Herman J. Russell built legacy in Atlanta

Metro Atlanta

Herman J. Russell built legacy in Atlanta

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 companies in America, died Saturday at age 83.

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 companies in America, died Saturday at age 83.

Herman Russell in junior high shop class.

Herman Russell worked as a plasterer in the 1950s.

Herman Russell (left) with Martin Luther King Jr., Ralph David Abernathy and Andrew Young in Russell's Collier Heights home. Herman built the home in the early 1960's and it quickly became a gathering place for Martin Luther King Jr. and other black leaders in a time when they still couldn't use segregated facilities downtown.

Developer Herman Russell at home in 1969.

The exhibition "Lucinda Bunnen: Georgia Portraits" included this photograph of Coretta Scott King with Herman Russell, at Spelman College in 1977.

Herman Russell in 1980.

Herman Russell was President of the Atlanta Chamber of Commerce when this photo was taken on December 11, 1980.

Herman J. Russell speaking before the opening of the 5th annual Minority Industrial Trade Fair in 1981.

Herman Russell (left) and Robert Holder check the progress of the Delta Air Lines building near Virginia Avenue in College Park on July 18, 1983.

Developer Herman Russell at his Fair Street office in 1985.

Developer Herman Russell is shown in this undated photo.

Herman Russell pauses during an interview in 1990.

Herman J. Russell (shown in 1999) donated millions of dollars to local colleges.

Developer Herman Russell at the Gartrell Courts apartments in Atlanta, one of the first affordable housing communities developments that Russell helped develop. Russell is shown there in 2006. AJC FILE

Herman Russell becomes emotional while giving a tribute during the funeral services for Jesse Hill Jr. on Friday December 21, 2012 at Big Bethel A.M.E. Church.

Herman J. Russell hugs Altovise Davis, wife of Sammy Davis Jr. at the International Civil Rights Walk of Fame at the Martin Luther King Center. Russell and Sammy Davis Jr. both have footprints on the walk of fame.

Herman Russell and his son Michael Russell in front of their Collier Heights home on Friday, Sep 19, 2008.

James Paschal (left) and Herman Russell at the Paschal's restaurant they co-owned on Northside Drive.

Herman Russell at the Captial City Club in downtown Atlanta in 1989.

Herman Russell gets emotional as he tours his childhood home in the Summerhill neighborhood, upset at the current state of the house in 1993. He gave the house to the church down the street.

Developer Herman Russell gets emotional as he tours his childhood home in the Summerhill neighborhood, upset at the state of the house. He hoped that the Olympics will be a boon to the now-blighted neighborhood. Photo taken January 27, 1993. AJC FILE

H.J. Russell stands in front of his office complex on the corner of Northside Drive and Fair Street in June 22, 1990. AJC FILE

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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 companies in America, died Saturday at age 83.

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