Violence
Because of his stance as a negotiator, Gaston often faced challenges by proponents from both sides of the civil rights issue.
On May 12, 1963, unknown persons attempted to blow up the part of the Gaston motel where King and Abernathy were staying. Later that day, Alabama State Police dispatched to clear Kelly Ingram Park invaded the motel, clubbing those who could not escape. Unidentified persons later threw firebombs at Gaston's house, a day after he and his wife had attended a state dinner at the White House with President John F. Kennedy.
Gaston remained disaffected from Dr. King, urging him to stay away, in a statement released in September, 1963, after Dr. King announced plans to return to Birmingham to resume demonstrations. As it turns out, Dr. King did revive the campaign.
On the night of January 24, 1976, Gaston and his wife were attacked and beaten by an intruder and Gaston was abducted in his own car; police officers found him two hours later, bound in the back seat of the car.
Read more about this topic: A. G. Gaston
Famous quotes containing the word violence:
“We New Yorkers see more death and violence than most soldiers do, grow a thick chitin on our backs, grimace like a rat and learn to do a disappearing act. Long ago we outgrew the need to be blowhards about our masculinity; we leave that to the Alaskans and Texans, who have more time for it.”
—Edward Hoagland (b. 1932)
“The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, but violence takes lives away.”
—Bible: Hebrew, Proverbs 11:30.
“In Russia, whatever be the appearance of things, violence and arbitrary rule is at the bottom of them all. Tyranny rendered calm by the influence of terror is the only kind of happiness which this government is able to afford its people.”
—Marquis De Custine (1790–1857)