Birmingham Celebrates Historic A.G. Gaston Motel Anniversary
Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. often planned strategy for the civil rights movement in room 30 at the A.G. Gaston Motel. For others, it was a place for wedding receptions and fancy dances. As restoration of the famed but deteriorating structure begins, Birmingham celebrated the motel’s anniversary and its founder on Monday.
The civil rights landmark on 5th Avenue North near the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute opened in 1954 and for years was a gathering place for civil rights leaders. In May of 1963 there was an attempt to blow up the part of the motel where the Reverends Martin Luther King Jr. and Ralph David Abernathy usually stayed.
U.S. Senator Doug Jones says the motel holds a significant spot in our nation’s history, just as Boston and Philadelphia. The motel is part the Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument, designated by former President Barack Obama.
“There is no place any more famous for freedom than right here in Birmingham, Alabama,” Jones said as several foot soldiers and dignitaries looked on in the motel’s courtyard.
In the 1980s, it was closed and converted to subsidized housing. Civic and business leader Bob Dickerson started working for Gaston’s Citizens Federal Savings and Loan Association in the 1980’s and says the city’s $10 million effort to restore the motel isn’t just about the motel.
Provided by the Jones Family.
Marvin and Brenda Jones celebrate their wedding with a reception at the A.G. Gaston on Christmas Eve, 1972. In addition to being a civil rights gathering place, the motel was a place for special social events.the city’s $10 million effort to restore the motel isn’t just about the motel.
“We cannot allow, not only iconic structures like this, but iconic people like Gaston to fade into history,” Dickerson said.
Dickerson sponsors an annual business conference based on Gaston’s economic principles and commitment to small business. He says Gaston’s legacy will be preserved during the restoration project by ensuring that small and minority businesses have opportunities for contracts.
“Hopefully this will spill over into other projects, not only in the Civil Rights District, but in the whole northwest part of downtown,” he said.
Jack Pyburn is the historical architect for the project. His job is to make sure the restoration reflects the motel’s most significant period. Warm pastel colors that had defined the hotel since it closed in 1980s will take on a different look with the restoration when melon colored panels peel back to show light-stained wooden walls around the doorways.
“It was a very invigorating place to be in, just by virtue of the architecture,” Pyburn said.
Monday’s events capped off a weekend of activities, including an honorary designation for part of 5th Avenue North as A.G. Gaston Boulevard. On Sunday, the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute celebrated Gaston and his wife, Minnie Gaston, with a new exhibit.
Their niece Carol Jenkins, a journalist and author from New York, wrote a book about Gaston. She was in Birmingham for the celebration and talked about the role the Gastons played in Birmingham’s African American community. In addition to the bank, they owned several businesses including a business school, an insurance company and a funeral home.
“They provided services from the cradle to grave – truly in every single way,” Jenkins says.
City officials say the motel restoration is scheduled to be completed by December 2021.
How the Italian anthem ‘Bella Ciao’ is connected to Charlie Kirk’s killing
From its association with workers' rights in the 19th century to its inclusion in a video game, the famous old Italian song "Bella Ciao" has an evolving legacy.
Water failure at Guantánamo Bay affects U.S. migrant operations there
Migrants sent by the U.S. to Guantánamo Bay, Cuba, were moved to another part of the naval base there because of a water failure, raising doubts about housing large numbers of deportees.
Political violence is on the rise in America. What’s driving it?
Before his apprehension, speculation about the identity and motivations of Charlie Kirk's killer filled the void. A increasingly familiar pattern of political violence is taking shape in America.
Utah governor, known for ‘disagreeing better,’ calls for calm after Kirk shooting
Utah Gov. Spencer Cox, a Republican, encouraged young people to "choose a different path" from rage and violence. The mantra of "disagreeing better" has morphed into Cox's brand as a politician.
Missouri passes Trump-backed redistricting plan to help the GOP in the midterms
Opponents say the plan dilutes the power of Black voters around Kansas City and vow to block it in court or with a referendum. The governor, who's expected to sign the plan, says it reflects the state's conservative values.
The Emmys will get it wrong. That’s why we give out the Deggys
Every year ahead of the Emmys, TV critic Eric Deggans gives out his own awards for the best shows and performances. These are the Deggys.
