Little known to most people is the role Arthur George Gaston (A.G.) played in history. By the 1960s, Arthur G. Gaston was probably the richest black man in America. Gaston went from living in a log cabin to becoming a funeral home and business mogul. He was a multimillionaire by the middle of the 20th century. He ran an insurance company and his funeral home business — Smith and Gaston — which by then had 13 branches in Alabama. He later opened his own savings and loan, a business college, and his own motel — the Gaston motel.Born in a log cabin in Demopolis, Ala., in 1892, he overcame his humble beginnings to become a business leader, and later, a behind-the-scenes political leader at a critical time in civil rights history. Gaston got his first taste of operating a business as a young boy selling rides on a tree swing in his grandparent’s backyard, instead of charging money, he charged buttons.
Gaston moved with his mother as a young boy to Birmingham, Alabama were he was able to find work at the Tennessee Coal and Iron Company. While working, he soon realized that one of the growing needs in the black community was a way to give the deceased a fine home going, he started his own burial society.
The society asked members to pay 25 cents to Gaston each week. These payments would guarantee members a fine burial upon death, but within three weeks of beginning his project, a member of the society passed away. With just $10 in premiums and a looming $100 in funeral costs.
In search of a way to rectify the problem, he bargained with a Birmingham funeral director for installment payments, and later admitted his mistake to the local minister. Ultimately, this misstep helped boost the success of his venture.
During the civil rights era, wealthy black community leaders often used their money and influence to get rid of segregated areas. Gaston went to a local bank and threatened to take out his millions of dollars if the segregated water fountains were not removed out the lobby. Arthur George Gaston died on January 19, 1996, he was 103.
sources:
12 Comments
gwiz, nice to see him get recognition however George Trower deserves more
Genuinely when someone doesn’t be aware of after that its up to
other users that they will assist, so here it occurs.
Hello, I enjoy reading through your article post.
I like to write a little comment to support you.
Your style is very unique compared to other people I’ve
read stuff from. I appreciate you for posting when you have the opportunity, Guess I’ll just book mark this blog.
I was recommended this website by my cousin. I’m not sure whether this post is
written by him as no one else know such detailed about my problem.
You’re wonderful! Thanks!
WOW just what I was searching for. Came here by searching for
gamefly free trial
What’s up to every one, it’s really a fastidious for me
to pay a visit this web site, it consists of precious Information.
Hey, I think your website might be having browser compatibility issues.
When I look at your blog site in Firefox, it looks fine but when opening in Internet Explorer, it has some overlapping.
I just wanted to give you a quick heads up! Other then that, wonderful blog!
Viagra Nebenwirkungen Magen Propecia Medical Concerns Kamagra Jelly 100 Mg Toulon Prescription Medicine Amoxicillin Macrobid Urinary Tract Infections Without A Script
Hello! Would you mind if I share your blog with my myspace group?
There’s a lot of people that I think would really enjoy
your content. Please let me know. Many thanks
3g Amoxicillin Oral Forcedtocum Amoxicillin Injection Manufacturers In Spain viagra online pharmacy Clomid By Mail Acquisto Viagra In Francia Warfarin Without Prescription
I consider something really special in this site.