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.. However, to me, he was my true brother in Christ and I shall never forget our decades-old friendship and what he meant to me, my family, the city of Atlanta, the nation and the world. 1989: Constructs Delta Flight Operations Center. Herman said, If you give me 1 percent more of the profit, you can take my name off of it altogether.. Second, do not leave anything out.. Russell later founded H.J. Throughout the decades of enormous success, Mr. Russell continued to give back to the community that nurtured his business pursuits. 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. 1978: Wins Black Enterprise Magazine Annual Achievement Award. And then Michael remembered one his fathers favorite sayings: Bring something more to the table than your appetite.. Launching his entrepreneurship journey at the age of 12, H.J. 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. As early as the age of 8, Herman J. Russell was inspired to build and own real estate, and to be his own employer. Since Ive seen so much hard times coming up as a young person, I could never walk away from improving peoples lives, Russell said. 'The firm he built continues to shape what this city will look like for decades to come'. 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. 1969: Is awarded the contract for the Citizens Trust Bank Building. He was my friend for the rest of my life.. 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. I want to tell you how lucky I was that Herman was in my life, Holder said. 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, a lifelong Atlantan who counted among his friends several presidents and the Rev. 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 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. Russell. Visit the Atlanta Civic Circle, a nonprofit journalism and civic engagement site, which works on community-wide issues and solutions. 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. Two boysJerome and Michaelfollowed. Real Times Media. Jordan, who gave the eulogy at the funeral, said Russell had given him two conflicting directions on how to handle the tribute. The two men who built Deltas headquarters grew up two miles and two worlds apart in segregated Atlanta and came together through business opportunities to do great things to uplift our city and country.. 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. Thats how Khalil became a developer and entrepreneur. Even though H.J. never learned how to pronounce his first name, Russell taught him essential lessons of business and life. 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. Russell's 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. King Jr., Ralph Abernathy, Andrew Young, Vernon Jordan and Jesse Hill. Russell passed that test. He also played a leading role in the modern Civil Rights Movement working very closely with Rev. 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. Russell had picked up the penny. 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. Russell was a tower of strength who used his sharp mind and business know-how to become a major player in Atlantas business community. 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. Russell & Company in 2003, at which point his son, Michael, succeeded him in running the business. Herman Jerome was put in charge of the companys development arm. 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. Russell is survived by his wife, Sylvia, sons H. Jerome and Michael Russell, daughter Donata Russell Major, two stepsons and eight grandchildren. 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. I have seen H.J. Vernon Jordan, one of Russells closest friends who served on his companys board, remembered when he first met Herman in October of 1948 at Howard High School in Atlanta. Office: (954) 525-1489 Former Mayor Shirley Franklin in an interview several years ago called Russell a superb example of the American dream.. All rights reserved. []. He also said there was no entitlement in the Russell household. Maria Saporta,Editor,is a longtime Atlanta business, civic and urban affairs journalist with a deep knowledge of our city, our region and state. 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. Four months after he joined H.J. 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. 1962: Establishes H.J. Russell's role model was his grandfather, who helped foster and nurture his entrepreneurial spirit. Details about his funeral arrangements are pending. We should pray to have even a fraction of the impact he had on the lives of others!. 1982: Constructs Georgia-Pacific Headquarters. He remembered that when he was 5 years old, his father couldnt find work. 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. 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. The world and Atlanta have indeed lost a remarkable individual and humanitarian. Grandson H. Jerome Russell Jr. said his grandfather didnt play favorites with employees. 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. Building Atlanta: The Story of Herman J. Russell Documentary to be featured by Delta Air Lines Starting in Black History Month 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. 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. Michael Russell continues to run his father's company, along with his two siblings, Jerome and Donata. By John B. Smith, Sr. Special to the NNPA from The Atlanta Inquirer. Maria was born in Atlanta to European parents and has two youngadult children. Lee May (@LeeMay) November 15, 2014. I am at peace.. One person who initially underestimated Russell was Robert Holder, a fellow builder. 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.. 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. Martin Luther King is more alive in our lives today than he was 45 years ago.. When are the 2023 college graduation ceremonies in Georgia? 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. He was a great citizen, a great business man and a brother. While prestigious construction jobs remained at the heart of their activities, diversification was critical to its stability. Herman J. Gerhardt, Sr., 83, of Russell, Kansas, passed away Sunday, March 17, 2019, at Wheatland Nursing Center in Russell. Where are todays Muhammad Ali-like athletes? Herman Russell known city- , state- and nationwide for his formidable business knowledge and acumen has received many plaudits since his passing on Nov. 15. In December 2009 Russells family donated $1 million to expand a new facility of Childrens Healthcare of Atlantaat Hughes Spalding. 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. Vernon Jordan, activist and political adviser to heads of state such as President Bill Clinton, said Russell was one of the first people he saw in his hospital room after an attempt was made on Jordans life in 1980 in Fort Wayne, Ind. However, his beginnings were humble. You will remember his hugs, his wisdom. As a son, Im honored to carry on the family business and community activities my father started with my brother Jerome and sister Donata," current H.J. The nearly hour-long film features interviews with notable Atlantans who knew Herman J. Russell well. Returning to Atlanta, he worked alongside his father. Russell, chairman/CEO of H. J. Russell & Co., was born on December 23, 1930, in Atlanta, one of seven children of Maggie and Rogers Russell. But I didnt want to make assumptions about putting our name first. He was one of the reasons that Atlanta is the great http://t.co/xCQp0HVmsL Egbert Perry viewed Russell as his second father. 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. Here are several highlights of the remembrances that were shared. My sadness is only eclipsed by the great admiration and inspiration that his life had up on my own. 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. The couple eventually had three children: Donata, H. Jerome, and Michael. He and his wife, Otelia, lived in midtown Atlanta. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. R.I.P. 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. Herman J. Russell was interviewed by The HistoryMakers on March 15, 2002. He built movements.. 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. They picked Herman first, and then we were brought in. He was not just an example of self-made success, but a demonstration of a life well lived. Herman Russell had a major impact on many of. It includes public projects such as the Georgia Dome, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Philips Arena, and Turner Field. All Rights Reserved by H.J. Russell, chairman/CEO of H. J. Russell & Co., was born on December 23, 1930, in Atlanta, one of seven children of Maggie and Rogers Russell. He used his savings to help pay his tuition at Tuskegee University. [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. Russells sons who, along with his daughter and grandchildren, now carry on his legacy. Like Atlanta, he started off with a little shoe shine stand, now his company is a major influence in everything happening in the city. He was a great citizen, a great businessman and a brother. Soon, he started a shoe-shining business and sold Coca-Colas. They came from all walks of life, with sections of the behemoth church set aside for employees of H.J. 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. But Russell saw him going to his car and asked him where he was going. What Falcons NFC South rivals did in 2023 NFL draft. He is one of the best men our city has ever produced, said Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed. At the same time, his construction partnerships expanded to include residential, educational, commercial, and recreational structures. He was one of thirteen children born to Michael and Florence (Brungardt) Gerhardt. Herman Russell helped to make real the legacy of a city too busy to hate.. Photo credit: Courtesy Herman J. Russell family. However, his beginnings were humble. He retired twice once in 1996 and the last time in 2003. Lee May (@LeeMay) November 15, 2014. Russell also told him that he wanted Vernon Jordan to speak at his service. 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. Herman Jerome Russell was born to Maggie Googson and Rogers Russell in Atlanta on December 23, 1930. 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.. She spoke of how faith was so important to her father. 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. Before attending David T. Howard High School, Russell worked for his father who was a plasterer. 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. Perry lost the bet believing Russell wouldnt dig in the commode for simply a penny. [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. 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. 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. An interview with the filmmakers can be found on the H. J. Russell & Company We Build: The Podcast here or on other podcast platforms. 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. Your email address will not be published. In addition, his company continues to manage concessions at several American airports, including services at Hartsfield-Jackson. Required fields are marked *. Herman J. Russell (l) at a book party with Mayor Kasim Reed. 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. 1989: Constructs Atlanta City Hall Complex. THE DIGITAL REPOSITORY FOR THE BLACK EXPERIENCE. 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. 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,. Russell was only 12 years old when he founded his shoeshine business. 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. He will be with you always until the end of the ages.. There was a campaign for class president and vice president, and Herman Russell was talking at an outdoor assembly. Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33311 H.J. Russell & Company also assisted in the construction of the Atlanta Police headquarters, Fulton County Jail, nearly a dozen Atlanta Public Schools buildings, Atlanta History Center, Atlanta Symphony Hall, the Carter Center, Ebenezer Baptist Church, and many other structures. He most notably founded H.J. There was nobody I met in life cheaper than H.J., said Perry, who was overcome with emotion throughout and after the service. The Great Depression heavily influenced company founder, Herman J. Russell (1930-2014). [1][2][3][4][5] He founded H. J. Russell & Company, the largest minority-owned real estate and construction business in the United States. Since 1952, H. J. Russell & Companys commitment to strengthening Americas foundation through entrepreneurship, empowerment and excellence has propelled the company to legendary success. I remember watching my father on the side of the bed on his knees and pray, Donata Major said. He was not just a local businessman, but a visionary and one of the men who built Atlanta as we know it today. When Jordan heard Russell was ill a couple of months ago, he called him when he knew he would be alone. The firm is a partner in the joint venture selected to build the new $1 billion Atlanta Falcons stadium, scheduled to open in 2017. Later while in college, he and friends build a . 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.
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