Reviewed by: Nathan Watson
New mural across from A.G. Gaston Motel aims to foster community and hope
Reading time: 3 minutes
A beautiful two-story mural has appeared on the side of the Citizen’s Express Pharmacy building across from the newly restored A.G. Gaston Motel.
The mural is located at 1513 5th Avenue North, Birmingham, Alabama 35203 and was painted by muralist Langston Allston.
Mural is about community
Delmous Vance, the owner of the pharmacy told Bham Now the mural is based on the community.
“The mural shows the community embracing each other and coming together as one. As the gateway to the 4th Avenue Business District, it is an iconic place to put it.”
Delmous Vance, owner, Citizen’s Express Pharmacy
First Black Walgreen in Birmingham
Vance’s father purchased the pharmacy from A.G. Gaston in 1967 and moved it to the current location in the 1980s. It was also the very first collaboration Gaston did with Walgreen’s — the first Black-owned Walgreens, according to Vance.
“I learned from my father and Dr. Gaston – to be a legacy maker.”
Delmous Vance, owner, Citizen’s Express Pharmacy
Thanks from the muralist
In an Instagram post New Orleans-based muralist Langston Allston thanked everyone in Birmingham that helped him paint the mural in 100 degree weather. He also noted the historical significance of the place the mural now stands.
“Yesterday I completed this mural across the street from the historic AG Gaston Motel, where Dr. King stayed throughout his time in Birmingham Alabama, and where some of the most pivotal moments in the civil rights movement were planned. I’m still wrapping my head around what it means for my artwork to be placed here, and the significance of completing it on Juneteenth.”
Excerpt from Langston Allston, Instagram post
Wonderful addition to Historic 4th Avenue Business District
A wonderful addition to the Historic 4th Avenue Business District, Vance hope the mural will attract visitors and business to the area.
“We’ve got a lot of plans for the area and hope we can get a lot done. As long as the community works together and get on the same page we can do a lot more in this district.”
Delmous Vance, owner, Citizen’s Express Pharmacy
Want to see the mural? Go to: 1513 5th Avenue North, Birmingham, Alabama 35203.
Have you seen the new mural on the side of the Citizen’s Express Pharmacy? Tell us what you like about this stunning new addition to the Historic 4th Avenue Business District.by tagging us on social media @bhamnow!
