A.G. Gaston

Born 1892 · Joined the Ancestors 1996

Fact

Built $130 million empire within a segregated economy

Fact

A.G. Gaston Motel is now a National Historic Landmark

Fact

Lived to 103 and never retired

Arthur George Gaston was a Birmingham business titan who built an empire spanning insurance, banking, real estate, construction, and media — all within a segregated economy. Born in 1892 to former sharecroppers, he turned 500 dollars into a fortune worth over 130 million by the time of his death at 103.

His philosophy was simple: find what Black people need and provide it. The A.G. Gaston Motel became a headquarters for the civil rights movement.

He quietly funded civil rights activities, posted bail for jailed protesters, and used his influence to negotiate with white business leaders. He lived to 103, having never stopped working.