Building Atlanta: The Story of Herman J. Russell Documentary (Full Version)
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- Опубликовано: 3 мар 2020
- “Building Atlanta: The Story of Herman J. Russell,” a documentary film about the inspiring life and legacy of Atlanta businessman and founder of one of the United States' largest black-owned commercial real estate development and construction firms. The nearly hour-long film took more than a year to produce and features interviews with notable Atlantans, who knew Herman J. Russell well.
“For our family, having our father’s and grandfather’s story told through the eyes and words of those who knew him best is a particularly impactful approach the filmmakers use,” said Herman J. Russell’s son, Michael B. Russell, CEO, H. J. Russell & Company. “As humble as he was, I think he would enjoy seeing what his friends had to say about him in addition to seeing his life story on television. He would hope this documentary will inspire people, particularly young people, to strive even harder to reach their personal potential against all odds, and that’s what we hope it does too.”
Herman J. Russell, the founder of Atlanta-based H. J. Russell & Company and Concessions International, LLC, is known for helping build the Atlanta skyline as we see it today as well as for shaping the airport dining experience for travelers throughout the country and the U. S. Virgin Islands since 1952 and 1979 respectively. However, his beginnings were humble. The Great Depression was a challenging time for most Americans, but particularly for a young African-American boy who was born in 1930 in the segregated South. As early as the age of 8, Herman J. Russell was inspired to build and own real estate, and to be his own employer. Through watching his father run his own plastering business, and feeling the urgency and necessity to create jobs during the hard economic times, his entrepreneurial spirit was born and lasted throughout his life until his passing in 2014.
“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. Russell’s daughter, Donata Russell Ross, CEO, Concessions International, LLC. “We’ve always been proud of our father’s accomplishments, but to see his life illustrated so beautifully in this film is so rewarding for our entire family. We are grateful ATL PBA was supportive and interested in sharing his story with a larger audience.”
The “Building Atlanta: The Story of Herman J. Russell” documentary, is produced, written, edited and directed, in coordination with the Russell family by Emmy Award-winning father and son co-directors, David and John Duke of Living Stories Film & Video. “John and I met Mr. Russell in his later years, when we interviewed him for our documentary on former City of Atlanta Mayor Ivan Allen,” said Duke. “Of his many qualities, the one that stood out the most was his warmth. As we worked on Mr. Russell’s own story, we quickly saw that he built more than buildings: The relationships he formed with Atlanta’s white business community became lasting friendships. The trust and confidence he inspired enabled a new generation of Black entrepreneurs to move into the mainstream. Herman Russell not only left his mark on the skyline of his home town; he helped to make real the legacy of a city too busy to hate.”
In the documentary, the voices of Herman J. Russell’s proteges are heard, along with business partners who witnessed first-hand his challenges of the times. For example, Robert “Bob” Holder, Founder and Chairman of Holder Construction, expressed, “Herman and I were born within a month of each other, and within three miles of each other, but the two worlds could not have been more different. Everything I was born into was designed to make sure I succeeded; everything he was born into was designed to be sure he did not succeed. And Herman, in his lifetime, overcame all of that.”
As a lasting legacy to Herman J. Russell, the Russell family has created the Russell Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship, designed to encourage and support generations of entrepreneurs, especially Black entrepreneurs, as he did throughout his life. “The documentary is the inspirational back story on which the Russell Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship (RCIE) is being created,” said Herman J. Russell’s son and namesake, H. Jerome Russell, Jr., Chairman of the Board, RCIE. “We want current and aspiring entrepreneurs to come to RCIE to reach their potential as entrepreneurs, and this film will help our members understand the legacy and foundation on which RCIE is built.”
I’ve lived in his childhood home since 2008.
That’s cool
Are u a relative
@@craigwalker3227 No. I rent the house. According to my landlord, who is also Pastor of the Church next door, it was donated to him years ago. He remodeled it and started renting it.
I found my new SUPER HERO. Watching this documentary gave me a feeling of hope and aspiration. I smiled and shook my head in agreement with every word that was said. I’m from NYC, and lived in Atlanta back in the late 90’s early 2000’s. And, I’m happy to say I lived in a city built by one of my people. Starting from a time when we were told it would never be possible straight thru till now. I LOVE MY PEOPLE. This gave me HOPE.
Me too
My thoughts exactly!
I had the privilege of residing in one of your property !
I love your Narrator,Documentary it's allowing you to give your testimony and other to collaborate !
I would like to thank you for giving back to the community.
I post my thanks once before about 8 years ago.
H.J. Russell was and is a true giant. Think about all he had to over come!!!!
As I sit in my office i replay this documentary everyday all day.
THIS IS MUST SEE TV! Every Person In The World Needs To See This! #OneHisShoulders #Yes
If you can see it, you can be it. Skilled trades are an admirable and lucrative profession.
Great story great man great family every black kid should want to be HJ Russell love it
Im watching these documentary again!!! My company will grow so big one day everyone will know and remember!
This film is a great addition to his book, Building Atlanta. He truly did help Build Atlanta, in concrete and in opportunity for more people. I am excited to see his legacy be expanded through the RCIE.
I've always been interested in construction and architecture. Amazing story, very inspiring.
Thank you much for sharing this documentary.My beloved father and several of my uncles were in the building trade and knew him well....building Atlanta. I was searching for his book and discovered this work. Much appreciated.
OMG what a Legend . Almost an honor to even watch this
I watch this documentary more then 10 times per day and my focus has really gotten sharper. My company is now headed in the right direction
From my company Bird Legs Services LLC to H.J Russell & Company Thank you so so much for this documentary.
i watch this video 2 to 5 times daily!!
This was special!! His legacy will live on for generations. Thank you for sharing. #Motivation #RealEstate #MyPassion
Watching this in 2021. It’s so inspiring
June 2023! Get the book if you haven't already.
I love Herman Russell. I wrote down his quote and will frame it on my wall. I'm humbled because watching this video woke me up. Oh, I grew up in Adamsville. Right around the corner
What a wonderful and inspiring story! I’ll be sharing this with my son; we need to hear more of these testimonies. Thanks you for sharing!
Thank you for this. Truly Atlanta is an amazing place for the black community. Aspirations and Role models are everything. Watch, Learn and take action.
yes it is
@@traviscarey3871 why they never found out who really killed all those black children in the early eighties, I heard it had something to do with organ stealing, that they got off to an early start of the lucrative underground criminal empire.
I’m so elated about this documentary, I’ve been a fan of his since I was in my 20s , I’m a 50 year old contractor, soon to be real estate developer, thanks Mr Russel for all of the inspiration that you’ve gave me 👍🏾🙏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
Do you ever give advice to someone starting out?
That is awesome! Congrats man. You will crush it.
My Daddy's family comes from Atlanta, decauter, Marietta, stone Mt, Glen iris Dr. Never knew the real reason that part of the family left and the other part stated but reunions were common. Transversing back and forth was common.
Seek ye first the kingdom of God and all of his righteousness and all these other things will be given to you. Amen
Deep , deep admiration for this man. More people should have his determination and work ethic instead of being happy with state handouts.
Glad I found out about this guy I’m INSPIRED
I've read about his wonderful man for YEARS...glad i found this video...a FANTASTIC inspiration for everyone.
👍💫✨💝Such a beautiful inspirational soul. Thank you. 🙏💝
I feel like him now 🙏 with my Walk with Jesus
Thank you for the upload this was an amazing history lesson I'll never forget.
Absolutely Great
Such an amazing story-this really warmed my heart and made me remember how I was raised also. Live BELOW my means and work hard. We were also taught color didn’t matter-it was how we loved others that was import.....I really miss that.....😔
Great story, Great man.
What an amazing man and amazing story!
Amazing documentary! Very motivational and inspiring. Definitely a must watch.
Truly wonderful. A credit to Atlanta and the world!
Awesome story
A very inspiring story! Thank you for sharing.
Woah! I absolutely love Herman's story. So inspirational. 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
"I don't let anything get in my way and if you do you have a problem". Many years ago when I had a problem in one of his buildings, I wrote a letter directly to H. J. Russell. There was immediate positive movement and resolution. Mr. Russell was and is an honorable man of integrity! I never met him, but he had the stalwart characteristics of Alonzo Herndon. Also in his university was Paul Jones who taught me valuable Real Estate lessons in the West End. I put those lessons to work in Mechanicsville, Lagrange... All of these great men are from the school of hard knocks and hustle. Thank you for this documentary of an amazing black man, which I will watch again.
All Laud Mr Herman Russell Young People Let's Follow his Lead
Really appreciate the elders of Atlanta FR
thank you for sharing his story
Very inspiring story..
Wonderful, just wonderful.
Killer Mike brought me here from the Math Hoffa Podcast, Killer Mike's cut from that special cloth. Thank you Mike.
Sad what Atlanta has become over the years.
Atlanta Georgia Mr Russell A True American Hero
Tears of Joy Thank You
Not sure how I landed on this documentary, but it's apparent that it was written because I'm inspired beyond words. I'm proud to say that I live in this amazing city and now, learning about its history and the people who created it, has me motivated and on fire to impact in my own way. There's truly a unique energy here and after viewing this, I now know from where it is derived. Thank you, Mr. Russell, for your courage, vision and unwavering faith.
Thank you for this video!! Thank you!
Amazing and Absolutely Inspiring!!!!
Glad to learn of this gentleman
thank God for this video
2:00 perfect case point for REPARATIONS!!! CASE CLOSED MR HERMAN U THE G.O.A.T!!!!!
Admirable!
Beautiful
Great job thanks for sharing 👍👍⭐⭐⭐
I have 2 bad knees and stonosis of the lower back. Yet I stood out in front of planned Parenthood with only my Bible for 4 months. I understand his pride
Amazing story
Money doesn't measure success. Your walk with Christ 🙏 does
12:06 POWERFUL...
Awesome stuff! ❤😇
Thanks a lot .
Much support from ZAR - KwaMashu
Rich Future by DSK
The black community was strong then despite of money 💰. We had our own. Now you can't walk the streets for the killers. Black youth
Anger is not a helpful emotion
I’m inspired
I met him by accident. I parked in his parking space while picking up plans for a job.
❤️❤️❤️
Him and A.G. Gaston doesn't get enough credit.
Damm, 3 people didn’t like this
More then likely racist ass white folks
Amen And Amen 🙏🏾📖♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️💯💯💯💯💯🎁🥰
Yes Sir, Mr. Russell. THANK YOU
Family... Family.... Family.... very important. Unfortunately the Democrats and BLM are destroying the Black family unit.
Love is not killing babies
This is video is perfect timing. I’m working towards my GC license to become a builder and the challenges I face are nothing compared to what H.J Russell faced. I’m re-energized 💪🏾. If you watched this video, I want to know who you are, follow me on IG - RealEstateRodney
Just followed you!
A had only 2 injuries then I have many more now 🙏
✨🕊🌬
I know Mr Russell knew CA Scott on 145 Auburn Ave,I worked For Mr Scott
Shout out to donnel and Otis Nixon too
Russell was unbought and unbossed.
On a side note, I question why he was interviewed. Was Holder a change agent? Please do your research and you’ll discover the truth.
Tell Ricky brown that I said what's up
#lillastaylive
#ADOS-#FBA-#FREEDMEN-#REPARATIONS
20:33 speaker talks about how Mr. Russell created jobs, wait, Obama said that government created jobs. It is the entrepreneur like Mr. Russell who creates jobs and opportunity
O'Bummer will say any old crazy arse shyt.
Vernon Jordan My Former Boss The National Urban League Tall Cotton You Hear Me ,
Jesus Christ 🙏 is against abortion
#ElijahMuhammad had a speech impediment. This proves that the profile of who we respect as "successful " is bankrupt
i find it interesting that this amazing man could still not be the king of his own house because he married a black woman. when will our women treat us like kings? the answer is never. they flat out refuse.
Over 64 million children have died in America from abortion
Didn't Herman Russell, favor an Indian, over his son's in business?
Beautiful
Awesome story
❤❤❤