Dr. A.G. Gaston was one of the most successful African American business owners in Alabama, overcoming humble beginnings to build a business empire. We carry on his legacy today and encourage all of our members to follow in his footsteps as they grow to become productive, responsible and caring citizens. Dr. Gaston died in 1996 at the age of 103, but his legacy lives on throughout Birmingham as well as at the A.G. Gaston Boys & Girls Club.
About Us
Dr. Gaston’s Legacy
About A.G. Gaston
Birmingham entrepreneur and businessman A.G. Gaston (1892-1996) was one of the most successful African American businessmen in Alabama. Gaston overcame humble beginnings to build a far-reaching, multimillion-dollar business empire which included banking, construction, real estate, hospitality, burial insurance, cemeteries and radio stations.
He was famous for saying his business dealings were based on “finding a need and filling it.” His philanthropic efforts were as well. And in 1966, Dr. Gaston founded A.G. Gaston Boys Club after seeing a need for a place where boys could gather, learn life lessons and receive academic help. Girls were eventually allowed to join as well.
Green Power
The Successful Way of A.G. Gaston
"Green Power" is the story of Arthur George Gaston, a man who became one of the greatest entrepreneurs of the 20th century. His is the classic story of the American Dream, but what he achieved came not merely in the face of poverty or challenging circumstances. Dr. Gaston also had to overcome the hope-crushing segregation of the Jim Crow South. At the time of this republishing of "Green Power," more than 50 years have come and gone since the height of the struggle for civil rights in his hometown of Birmingham, Ala. As we commemorate the strength of those who struggled for equality a half century ago, we should include Dr. Gaston in that discussion.
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