Building Atlanta: The Story of Herman J. Russell Documentary (Full Version)

“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.”

[@BelindaWoodson-uc5is]

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.

[@imeditswhatidoakaedthomas6292]

I’ve lived in his childhood home since 2008.

[@mariacoleman4293]

That’s cool

[@craigwalker3227]

Are u a relative

[@imeditswhatidoakaedthomas6292]

@@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.

[@1queenmoney1]

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.

[@cedricmayfield7058]

Me too

[@brandedtheagency]

My thoughts exactly!

[@reodconstructionfacilities1619]

H.J. Russell was and is a true giant. Think about all he had to over come!!!!

[@MagnusDolph]

As I sit in my office i replay this documentary everyday all day.

[@BruceMontgomeryTV]

THIS IS MUST SEE TV! Every Person In The World Needs To See This! #OneHisShoulders #Yes

[@TheToneytone]

Great story great man great family every black kid should want to be HJ Russell love it

[@MagnusDolph]

Im watching these documentary again!!! My company will grow so big one day everyone will know and remember!

[@cuzim80s]

If you can see it, you can be it. Skilled trades are an admirable and lucrative profession.

[@jeffreyrosensweig4599]

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.

[@MagnusDolph]

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.

[@traviscarey3871]

OMG what a Legend . Almost an honor to even watch this

[@MagnusDolph]

i watch this video 2 to 5 times daily!!

[@zenobia328]

I've always been interested in construction and architecture. Amazing story, very inspiring.

[@MsHelper2]

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.

[@cre_datch]

This was special!! His legacy will live on for generations. Thank you for sharing. #Motivation #RealEstate #MyPassion

[@the5-starreview871]

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

[@rodneyhill9909]

I feel like him now 🙏 with my Walk with Jesus

[@terrycollinsify]

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 👍🏾🙏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@crlbaseball87]

Do you ever give advice to someone starting out?

[@Abel-wb4xk]

That is awesome! Congrats man. You will crush it.

[@aarondigby5054]

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.

[@leondarnell1]

I've read about his wonderful man for YEARS...glad i found this video...a FANTASTIC inspiration for everyone.

[@rodneyhill9909]

Seek ye first the kingdom of God and all of his righteousness and all these other things will be given to you. Amen

[@hannecatton2179]

Deep , deep admiration for this man. More people should have his determination and work ethic instead of being happy with state handouts.

[@Humblewon]

Glad I found out about this guy I’m INSPIRED

[@Focusandseek]

Watching this in 2021. It’s so inspiring

[@jan-cq5wv]

June 2023! Get the book if you haven't already.

[@natv6563]

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!

[@BlackEconomicsTV]

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.

[@traviscarey3871]

yes it is

[@aarondigby5054]

@@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.

[@lovingatlanta]

👍💫✨💝Such a beautiful inspirational soul. Thank you. 🙏💝

[@pcairbum]

Great story, Great man.

[@adriancline-bailey3301]

Killer Mike brought me here from the Math Hoffa Podcast, Killer Mike's cut from that special cloth. Thank you Mike.

[@lilmama2badd]

What an amazing man and amazing story!

[@ccadroz93]

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.....😔

[@ernestlane]

Truly wonderful. A credit to Atlanta and the world!

[@RuralmoneyOfficial]

"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.

[@reodconstructionfacilities1619]

Absolutely Great

[@kevinpoole4323]

All Laud Mr Herman Russell Young People Let's Follow his Lead

[@greghill8318]

A very inspiring story! Thank you for sharing.

[@SmartMoneyBro]

Awesome story

[@dignifiedblackman4742]

Thank you for the upload this was an amazing history lesson I'll never forget.

[@EdwinG310]

Woah! I absolutely love Herman's story. So inspirational. 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@beadoll8025]

Sad what Atlanta has become over the years.

[@kevinpoole4323]

Atlanta Georgia Mr Russell A True American Hero

[@Subzero.]

Amazing documentary! Very motivational and inspiring. Definitely a must watch.

[@MrsCEO-pu7pc]

Really appreciate the elders of Atlanta FR

[@jencolter1785]

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.

[@hawasanneh1807]

Wonderful, just wonderful.

[@suzannehenderson72]

Very inspiring story..

[@MrJearley6]

Thank you for this video!! Thank you!

[@kevinpoole4323]

Tears of Joy Thank You

[@maryevans1972]

thank you for sharing his story

[@rodneyharper2275]

Great job thanks for sharing 👍👍⭐⭐⭐

[@kevinpoole4323]

Beautiful

[@antp1900]

Amazing story

[@careywhite312]

Amazing and Absolutely Inspiring!!!!

[@hawasanneh1807]

Admirable!

[@TheBaller97]

thank God for this video

[@melaniebarnes4374]

Glad to learn of this gentleman

[@haywardsimpkins710]

2:00 perfect case point for REPARATIONS!!! CASE CLOSED MR HERMAN U THE G.O.A.T!!!!!

[@busybeedereon5443]

Awesome stuff! ❤😇

[@haywardsimpkins710]

12:06 POWERFUL...

[@richfuturebydsk2562]

Thanks a lot . Much support from ZAR - KwaMashu Rich Future by DSK

[@chriselectric2883]

I’m inspired

[@rodneyhill9909]

Money doesn't measure success. Your walk with Christ 🙏 does

[@FantasticWithandOnPurpose]

❤️❤️❤️

[@droid2645]

Yes Sir, Mr. Russell. THANK YOU

[@rodneyhill9909]

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

[@Jamcore2008]

Anger is not a helpful emotion

[@rodneyhill9909]

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

[@dogace]

I met him by accident. I parked in his parking space while picking up plans for a job.

[@BrandonSTate]

Him and A.G. Gaston doesn't get enough credit.

[@lenorahill3615]

Amen And Amen 🙏🏾📖♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️💯💯💯💯💯🎁🥰

[@TheChannelSelector]

Damm, 3 people didn’t like this

[@cedricmayfield7058]

More then likely racist ass white folks

[@rodc5306]

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

[@sheenspeaks]

Just followed you!

[@s.tanh9818]

Family... Family.... Family.... very important. Unfortunately the Democrats and BLM are destroying the Black family unit.

[@ev3goddess]

✨🕊🌬

[@rodneyhill9909]

A had only 2 injuries then I have many more now 🙏

[@rodneyhill9909]

Love is not killing babies

[@kevinpoole4323]

I know Mr Russell knew CA Scott on 145 Auburn Ave,I worked For Mr Scott

[@rodneyhill9909]

Shout out to donnel and Otis Nixon too

[@worldtraveler4040]

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.

[@ggetinc]

#lillastaylive

[@rodneyhill9909]

Tell Ricky brown that I said what's up

[@davidcraddock7011]

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

[@aarondigby5054]

O'Bummer will say any old crazy arse shyt.

[@pwhales264]

#ADOS-#FBA-#FREEDMEN-#REPARATIONS

[@kevinpoole4323]

Vernon Jordan My Former Boss The National Urban League Tall Cotton You Hear Me ,

[@supermike2164]

#ElijahMuhammad had a speech impediment. This proves that the profile of who we respect as "successful " is bankrupt

[@rodneyhill9909]

Jesus Christ 🙏 is against abortion

[@akultisgod5538]

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.

[@rodneyhill9909]

Over 64 million children have died in America from abortion

[@barbram8001]

Didn't Herman Russell, favor an Indian, over his son's in business?

[@melaniebarnes4374]

Beautiful

[@rodneyhill9909]

Awesome story

[@deeparker4828]

❤❤❤