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 was born October 19, 1935 in Victoria, Kansas. 1993: Oversees Birmingham International Airport. Copyright 2023. Russell almost immediately expanded the family business, taking onlarger projects that ranged from home building to real estate investment. Like Atlanta, he started off with a little shoe shine stand, now his company is a major influence in everything happening in the city. The decade of the 1960s was important for both the United States and H. J. Russell & Company. 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. When will I get my Georgia tax rebate for 2023? 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. King Jr., Ralph Abernathy, Andrew Young, Vernon Jordan and Jesse Hill. Bernice A. But we open up our hearts to your spirit.. As the nations business environment shifted, so did the company. 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. Herman Russell helped to make real the legacy of a city too busy to hate.. 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. 2023 FOX Television Stations, Atlanta man discovers way for drivers to legally escape parking lot boots without paying fine, Marine veteran in his 80s held at gunpoint during home invasion: 'I wasn't afraid of him', Atlanta studio already feeling pain from possible Hollywood writers' strike, Legendary folk singer-songwriter Gordon Lightfoot dies at 84, Morehouse offers to open primary care facility on Atlanta's southside to fill gap from Wellstar closures. Russell was a tower of strength who used his sharp mind and business know-how to become a major player in Atlantas business community. 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 nation's most influential African American construction and property management company in southwest Atlanta, from a plastering business in the '50s - made transition, on R.I.P. Young, who began is professional life as preacher, said the Bible tells us that the spirit of God is within us. 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 [] (Left)Michael B. Russell& Jerome Russell(Right). Russell asked him how much he was making, and Khalil said $60,000 and up to $75,000 a year with a bonus. After presenting the plan to his boss, Russell told him that he should run the company as the president and COO. 'The firm he built continues to shape what this city will look like for decades to come'. 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. Senator Vincent Fort (@Senatorfort) November 15, 2014, R. I.P. Not satisfied with Majors answer, Russell told him: Go back inside and find something to do. Visit hjrussell.com to learn more about the firm. Did youfind true love? In 1959, the same year as his mother's death, Herman and Otelia Russell welcomed their first child, Donata. Grandson H. Jerome Russell Jr. said his grandfather didnt play favorites with employees. The nearly hour-long film premieres on ATL PBA on Sunday, Feb. 16 at 9 p.m. and re-airs at 9 p.m. on Feb. 23. He left his indelible mark on our citys skyline as one of the developers who constructed some of our regions iconic structures. The documentary originally aired in February 2020 on ATL PBA. One of them looked at me. Since 1952, H. J. Russell & Companys commitment to strengthening Americas foundation through entrepreneurship, empowerment and excellence has propelled the company to legendary success. 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. Russell would later assist with inaugural funding of The King Center, as well as a myriad of other Atlanta institutions. He bought his first parcel of land for $125 at age sixteen, later building a duplex on the property. Herman J. Russell West End Academy | Building an inclusive and diverse community Belt line for a. Atlanta, GA 30310 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. 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. 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.. Great Memorial to A great man-Gloria WaddellReport, Your email address will not be published. U.S. Rep. John Lewis [D-Ga.] said, Herman J. Russell was one of the founding fathers of the new Atlanta. In addition, his company continues to manage concessions at several American airports, including services at Hartsfield-Jackson. And dont leave until 6.. He was a great citizen, a great business man and a brother. 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 will celebrate his life and learn from his example. And then Michael remembered one his fathers favorite sayings: Bring something more to the table than your appetite.. 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. I am at peace.. Real Times Media. Those who wont be flying in the coming months can also enjoy the film on H. J. Russell & Companys YouTube channel. He, along with Atlanta University student leaders Julian Bond, Charlayne (Hunter) Gault, Charles Black, Lonnie King, Jr., Johnny Parham, Marian Wright and local businessman Jesse Hill, Jr., Dr. Clinton E. Warner, Gladys Powell, Hilda Wilson and others, Russell founded, in 1960, The Atlanta Inquirer, a member of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) the Black Press of America during the height of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.-led Civil Rights Movement. 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 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. His father was a plasterer from whom he learned the trade starting at the age of twelve. Russell & Co. built much of Atlantas skyline often through joint ventures from the Georgia-Pacific headquarters to the Georgia Dome. 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. 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. 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. Along with his son Michael, Russell leaves to cherish his memory: his wife, Sylvia; another son, Jerome; daughter, Donata, several grandchildren and a host of other relatives and admirers. 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. No words can express the depth of our sorrow as we remember Mr. H.J. 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. 1994: Constructs Turner Field/Centennial Olympic Stadium. Ever the enterprising adolescent, Russell used the revenue from his teen businesses to fully finance his expensive education at the private HBCU Tuskegee Universityin Alabama. Russell did. As early as the age of 8, Herman J. Russell was inspired to build and own real estate, and to be his own employer. By clicking Sign Up, I confirmthat I have read and agreeto the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. I cant express how much we will miss him.. Martin Luther King is more alive in our lives today than he was 45 years ago.. 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. Herman is survived by his wife, Sylvia, daughter, Donata Russell Major, sons H. Jerome (Stephanie) and Michael (Lovette) Russell, stepsons Eric and Kevin Anderson, eight grandchildren --. There was a campaign for class president and vice president, and Herman Russell was talking at an outdoor assembly. He left an indelible mark on Atlanta and the world. []. Russell's role model was his grandfather, who helped foster and nurture his entrepreneurial spirit. Egbert Perry viewed Russell as his second father. [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. Noel Khalil, who also was a proteg, told the story of how Russell hired him. His grandfather caught up with him, gave him a stern look and Russell Jr. knew he was in trouble.
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