*On a momentous Tuesday (02-25-25) in Birmingham (Alabama), the A.G. Gaston Motel—one of the foundational sites of the civil rights movement—celebrated a new chapter in its storied history with the grand opening of Alicia’s Coffee at its main building. This restoration marks a significant step forward for both the motel and the community it serves, honoring its past while also embracing a vision for the future.
The coffee shop’s founders, Naimah Alicia Elmore and Rashad Harrell, have a compelling mission steeped in community service and fostering meaningful connections through their Black-owned business. Speaking at the grand opening, Elmore emphasized the vital role that coffee shops can play in community dialogue.
“Certain things you cannot talk about in church, certain things you cannot talk about in school, but you can inside of a coffee shop,” she noted. “It is really a healing place, a safe place for people of all ages and races.” This sentiment encapsulates Alicia’s Coffee’s aspiration to be more than just a cafe—it’s intended to serve as a gathering space for local residents and visitors alike.
The A.G. Gaston Motel, established in 1954 by A.G. Gaston, a prominent Black businessman and millionaire, thrived as a significant meeting point for civil rights leaders during a pivotal era in American history.
Following a comprehensive renovation, the motel has re-opened for public tours, preserving its rich heritage. Mayor Randall Woodfin was present at the opening and expressed his enthusiasm for the coffee shop’s mission, highlighting its vital role in the community.
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“We’re happy to have Alicia’s Coffee here in this sacred space,” Woodfin said in an interview with AL.com reporter Breonna Atkins. He went on to underscore the transformative impact that small businesses with a purpose can have. “This coffee has a mission, that mission is to serve communities not just through coffee but through acts of community service.”
The city of Birmingham has invested around $10 million in the hotel’s restoration, further aided by a grant of $1.1 million from the Mellon Foundation specifically designated for the build-out of the coffee shop, a dining room, and exhibits honoring the motel’s prominence in civil rights history. This financial commitment signifies the city’s dedication not only to preserving its history but also to promoting local entrepreneurship.
Jefferson County Commissioner Sheila Tyson was vocal about the significance of the motel’s legacy, stating, “This might be something simple to people that are outside watching, but this means so much more to our community. This is generational wealth that A.G. Gaston taught us and he lived it.” Her words reflect a deep understanding of the motel’s historical and economic importance, especially as the city aims to ensure that Gaston’s legacy continues to guide future generations.
Leverne Holbdy, a guest at the opening, shared a personal connection to the motel, recalling how her father first brought her there when she was just 12 years old.
“My father brought me here when I was 12; there is so much history here,” she stated. Holbdy highlighted her hopes that the new coffee shop would attract tourists and locals alike, creating a vibrant community space that fosters interaction and dialogue.
Alicia’s Coffee features a unique menu with a signature drink called “Room 30,” which pays homage to the motel’s “War Room,” where Martin Luther King Jr. and other civil rights leaders developed strategies for the Birmingham movement. Patrons can also enjoy baked goods from local, African-American baker Amber’s Dessert, thereby further supporting local businesses.
Birmingham Council President Darrell O’Quinn articulated the importance of fostering Black-owned businesses as critical to the city’s economic health.
“In order for Birmingham to reach its full potential, we have to support our local entrepreneurs.” O’Quinn also reinforced the necessity of preserving the city’s rich history amidst contemporary challenges, stating that such legacies cannot and will not be erased.
Alicia’s Coffee hours are from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., seven days a week. This welcoming space not only serves exceptional coffee but also stands as a monument to historical remembrance and community resilience. Inside the restored dining room, visitors can explore a permanent exhibit dedicated to the life and legacy of Dr. A.G. Gaston. This space, enriched by conversations and history, offers an opportunity for education while promoting a sense of belonging.
Alicia’s Coffee is more than a business; it epitomizes a commitment to community, heritage, and connection. As Birmingham continues to honor its historical roots within the Civil Rights Movement, the coffee shop will serve as a testament to the legacy of A.G. Gaston and a beacon of hope for future generations.
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