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. 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. Photo - Herman Russell presents a photograph of his mother and other members of a church organization, Photo - Herman Russell presents a photograph of his grandfather, Photo - Herman Russell presents a photograph of his mother and niece in Atlanta, Georgia, Photo - Herman Russell presents a photograph of his mother in front of their Martin Street home, Photo - Herman Russell presents a photograph of his uncle, Photo - Herman Russell presents an Army photograph of his brother Lawrence Russell, Photo - Herman Russell presents a photograph of his sister, Photo - Herman Russell presents a photograph of his brother and friends in Buffalo, New York, 1950s, Photo - Herman Russell with his father, mother and sister at their home, 1947, Photo - Herman Russell and unidentified group at David T. Howard, 1946, Photo - Herman Russell with unidentified woman, 1946, Photo - Herman Russell at the Dogwood construction site, Atlanta, Georgia, 1980, Photo - Herman Russell in his office, 1974, Photo - Herman Russell with Jimmy Carter, Vernon Jordan and Jesse Hill in the Oval Office, Washington, D.C., 1977-1981, Photo - Herman Russell, Vernon Jordan, Jesse Hill and unidentified man, Oval Office, Washington, D.C., 1977-1981, Photo - Herman Russell, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Andrew Young and Ralph Abernathy, Photo - Herman Russell with NSI board members, 1989, Photo - Herman Russell, President Bill Clinton and Ann Jackson, Photo - Herman Russell and Mayor Willie Herenton, 1990-1992, Photo - Herman Russell, Otelia Russell and Donata Russell, 1986, Photo - Herman Russell holding his son Herman Russell Jr., 1959, Photo - Herman Russell with Herman Russell Jr. and Donata Russell, Photo - Herman Russell in ROTC uniform, 1952, Photo - Herman Russell presents a photograph of his parents, Maggie and Roger Russell, Photo - Herman Russell with grandchildren, Herman Russell talks about his mother's background, Herman Russell talks about his father's background, Herman Russell recalls his earliest childhood memories, Herman Russell reflects on his childhood home, Herman Russell remembers sights and smells of Summerhill, Atlanta, Georgia, Herman Russell touches upon the importance of church during his childhood, Herman Russell briefly speaks about elementary school, Herman Russell talks about his speech impediment, Herman Russell describes his successes as a child, Herman Russell speaks about his entrepreneurial talents while growing up, Herman Russel tells about the influence his father had on him, Herman Russell recalls getting his first bank loan, Herman Russell reminisces about his high school era athletic exploits, Herman Russell speaks about one of his heroes, Jackie Robinson, Herman Russell talks about buying and building on his first piece of land, Herman Russell's decides to attend Tuskegee Institute, Herman Russell's experience at Tuskegee Institute, Herman Russell talks about managing his duplex while away at college, Herman Russell describes Tuskegee's highlights and his current involvement with them, Herman Russell outlines his business's growth through the late 1970s, Herman Russell tells of his business relationship with Herman Talmadge, Herman Russell describes his professinal relationship with whites during the 1960s, Herman Russell talks about his insurance company, Herman Russell describes his involvement in the Civil Rights Movement, Herman Russell talks about Civil Rights leaders in Atlanta, Georgia, Herman Russell talks about Martin Luther King Jr. and Vernon Jordan, Herman Russell tells of his involvement in the television industry, Herman Russell briefly tells the current status of his business, Herman Russell explains his experience as a cable franchisee, Herman Russell talks about his wholesale operation comared to the airport business, Herman Russell speaks about his role in politics, Herman Russell discusses the presence of African Americans in politics, Herman Russell tells of his involvement with the Citizens Trust Bank, Herman Russell talks about his current and future business plans, Herman Russell explains the importance of black business ownership, Herman Russell expresses his feelings on the status of the black community, Herman Russell states his opinion on how to better the black community, Herman Russell gives his opinions on family and raising children, Herman Russell talks of the younger generations becoming involved in business, Photo - Herman Russell in front of H.J. Office: (954) 525-1489 He was the real deal, Perry said recalling when he went to work for the company when he was in his mid 20s. 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. Did youfind true love? 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. Russell Co. and the other family interests to his children. History - H.J. Russell & Company 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. Several of his grandchildren participated in the service. There was nobody I met in life cheaper than H.J., said Perry, who was overcome with emotion throughout and after the service. Russell is also survived by his wife, Sylvia, two stepsons, and eight grandchildren. But he invested most of his time and energy in his hometown. Maria Saporta,Editor,is a longtime Atlanta business, civic and urban affairs journalist with a deep knowledge of our city, our region and state. Westside Gazette Newspaper As the nations business environment shifted, so did the company. Martin Luther King is more alive in our lives today than he was 45 years ago.. When she stayed with him about a month ago for a few days, he still made an extra effort to pray by his bedside every night. 1945: At 16, buys land in Summerhill for $125. His brilliance is reflected across Atlantas skyline and throughout communities across the country. Russell & Company, a local construction firm that helped build many of the city's most important structures, in 1952. When Russell told Khalil he had a new love Sylvia Anderson, he said: Shes my sugar Momma.. 2023 CREATIVE LOAFING, LLC. He was elated and proud of the fact that he was able to share his legacy with others and, most importantly, his grandchildren. 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. The program described his achievements as an entrepreneur, his love of family and of friends. Russell had picked up the penny. He released his autobiography, Building Atlanta: How I Broke Through Segregation to Launch a Business Empire, last April. 1993: Oversees Birmingham International Airport. An interview with the filmmakers can be found on the H. J. Russell & Company We Build: The Podcast here or on other podcast platforms. 1962: Establishes H.J. 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. H.J. We put your body to rest, Young said. I want to tell you how lucky I was that Herman was in my life, Holder said. 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. Perry lost the bet believing Russell wouldnt dig in the commode for simply a penny. 1938: Starts first business shining shoes. He was working for a residential developer at the time. What surprised me the most was that Herman was speaking at all, Jordan said because of Russells speech impediment. He replaced dilapidated low-income housing with mixed-income communities near the Atlanta University Center. 1967: Gets the winning bid to handle the fireproofing and wetwall work on the Equitable Life Assurance Building. 1989: Constructs Grady High School addition. Martin. However, his beginnings were humble. He was my friend for the rest of my life.. Geraldine J. Stolle Obituary | Star Tribune Herman J. Russell. Joseph Lowery. 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. Martin Luther King, Jr. Russell has served also as a board member for civic organizations like the Allen Temple; Butler Street YMCA; Central Atlanta Progress; Tuskegee University; the NAACP Atlanta chapter; Citizens Trust Bank; Midtown Improvement District and the Georgia State University Advisory Board. Herman J. Russell. Great Memorial to A great man-Gloria WaddellReport, Your email address will not be published. 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. My sadness is only eclipsed by the great admiration and inspiration that his life had up on my own. Herman was not just a great man, but, sorry Evander (Holyfield), he was the real deal, Perry said. "His life inspires us to continue to strive to help others and be the best we can be.. 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 [] Lastly, did one pass on peacefully and with grace. However, the nation has lost a genuine and sincere chaplain of the common, First N.C. State Supreme Court Justice honored, Is this the time to stand up and fight back? The decade of the 1960s was important for both the United States and H. J. Russell & Company. Few men have done more to make Atlanta a place where people of all races and backgrounds can bring and build their dreams.". It is a loss that I and so many others share.. 1974: Becomes the co-chairman of the finance committee to elect Maynard Jackson. Russell did. He inspired many with words of wisdom, and assisted financially local and national political leaders, and office seekers. In addition, his company continues to manage concessions at several American airports, including services at Hartsfield-Jackson. Russell & Co. "The firm he built continues to shape what this city will look like for decades to come.". In 1963, Russell became the first black member, and later president, of the Atlanta Chamber of Commerce. Legendary Atlanta business leader Herman J. Russell dies (SLIDESHOW) When will I get my Georgia tax rebate for 2023? 'Building Atlanta: The Story of Herman J. Russell' Documentary to be 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. It was in the 1980s and Khalil, who was in the real estate business in north metro Atlanta, was making between $60,000 to $75,000 a year, a sizable income at the time. 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. All rights reserved. By building one of our nations most successful minority-owned companies, his legacy is a shining example for small business owners with big dreams. His legacy in our region is well established, and while Atlanta has lost a builder, developer and philanthropist, I have lost a dear friend. While business was his public face, Herman Russell Sr.s heart belonged to family, friends and equality, speaker after speaker said. Maria received her Masters degree in urban studies from GeorgiaState and her Bachelors degree in journalism from Boston University. 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. He made his transition in a peaceful way, said his son, Michael, who serves as CEO of his fathers firm. He bought his first piece of land at 16 years old," Michael B. Russell said about his father. A 1990 graduate of N.C. Central University and a 2009 Harvard University Nieman Fellow, he is also the former vice president of the National Association of Black Journalists. Soon, Russell branched out from construction and property management businesses by adding communications, concessions, and sports franchises to his portfolio. King Jr., Ralph Abernathy, Andrew Young, Vernon Jordan and Jesse Hill. After Atlanta icon Herman Russell died, DNA proved - Atlanta Magazine 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. 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. Russell offered him $30,000, Khalil said, with attendees erupting in laughter. 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. 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. You ask if someone has made a difference. As we worked on Mr. Russells own story we quickly saw that he built more than buildings; he built relationships. Visit the Atlanta Civic Circle, a nonprofit journalism and civic engagement site, which works on community-wide issues and solutions. Stolle, Geraldine J. Russell is also survived by his wife, Sylvia, two stepsons, and eight grandchildren. Herman J. Gerhardt - Pohlman~Varner~Peeler Mortuary Details about his funeral arrangements are pending. His obsession with Prince, Spike Lee movies, Hamilton and the New York Yankees is odd. Turnout was so large that the church directed traffic to two overflow parking lots to handle the crowds that kept coming even after services had begun. 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. One of them looked at me. 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..
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