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Sources: H.J. Herman Russell was the only businessman Ive known who could tell you to go to hell in such a way that you looked forward to the trip, Jordan said. There was no stutter in Herman Russells soul.. Russell did. Russell bought his first piece of land when he was 16 for $125. The Summerhill native owned several businesses throughout his career, starting at age 16 when he purchased a dilapidated home for $125. Delta is bringing the film onboard as part of all new content on Delta Studio, its in-flight entertainment platform, beginning this month. With this responsibility, Herman gave me two conflicting pieces of advice, Jordan said. Russell both built a visible and admired company and worked behind the scenes on racial and economic issues. Some of Russells better-known projects include numerous Atlanta landmarks, among them the Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Philips Arena, Turner Field, the Georgia Dome as well as the construction of the new trillion-dollar Falcons stadium. (BPRW) 'Building Atlanta: The Story of Herman J. Russell' Documentary Martin Luther King is more alive in our lives today than he was 45 years ago.. Herman J. Russell was interviewed by The HistoryMakers on March 15, 2002. At the same time, his construction partnerships expanded to include residential, educational, commercial, and recreational structures. 1930: Born in Atlanta on Dec. 23, 1930. He left a lasting legacy that will be remembered for years to come.said Atlanta City Councilmember C.T. Legendary Atlanta business leader Herman J. Russell dies (SLIDESHOW) 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. 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. When Jordan heard Russell was ill a couple of months ago, he called him when he knew he would be alone. Those who wont be flying in the coming months can also enjoy the film on H. J. Russell & Companys YouTube channel. Four months after he joined H.J. Russells office showcased photos of him with U.S. presidents in the White House. Herman J. Russell. 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.. Lastly, did one pass on peacefully and with grace. R.I.P. I got nervous in front of all the white aldermen. 1994: Constructs Turner Field/Centennial Olympic Stadium. There was nobody I met in life cheaper than H.J., said Perry, who was overcome with emotion throughout and after the service. He released his autobiography, Building Atlanta: How I Broke Through Segregation to Launch a Business Empire, last April. By building one of our nations most successful minority-owned companies, his legacy is a shining example for small business owners with big dreams. 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. 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. 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. As Atlanta natives, we pride ourselves on telling stories of some of the most consequential figures in our citys and states history through film, and it was particularly rewarding to be able to create a documentary about an Atlanta icon who quietly and fearlessly did so much to help create the Atlanta we know today, said co-director, David Duke of Living Stories Film & Video. Herman J. Russell: 2013 Georgia Trustee But I didnt want to make assumptions about putting our name first. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. By the time of his retirement in 1997, Russell had . Staff writers Katie Leslie and Eric Stirgus contributed to this report. 1968: Is awarded HUD housing contracts in the Southeast and the Equitable Building. Maria was born in Atlanta to European parents and has two youngadult 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. 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. All Rights Reserved. The . 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. He was mistaken. He built movements.. Today, our city lost one of the best men it has ever produced. Noel Khalil, who worked with and was mentored by Russell, said when Russell offered him a job, he asked Khalil how much he was making. The lawyers drew up a joint-venture agreement that was about two inches thick. Watergate, oil shortages and declining real estate markets created uncertainty in every area of the nation. U.S. Rep. John Lewis [D-Ga.] said, Herman J. Russell was one of the founding fathers of the new Atlanta. #titan Herman J. Russell, an entrepreneur and philanthropist who turned a small plastering firm into one of the most successful African-American-owned real estate development and construction. History - H.J. Russell & Company If you lose any money, its your ass. At that time, the construction company had revenues of $12 million a year. My sadness is only eclipsed by the great admiration and inspiration that his life had up on my own. Tweet from DeKalb County Interim CEO Lee May, @LeeMay. 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. 'The firm he built continues to shape what this city will look like for decades to come'. He was my friend for the rest of my life.. Russell & Company, a local construction firm that helped build many of the city's most important structures, in 1952. The program described his achievements as an entrepreneur, his love of family and of friends. A multi-faceted organization providing integrated solutions and an exceptional customer experience, Russell has developed, designed/built, renovated, and managed some of the nations most complex, high profile projects involving multiple stakeholders and requiring exceptional diplomacy and skill, including the Mercedes-Benz Stadium with the HHRM JV and the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture with Clark Construction and Smoot Construction. He and his wife, Otelia, lived in midtown Atlanta. He has seen me cry. Noel Khalil, who also was a proteg, told the story of how Russell hired him. They met 40 years later on the business field, and they developed one of the most successful joint venture relationships in Atlanta history. In 1959, the same year as his mother's death, Herman and Otelia Russell welcomed their first child, Donata. 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. Courtney English (@CourtneyEnglish) November 15, 2014, #ATL is forever indebted to #HJRussell-he helped transform our skyline & worked tirelessly 2 make our city better - he will truly be missed. 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. He left an indelible mark on Atlanta and the world. 1989: Constructs Delta Flight Operations Center. Herman Jerome Russell (December 23, 1930 November 15, 2014) was an entrepreneur and influential figure in Atlanta, Georgia. The nearly hour-long film features interviews with notable Atlantans who knew Herman J. Russell well. 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 . An interview with the filmmakers can be found on the H. J. Russell & Company We Build: The Podcast here or on other podcast platforms. Black developer Herman J. Russell documentary now available on Delta 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. Russell & Co. built much of Atlantas skyline often through joint ventures from the Georgia-Pacific headquarters to the Georgia Dome. You will remember his hugs, his wisdom. 1979: Forms Concessions International LLC, a food service. Column: Five Georgia nonprofits rank among nations top 25, Georgia State gets transformational $22.8 million Woodruff Foundation gift. There was a campaign for class president and vice president, and Herman Russell was talking at an outdoor assembly. 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. In every phase of Atlanta development from Hartsfield to the present, he was a major and dominant influence. Russell Company headquarters, Photo - Herman Russell during construction of his duplex, 1947, Occupation(s): Even though H.J. never learned how to pronounce his first name, Russell taught him essential lessons of business and life. Russell almost immediately expanded the family business, taking onlarger projects that ranged from home building to real estate investment. He was the real deal, Perry said recalling when he went to work for the company when he was in his mid 20s. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Russell told him it was getting up in the morning and going to work. He was elated and proud of the fact that he was able to share his legacy with others and, most importantly, his grandchildren. Hermans spirit permeated the community. As we worked on Mr. Russells own story we quickly saw that he built more than buildings; he built relationships. Because of these dizzying exploits and success, the tributes continue to pour in for Russell, who will be laid to rest this week. Herman J. Russell. Herman Russell helped to make real the legacy of a city too busy to hate.. A priceless photo shows Russell in his living room with Ralph David Abernathy, Martin Luther King Jr. and Andrew Young in the early 1960s, creating strategy for the civil rights movement. Giving the benediction was another longtime friend and associate Andrew Young a civil rights leader and former Atlanta mayor. Soon, he started a shoe-shining business and sold Coca-Colas. I cant express how much we will miss him.. 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. 'New Atlanta's Founding Father' Herman J. Russell Dies 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.. 1952: Establishes H.J. 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 taught us that the greatest love we could show our children was to love our spouses.. Russell passed that test. 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. We put your body to rest, Young said. He was a great citizen, a great business man and a brother. By clicking Sign Up, I confirmthat I have read and agreeto the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. And that's just what his firm did in Atlanta not to mention what the construction magnate built across the nation. Their relationship grew into a real partnership, beginning with the building of the new Hartsfield International Airport (now Hartsfield-Jackson). 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. Herman J. Russell (l) at a book party with Mayor Kasim Reed. Nathan Deal, Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed and the Metro Atlanta Chamber, of which Russell was a former leader, preceded dozens of quotes in tribute.

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