 | A.G. GASTON |
The following biographical sketch was compiled at the time of induction into the Academy in 1969.
Dr. A. G. Gaston, one of Alabama's foremost businessmen and civic leaders,
was born July 4, 1892, in Demopolis, Alabama.
Graduating from Tuggle Institute, Birmingham, he entered the business world and soon left his
mark on Alabama's business community. He was Board Chairman and president of several
corporations with combined assets of over $20 million and an annual payroll of $1,750,000. His
business interests included insurance, business college, motels, and real estate.
Dr. Gaston's contributions in civic endeavors in Birmingham and throughout the state
brought him widespread recognition. He was instrumental in founding programs for African-American
youth, and had been a long-time supporter of the Birmingham YMCA program. He served as
President of the A.G. Gaston Boys' Club in Birmingham, and is on the Board of Directors of
Boys' Clubs of America, Jefferson County United Appeal, the Jefferson County Mental Health
Association, the National Business League, Operation New Birmingham, and the NAACP Legal
Defense Fund.
Dr. Gaston served on the Boards of Trustees of Tuskegee Institute, Daniel Payne College, the
Gorgas Scholarship Foundation, and the Eighteenth Street Branch YMCA.
Dr. Gaston was cited by the Eighteenth Street Branch YMCA for singular and outstanding
contributions to the YMCA. He received the Russworm Award from the National Newspaper
Publishers Association, and received a Recognition Plaque for Meritorious Service from the 4-H
Clubs of America. He was also honored for his contributions in the fields of business and
civil rights.
Dr. Gaston held honorary degrees from six institutions of higher learning, including one in
Liberia, West Africa. He was National Treasurer of the African Methodist Episcopal Church and
was an official delegate to the General Conference of the Church in Oxford, England in 1951.
Dr. Gaston was a world traveler and lecturer and held an active interest in programs
for youth. He is now deceased.
Updated: 03/13/07