Green Power Successful Way of A. G. Gaston Signed First Edition Civil Rights Era

Description: Green Power: The Successful Way of A. G. Gaston by A. G. Gaston was published by Southern University Press in 1968. This Book is a Hardcover measuring 5.625" x 8.75" with 175 pages.Book DescriptionFrom the dust jacket flap:A. G. Gaston won his way by renovating, by recreating, by building — not from raw materials or inherited bankroll or privileged friendship, but from cast-off merchandise.He took shoddy buildings and turned them by frugality and management into solid, useful places. He bought land which others had neglected and erected upon it a thriving business community. When investments tempting bankruptcy were thrown his way, he rightfully swam away with the bait.The amusement of the game, the laborious fun which became a part of his life, are indicative of the spirit and drive felt by all whose lives have been touched by this man. Dr. Gaston is a legend in his own time.An honest reflection of the great respect he holds from his community is this excerpt from a citation presented by the principal business leadership of Birmingham, Alabama:… The American dream is a society dedicated to free enterprise with equal opportunity for all men regardless of race or creed.Today, the Downtown Action Committee of Birmingham, Alabama, salutes one of its own members, Arthur George Gaston, a successful businessman whose determination and zeal have not only created successful businesses in the highest tradition of free enterprise, but who has paid his civic rent in the planning, motivation and program of the community and the state in which he lives.His accomplishments as a human being are an inspiration to all his fellow citizens, and are a living testimonial that there is a place in American society, and under the banner of American democracy, for every man who will invest his dreams and his energy in his own cause.Arthur Gaston's life is of interest because he "made it" and retained his dignity, his self-respect, and his love for his fellow citizens. Neither saint nor sinner, but as a man, and as an example for the coming generation, he has set his mark upon his own America. Excerpts from the rear cover of the dust jacket:… Speaking of power, I have seen power — which I call money, in action — GREEN POWER. The proper use of the power of money, organized for the good as God would use it, could indeed be a great power. But we cannot obtain true status of first-class citizenship by not retaining enough of this GREEN POWER to pay our own way.… A first-class citizen is not a beggar but a contributor. I am surprised at the respect I get. Even a small businessman is respected in the South … … A first-class broke man will find it very difficult to use his civil rights to the fullest … … Our prime need now is to prepare to accept the responsibilities of the advances we have gained. Unless our gains are consolidated by prepared and qualified young men and women, in time it will bring on retrogression; not because of pressures from adversaries, but because of our own inability to hang on and accept our fair share for civic progress … From the publisher's description for 2013 reprint of Green Power:Green Power is the story 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, 50 years have come and gone since the height of the struggle for civil rights in his hometown of Birmingham, Alabama. 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 (1892-1996) — Businessman, Philanthropist, Civil Rights SupporterFrom humble beginnings in rural Demopolis, Alabama, as the grandson of slaves, A. G. Gaston became one of the most influential men in the state's largest city. After military service in World War I, he returned to Birmingham, the primary place of his rearing, and launched phenomenal, multifaceted careers. Founding the Booker T. Washington Insurance Company led him to a partnership in the Smith and Gaston Funeral Home. These accomplishments later led to the creation of Booker T. Washington Business College, an institution for training youths for employment in the economic realm. These achievements were only preludes to other enterprises: a bank, a motel, radio stations, a senior's home, and a construction firm. All of these businesses were designed to provide local African Americans with opportunities and benefits that the prevailing social policy of segregation had denied them.The keys to Gaston's success were the virtues of courtesy, dependability, hard work, honesty, and thrift. These qualities were complimented by his exceptional business abilities and a deep desire to serve others. It is no coincidence that his early businesses were named for Booker T. Washington, a man who's philosophies he adopted and lived. From that creed evolved the public service that made him a role model. In 1966, he founded and endowed the A. G. Gaston Boys Club, now known as the A. G. Gaston Boys and Girls Club. In 1987, Gaston made a bargain-sale arrangement allowing his 350 employees to acquire his nine corporations, the combined worth of which was $34 million. However, consistent with his character, he created a stock-option program allowing his employees to purchase the companies for only $3.4 million.As the civil rights movement began in the South, Gaston supplied financial support and was both a steadying influence and a pivotal, behind-the-scenes leader. Gaston did not believe in the tactics of direct confrontation, but he offered mediation and advice to Martin Luther King Jr., Fred Shuttlesworth, and Ralph Abernathy, among others. He provided accommodations at the A. G. Gaston Motel, as well as bail and other financial support for civil rights leaders and front-line activists. He worked to negotiate with white business and governmental leaders. As one of the city's major businessmen, he applied leverage to gain cooperation, ease tensions, and acquire concessions for the black community.In his lifetime, Gaston's companies were some of the most prominent African-American businesses in the American South. When he died in Birmingham, Alabama at the age of 103, he left behind an insurance company, the Booker T. Washington Insurance Company; a construction firm, the A.G. Gaston Construction Company; Smith and Gaston Funeral Home; and a financial institution, CFS Bancshares. His net worth was estimated to be more than $130,000,000 at the time of his death. Biography sourced and adapted from the Alabama Men's Hall of Fame and Wikipedia. ConditionSigned, Inscribed, and Dated by the Author, A. G. Gaston, on the Dedication Page.Includes Original Fold-out Promotional Brochure about this Book from Southern University Press and an Original Handout from the A. G. Gaston Boys' Club.This Book is in Good Condition. The Dust Jacket (protected by a Brodart Dust Jacket Protector, which is not pictured) has a Light Cup-ring Stain to the Surface of the Rear Cover, Light Soiling to the Surface of the Spine, Small Areas of Rubbing to the Fore and Spine Edges, Very Small Areas of Chipping at the Head of the Spine and some Fore Edge Corners, and Three Tears to the Top Edge of the Front Cover measuring between 5/8" and 3/4" long, but the Dust Jacket is in Nicer Condition than the above description makes it seem with No Other Major Damage. The Hardcover Boards have a Very Small Area of Light Rubbing to the Gilt on the Surface of the Front Cover but Most of the Gilt is Bright and Intact, and the Boards retain Sharp Corners with No Tears, Creases, Stains, or Other Major Damage. The Binding is Strong, Intact, and Undamaged. The Interior is Clean and Unmarked (other than the Author's Signature and Inscription, of course) with No Writing, Highlighting, or Underlining and has No Tears, Creases, Stains, Mold, or Any Major Damage. The Page Edges have Foxing to the Top Edge but No Remainder Mark, Stains, or Other Major Damage. I will be listing many interesting nonfiction books on a variety of subjects (history, architecture, art, etc.) as well as vintage paperback novels, CDs, and Criterion Collection DVDs, so please check out my other listings. The Fine Print: This book will be securely packed. I have had books damaged in the mail before and know how that feels, so I will pack everything professionally and securely to make sure that does not happen to you. The book will be shipped USPS Media Mail with Signature Confirmation and Insurance. Shipping cost is $24.99. I will offer a combined shipping discount for multiple books (and other media items) purchased. 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Price: 474.99 USD

Location: Muscle Shoals, Alabama

End Time: 2024-12-23T22:52:53.000Z

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