnt find work. He was 83. Russell is survived by his wife, Sylvia, sons H. Jerome and Michael Russell, daughter Donata Russell Major, two stepsons and eight grandchildren. At the same time, his construction partnerships expanded to include residential, educational, commercial, and recreational structures. Maria was born in Atlanta to European parents and has two youngadult children. I got nervous in front of all the white aldermen. Jordan, who gave the eulogy at the funeral, said Russell had given him two conflicting directions on how to handle the tribute. Russell's other interests are in airport concessions. 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. Would he pick it up or let it sit there at the bottom of the bowl? Joseph Lowery. About a decade ago, Russell turned over the operations of the H.J. Family, friends and colleagues from former Atlanta Mayor Andrew Young and fellow construction giant Robert Holder to Russells children and grandchildren remembered a leader who had a deft sense of humor, favored a strong work ethic and could pinch a penny until it bled. We should pray to have even a fraction of the impact he had on the lives of others! The firm is a partner in the joint venture selected to build the new $1 billion Atlanta Falcons stadium, scheduled to open in 2017. My world was designed to succeed, Holder said. Along the way, he broke virtually every racial and economic barrier. On your next Delta Air Lines flight, if equipped with seatback in-flight entertainment, youll have the opportunity to view Building Atlanta: The Story of Herman J. Russell, a documentary film about the inspiring life and legacy of Atlanta businessman and founder of one of the countrys largest Black-owned commercial real estate development and construction firms, H. J. Russell & Company. cry. His grandfather caught up with him, gave him a stern look and Russell Jr. knew he was in trouble. 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 J. Russell. In 1963, Russell became the first black member, and later president, of the Atlanta Chamber of Commerce. 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. 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. 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 heroes of Atlantas story, a real life legend to now aspire to. Atlanta City Councilmember Michael Julian Bond. By building one of our nations most successful minority-owned companies, his legacy is a shining example for small business owners with big dreams. Russell & Company, a local construction firm that helped build many of the city's most important structures, in 1952. Everything in his world was designed to be an obstacle.. Hermans spirit permeated the community. 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. Nathan Deal, Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed and the Metro Atlanta Chamber, of which Russell was a former leader, preceded dozens of quotes in tribute. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. They picked Herman first, and then we were brought in. During this time, the company reported annual sales estimated at $150 million, with project offices in several cities from Miami, Florida, to New York City. And dont leave until 6.. He built movements.. The . 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. His father was a plasterer from whom he learned the trade starting at the age of twelve. Required fields are marked *. 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). Russell was an extraordinary visionary, a dynamic leader and a philanthropist who uplifted and mentored so many. The program described his achievements as an entrepreneur, his love of family and of friends. 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. Sources: H.J. Russell was the founder and retired CEO of H.J . It includes public projects such as the Georgia Dome, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Philips Arena, and Turner Field. H.J. He was one of thirteen children born to Michael and Florence (Brungardt) Gerhardt.