FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NAMC of Greater Atlanta Celebrates Historic H.J. Russell & FS 360 Joint Venture
Building on Dr. King’s Dream and Maynard Jackson’s Legacy, H.J. Russell & FS 360 Partner on the John A. White Golf Course & Senior Activity Center Project
ATLANTA, GA – January 13, 2026 — On what would be Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s 97th birthday, the National Association of Minority Contractors (NAMC) of Greater Atlanta celebrates a milestone that embodies his vision and fulfills Mayor Maynard Jackson’s transformative policy legacy. The Atlanta Fulton County Recreation Authority (AFCRA) has selected, through a competitive RFP process, H.J. Russell & Company and FS 360, LLC as the joint venture prime contractors for the John A. White Golf Course & Senior Activity Center project marking the first time two Black-owned general contractors have been awarded a public-sector project as the prime team here in Atlanta.
Minority-owned and local contractors are invited to join H.J. Russell & Company | FS 360, A Joint Venture and NAMC of Greater Atlanta for a Prime Meet & Greet on Thursday, January 15, 2026 to celebrate this watershed moment and connect trade partners with opportunities on this transformational project.
FROM VISION TO POLICY TO REALITY
This historic achievement stands on the shoulders of two Atlanta giants. Dr. King dreamed of economic empowerment and true equality. Mayor Maynard Jackson, Atlanta’s first Black mayor, turned that dream into policy in the 1970s by requiring minority business participation on city contracts. The city’s joint venture requirements for projects over $5 million have long been considered model programs. This revolutionary legislation faced fierce opposition but ultimately transformed an industry.
Herman J. Russell, founder of H.J. Russell & Company, was among the contractors who benefited from and proved the value of Jackson’s bold policies. Today, his children continue that legacy. Michael B. Russell, Sr., H.J. Russell & Company CEO, is joining forces with visionary veteran and entrepreneur Ernest L. Ellis, founder, President & CEO of FS 360, LLC to demonstrate what’s possible when opportunity meets preparation across generations.
A PROJECT STEEPED IN HISTORY, BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE
The John A. White Golf Course, originally opened in 1929 in Southwest Atlanta, has served generations as a beloved community asset and historic public golf facility. Located approximately seven miles from downtown Atlanta in a predominantly African American community, the course has been home to First Tee of Metro Atlanta’s youth development programs and a gathering place for residents for nearly a century.
The new $25 million clubhouse and senior activity center project will transform the 40-acre site into a state-of-the-art, 29,000-square-foot multipurpose facility featuring:
- Atlanta’s first dedicated senior activity center with wellness programs, fitness facilities, and community spaces
- A modernized golf center with pro shop, simulators, and a full-service restaurant designed to serve golfers, seniors, and the surrounding community
- Conference and event spaces serving the broader Southwest Atlanta community
- Enhanced facilities for First Tee’s youth character development programs
Kerry D. Stewart, Executive Director of AFCRA, emphasized the alignment of mission and moment: “The John A. White project reflects AFCRA’s commitment to stewardship, access, and opportunity. This is about honoring a historic community asset while creating a space that serves residents across generations—from youth discovering confidence and character through First Tee to seniors building connection, wellness, and community. The selection of two Black-owned firms to lead this work in a historically Black neighborhood speaks to trust, capacity, and inclusive progress.”
A CELEBRATION AND A CALL TO ACTION
The January 15th Prime Meet & Greet offers subcontractors and suppliers across all trades an opportunity to connect with the Russell-FS 360 joint venture team, learn about contracting opportunities, and position their firms for success on this historic project.
“Dr. King talked about the ‘fierce urgency of now,’” added Britton. “This project on this land, in this community, led by these two firms, celebrated on his birthday embodies that urgency. This is what progress looks like. This is the legacy Mayor Jackson built. This is Dr. King’s dream realized.”
WHAT’S NEXT
All trade partners interested in opportunities on the John A. White project are encouraged to attend the Prime Meet & Greet. The project represents millions in contracting opportunities across electrical, plumbing, HVAC, concrete, steel, landscaping, and dozens of other trades.
For more information about the Prime Meet & Greet and to register, click here.
ABOUT THE ORGANIZATIONS:
Atlanta Fulton County Recreation Authority (AFCRA) acquires, constructs, maintains, and operates stadiums, recreation centers, and community facilities including State Farm Arena, Zoo Atlanta, and John A. White Park Golf Course, investing directly in Atlanta’s quality of life through sports and recreation.
H.J. Russell & Company is a vertically integrated service provider specializing construction and program management. Founded in 1952, Russell has built some of America’s most iconic structures and remains one of the nation’s largest minority-owned construction firms.
FS 360, LLC is a commercial general contractor specializing in aviation, corporate, distribution, education, government, and transportation markets. Founded in 2008, FS 360 has established itself as a leader in delivering innovative construction solutions with an unwavering commitment to quality, safety, and client partnership.
National Association of Minority Contractors (NAMC) of Greater Atlanta empowers minority construction contractors through advocacy, access, business development, and technical assistance. With over 100 member firms generating nearly $1 billion in annual economic impact, NAMC of Greater Atlanta is Building Better Together.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
NAMC of Greater Atlanta
Kellye Britton, Executive Director
(678) 943-9667
kbritton@namcatlanta.org
AFCRA
Elle J. Dean
(404) 444-9500
laconia.dean@hutchinsongold.com
H.J. Russell & Company
(404) 330-1000
info@hjrussell.com
FS 360, LLC
(404) 601-7611
info@FS360.com
Source – namcatlanta.org