But it wasn't until 2015 that the three. At the time, Russell talked about how his foundation was going to be a big foundation because a lot of my wealth will go into that foundation once I leave the world. Russell later remarried. Martin. 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. "As humble as he was, I think he would be thrilled that a movie about his life would air on Delta. 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. 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. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 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. He was 83 years old. Hala Moddelmog (@HalaModdelmog) November 16, 2014, Thoughts & prayers go out to the Russell family. 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. A few years later, government programs designed to spur residential construction, particularly in the South, provided the opportunities that made H. J. Russell & Company one of the largest builders of HUD affordable housing. Ernie Suggs is an enterprise reporter covering race and culture for the AJC since 1997. 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. 1968: Is awarded HUD housing contracts in the Southeast and the Equitable Building. One of them looked at me. 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 nearly hour-long film features interviews with notable Atlantans who knew Herman J. Russell well. "He was quite an entrepreneur, I always say. The Westside Gazette @ 2023 - Site Designed by No Regret Media, Carma Lynn Henry
Real Times Media. #gapol #gadems (Left)Michael B. Russell& Jerome Russell(Right). [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. Herman said, If you give me 1 percent more of the profit, you can take my name off of it altogether.. A slick, 28-page color glossy program designed with the kind of professionalism used for Fortune 500 annual reports documented Russells life. All Rights Reserved. Russell was an extraordinary visionary, a dynamic leader and a philanthropist who uplifted and mentored so many. Two boysJerome and Michaelfollowed. He was an unforgettable philanthropist, a wise corporate citizen, a shrewd businessman and my dear friend. Former Mayor Shirley Franklin in an interview several years ago called Russell a superb example of the American dream.. In every phase of Atlanta development from Hartsfield (airport) to the present, he was a major and dominant influence, Young said. I have seen H.J. He inspired many with words of wisdom, and assisted financially local and national political leaders, and office seekers. To this day, the company remains a leader in building and managing affordable housing to citizens in the southeast. 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. 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. 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. Numerous local leaders expressed their condolences and spoke about his legacy today. Russell almost immediately expanded the family business, taking onlarger projects that ranged from home building to real estate investment. In December 2009 Russells family donated $1 million to expand a new facility of Childrens Healthcare of Atlantaat Hughes Spalding. Russell never really stopped working, staying involved as chairman of his companies and in Castleberry Hill where his businesses were based. His role model was his father who owned his own plastering business. I cant express how much we will miss him.. Jordan, who gave the eulogy at the funeral, said Russell had given him two conflicting directions on how to handle the tribute. We waded through all of that. 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. We will celebrate his life and learn from his example. 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. Two years later, Jerome donated one of his kidneys to his brother. Russell both built a visible and admired company and worked behind the scenes on racial and economic issues. Noel Khalil, who also was a proteg, told the story of how Russell hired him. cry. H.J. Here is a 60-second trailer of the film. 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. Herman said, Vernon, do not speak all day. The country has lost a GIANT, Herman J. Russell. Returning to Atlanta, he worked alongside his father. When will I get my Georgia tax rebate for 2023? I salute you sir for a long life-well done: http://t.co/wEOUdzQj65 But he was sharp as a tack.. 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. Hermans spirit permeated the community. 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. Atlanta-Fulton County Board of Commissioners Chairman, John Eaves stated, It is with great regret and immense sadness that Ive learned of the passing of an Atlanta icon: Herman J. Russell. 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. 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. Soon, he started a shoe-shining business and sold Coca-Colas. 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. WHEREAS, Mr. Herman J. Russell was the founder and former chief executive officer of H. J. Russell and Company and a nationally recognized entrepreneur and philanthropist amassing one of the nation's most profitable minority-owned business empires, turning a small plaster company into a construction and real estate conglomerate; and WHEREAS, Mr . atlanta city council president ceaser mitchell. Mr. 1993: Oversees Birmingham International Airport. Visit the Atlanta Civic Circle, a nonprofit journalism and civic engagement site, which works on community-wide issues and solutions. Russell bought his first piece of land when he was 16 for $125. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The death Saturday of Atlanta business pioneer and philanthrophist Herman J. Russell brought a swell of reaction on social media and other channels. 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. Not satisfied with Majors answer, Russell told him: Go back inside and find something to do. Rep. Hank Johnson (@RepHankJohnson) November 15, 2014, Herman Russell understood the role of businesspeople in the journey toward social justice. Their relationship grew into a real partnership, beginning with the building of the new Hartsfield International Airport (now Hartsfield-Jackson). He was one of thirteen children born to Michael and Florence (Brungardt) Gerhardt. 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 left his mark on our citys skyline as one of the builders and developers who constructed some of our regions iconic structures," Fulton County Chairman John Eaves said in a statement. Maria Saporta,Editor,is a longtime Atlanta business, civic and urban affairs journalist with a deep knowledge of our city, our region and state. Our association became a kaleidoscope of beautiful colors that included our wives and children integrating with each other. Through Our Eyes: Panelist seek to encourage surrounding communities and generations after. 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. [8], Herman J. Russell died on November 15, 2014, at the age of 83, in Atlanta Georgia and was buried at South-View Cemetery. Here are several highlights of the remembrances that were shared. Herman J. Russell. But we open up our hearts to your spirit.. The Great Depression heavily influenced company founder, Herman J. Russell (1930-2014). My world was designed to succeed, Holder said. The firm is a partner in the joint venture selected to build the new $1 billion Atlanta Falcons stadium, scheduled to open in 2017. H.J. My sadness is only eclipsed by the great admiration and inspiration that his life had up on my own. And dont leave until 6.. 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. Perry lost the bet believing Russell wouldnt dig in the commode for simply a penny. 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. 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. However, his beginnings were humble. With this responsibility, Herman gave me two conflicting pieces of advice, Jordan said. 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. His legacy will live on in the projects he built, the family he raised, and the people he touched throughout his life., Ernest Greer, chairman of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce and vice president and Atlanta managing shareholder at law firm Greenberg Traurig, He was one of the Giants of our time. Russell & Company in 2003, at which point his son, Michael, succeeded him in running the business. 1994: Constructs Turner Field/Centennial Olympic Stadium.
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