The Council for Quality Growth held its 35th annual Four Pillar Tribute on Thursday night in honor of Herman J. Russell Sr. and his family members – Donata Russell Ross, H. Jerome Russell, and Michael Russell Sr. – for their commitment to quality and contributions to metro Atlanta, the state, and beyond.
Their chosen theme for the evening was Pure Grit. Built to Last., inspired by the family patriarch’s beginnings and successes. The 2024 Four Pillar Tribute was presented by the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, Delta Air Lines, Georgia Power, and Norfolk Southern.
More than 1,500 guests gathered in the Georgia Ballroom of the Georgia World Congress Center for the event.
Sally Riker, 2024 Chair of the Council for Quality Growth and Vice President Strategy + Growth at Atlas, presented Jerome and Michael Russell with the Four Pillar Award.
“Just like their father, the Russell Family today continues to take their successes and turn them into opportunities for others,” said Sally Riker, 2024 Chair of the Council for Quality Growth. “We are proud to bring Atlanta together tonight to celebrate this family that keeps building our city up for this generation, and for the next.”
In their acceptance, Michael and Jerome told the Herman Russell story from their own perspective, as they watched their father exceed all expectations. “H.J.’s reputation in Atlanta’s business community was a quality builder and valuable partner,” said Jerome. “Our father’s track record for quality work preceded his race.”
The Russell Family owns and operates one of the largest Black business enterprises in the U.S., including H.J. Russell & Company, Russell New Urban Development, Concessions International, and the Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs (RICE), by which they pay it forward to other aspiring business leaders. “Our platform of generational Black family businesses of 73 years is the legacy we use to inspire other entrepreneurs,” said Jerome.
Michael E. Paris, President & CEO of the Council for Quality Growth, added, “This night reminds us just how far Herman Russell’s legacy reaches. His entrepreneurial spirit held build this city, his leadership was inspiring to those around him, and his legacy continues to be part of the success our region celebrates today.”
The Russell’s Four Pillar Tribute also featured musical performances by three prominent Atlanta artists. Five-time Grammy Award Winner, CeeLo Green, daughter Mayor Maynard Jackson, Alexandra Jackson, and Atlanta-based R&B artist, Chae Stephen, together, performed a musical tribute with a carefully curated selections of Herman J. Russell Sr.’s favorite artists, including Sam Cooke, Billie Holiday, and Marvin Gaye.
Atlanta jazz band Lil’ John Roberts and the Senators provided supporting music throughout. Herman Russell’s alma mater, Tuskegee University Golden Voices Choir, performed the opening act.
T. Dallas Smith, Founder & CEO of T. Dallas Smith & Company and close friend of H.J., served as the Tribute’s Master of Ceremonies. The evening also featured remarks from Georgia’s 83rd Governor, Brian Kemp, and Atlanta’s 61st Mayor, Andre Dickens, welcomed guests to the City of Atlanta. Tad Hutcheson with Delta Air Lines and Audrey King with Georgia Power also spoke on behalf of their companies. The Honorable Reverend Raphael Warnock, United States Senator and Senior Pastor at Ebenezer Baptist Church, delivered the invocation.
The Four Pillar Tribute annually recognizes an outstanding individual who demonstrates the ‘Four Pillars’ of leadership – Quality, Responsibility, Vision, and Integrity – and exemplifies the Council’s mission of promoting balanced and responsible growth.
