ATLANTA (April 29, 2026) – The Georgia Historical Society (GHS) dedicated a new historical marker recognizing H. J. Russell & Company on April 29, 2026, as part of its Georgia Business History Initiative. The unveiling took place at the former headquarters for the company, which has been transformed into the Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs (RICE) in Atlanta, with representatives from GHS, H. J. Russell & Company, and members of the community in attendance.
Founded in 1952 by visionary Herman J. Russell, Sr., H. J. Russell & Company began as a modest plastering business in Atlanta and has since transformed into a multifaceted platform encompassing real estate, construction, airport concessions, and banking services. In 2016, the Russell family contributed the 504 Fair Street property to establish the Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs (RICE), fostering local entrepreneurship. Russell’s legacy continues through H. J. Russell & Company, Concessions International, and RICE, where the historical marker now stands.
"The Georgia Business History Initiative provides a platform for students of all ages to learn more about the impact and legacy of companies across our state,” said Dr. W. Todd Groce, President and CEO of the Georgia Historical Society. “It illustrates how local stories connect to the broader picture of American history, and—as with H.J. Russell and Company—how hard work and a multi-generational commitment to innovation and quality can change the economic and cultural landscape of Atlanta.”
Serving clients from government agencies and small businesses to Fortune 500 companies, the firm played a central role in shaping modern Atlanta, contributing to landmark projects such as Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, State Farm Arena, and the National Center for Civil and Human Rights.
“Our father, Herman J. Russell, instilled the belief that true success is rooted in quality work and strong character, guiding the company’s early construction projects and real estate developments to reshape the city and create lasting value for clients and communities,” said H. Jerome Russell, President of H. J. Russell & Company. “As we celebrate this legacy, we look forward to a future built on perseverance, partnership, and meaningful impact, inspiring a brighter, more inclusive tomorrow for all.”
The new historical marker commemorates the company’s founding and growth as part of Atlanta’s development in the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. Through the Business History Initiative, GHS highlights companies whose accomplishments and longevity have helped shape the state’s economic, cultural, and social development. Each year, GHS selects iconic Georgia companies to be recognized through historical markers, public programming, and educational resources that help students, community members, and visitors understand the essential role businesses have played in Georgia’s history.
The historical marker reads:
H. J. Russell & Company
Graduating in 1952 from Tuskegee Institute, Herman Russell (1930-2014) founded the H. J. Russell Plastering Company in Atlanta, which became H. J. Russell & Company. The company and its subsidiaries are among the nation’s most successful and diversified African-American business enterprises involved in construction, real estate, airport concessions, banking, beverage distribution, and media. With clients that included government, small businesses, and Fortune 500 companies, H. J. Russell & Company helped build modern-day Atlanta with the construction of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Mercedes Benz-Stadium, State Farm Arena, and the National Center for Civil and Human Rights. A nationally recognized entrepreneur and philanthropist, and one of Atlanta’s most influential leaders, Russell stepped down as CEO in 2003. Herman Russell’s influence continues through the Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs, Concessions International, and H. J. Russell & Company.
Erected by the Georgia Historical Society and H. J. Russell & Company
For additional details about the Georgia Historical Society, please contact Keith Strigaro, Director of Public Relations and Communications, at 912.651.2125, ext. 153, or by email at kstrigaro@georgiahistory.com. The media contact for H. J. Russell & Company is Betsy Helgager Hughes, BLH Consulting, Inc., 404-771-9793 or betsy@blhconsulting.net.
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ABOUT H. J. RUSSELL & COMPANY
Founded in 1952, H. J. Russell & Company is one of the largest African-American-owned program and construction management firms in the United State. A multi-faceted organization providing integrated solutions and an exceptional customer experience, Russell has developed, designed/built, renovated, and managed some of the nation’s most complex and high-profile projects involving multiple stakeholders and requiring exceptional diplomacy and skill. Visit www.hjrussell.com to learn more about the firm.
ABOUT THE GEORGIA HISTORICAL SOCIETY
The Georgia Historical Society (GHS) is the premier independent statewide institution responsible for collecting, examining, and teaching Georgia and American history. GHS houses the oldest and most distinguished collection of materials related exclusively to Georgia history in the nation.
To learn more visit georgiahistory.com.
ABOUT THE GEORGIA HISTORICAL MARKER PROGRAM
The Georgia Historical Marker Program is an important part of the Georgia Historical Society’s (GHS) statewide educational mission. Through a public-private partnership with the State of Georgia, GHS is responsible for erecting new historical markers and maintaining more than 2,000 markers installed by the State prior to the program’s privatization in 1998. Online mapping tools allow users to explore themed marker trails and design custom driving routes. Visit georgiahistory.com for more ways to use Georgia’s historical markers and experience history where it happened.