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. Herman J. Gerhardt - Pohlman~Varner~Peeler Mortuary He made his transition in a peaceful way, said his son, Michael, who serves as CEO of his fathers firm. In 1959, the same year as his mother's death, Herman and Otelia Russell welcomed their first child, Donata. Dar'shun Kendrick (@DarshunKendrick) November 15, 2014, The country has lost a GIANT, Herman J. Russell. Like Atlanta, he started off with a little shoe shine stand, now his company is a major influence in everything happening in the city. His brilliance is reflected across Atlantas skyline and throughout communities across the country. 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. Building Wealth While Black: How Atlanta Fueled a Family Fortune This was also the year that Herman founded H. J. Russell Plastering Company in Atlanta, whichwould later become H. J. Russell & Company. Lastly, did one pass on peacefully and with grace. Delta is bringing the film onboard as part of all new content on Delta Studio, its in-flight entertainment platform, beginning this month. 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. But he was sharp as a tack.. Documentary 'Building Atlanta,' About Legendary Black Businessman But he invested most of his time and energy in his hometown. Hermans spirit permeated the community. But most importantly, they bridged two worlds with a close friendship. Russell was only 12 years old when he founded his shoeshine business. 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 the n-word and asked, Why cant you shine shoes on your front porch? Thats when I was reborn.. 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. There was no stutter in Herman Russells soul.. He was one of thirteen children born to Michael and Florence (Brungardt) Gerhardt. I was an obnoxious, over-educated, arrogant, illegal immigrant.. From founding a beverage distributor company and having a majority share in a company that owned a television station in Macon, Ga., to establishing airport concessionaire Concessions International, LLC to being a part of the Omni Group which purchased two major professional sports franchises, diversification was the focus of the decade. With this responsibility, Herman gave me two conflicting pieces of advice, Jordan said. 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. Ironically, the decision was to locate the Olympic stadium in the Summerhill neighborhood in Southeast Atlanta, the very same neighborhood in which H. J. Russell had grown up. He was willing to sacrifice for the good of the community, Lowery said. Numerous local leaders expressed their condolences and spoke about his legacy today. Stolle, Geraldine J. 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 its seen today as well as for shaping the airport dining experience for travelers throughout the country and the U. S. Virgin Islands. They all, in one way or another, bare the DNA of late, great business impresario Herman J. Russell. R.I.P., Herman J. Russell, influential construction and development 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. When Jordan heard Russell was ill a couple of months ago, he called him when he knew he would be alone. Preceded in death by husband, Edmund. Joseph Lowery. Go run the company, Russell told him. No words can express the depth of our sorrow as we remember Mr. H.J. But it wasn't until 2015 that the three. 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. Along the way, he broke virtually every racial and economic barrier. Continue to construct great buildings in heaven., Tweet from state Rep. Darshun Kendrick, D-Lithonia, @DarshunKendrick, The country has lost a GIANT, Herman J. Russell. 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. 1989: Constructs Atlanta City Hall Complex. Perry then asked for a job description. "The firm he built continues to shape what this city will look like for decades to come.". Russell also told him that he wanted Vernon Jordan to speak at his service. A slick, 28-page color glossy program designed with the kind of professionalism used for Fortune 500 annual reports documented Russells life. 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. Perry lost the bet believing Russell wouldnt dig in the commode for simply a penny. After Atlanta icon Herman Russell died, DNA proved - Atlanta Magazine Over the years, the Holders and the Russells became close friends as well as business partners. "I feel that my grandfather was influenced by Booker T. Washington, and what he talked about in controlling your destiny, by taking a passion or a trade and turning it into an economic opportunity," Jerome Russell shared. Herman Russell had a major impact on many of us, and he lived a great life.. 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.