Green Power

The Successful Way of A.G. Gaston

ISBN: 979-8-3507-4396-8
By: Gaston, Arthur George

ABOUT THE BOOK

"Green Power" is the memoir 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 60 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. "Green Power" is the memoir 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 60 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.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Arthur George Gaston

Arthur George Gaston (1892-1996) was a businessman, philanthropist, and Civil Rights leader. From humble beginnings to groundbreaking entrepreneurship, his story is a timeless beacon that will ignite the ambition of dreamers and inspire generations of all ages to redefine what is possible. Born the grandson of slaves in rural Demopolis, Alabama amidst abject poverty of The Black Belt, Gaston emerged to become a pillar of business with a portfolio worth millions. In 1966, he founded and endowed the A. G. Gaston Boys Club. In the heart of the civil rights movement, he supplied financial support and was a pivotal, behind-the-scenes leader, avoiding the tactics of direct confrontation but offering advice to icons such as Martin Luther King Jr., Fred Shuttlesworth, Ralph Abernathy and more. Gaston provided lodging at his motel, as well as bail and other funding for civil rights leaders and front-line activists while negotiating for better treatment of African Americans. A.G. Gaston lived to be 103, building an empire that included a construction company, business college, funeral home, insurance company, bank, and the motel that still bears his name – each enterprise designed to provide local African Americans with opportunities that the prevailing social policy of segregation had denied them.