The Four Amigos on Minority Rights Activism

Steve Scher
11/11/2009 at 9:00 a.m.

The Four Amigos — Larry Gossett, Roberto Maestas, Bob Santos and the late Bernie Whitebear — are known for their minority rights activism. Their fight for social justice and civil rights resulted in prominent social service organizations. Today, the gang reflects on minority activism in Seattle and what still needs to be done.

Related Event

The Four Amigos will be honored by the YMCA of Greater Seattle at the 26th Anniversary A.K. Guy Award Luncheon on Thursday, Nov. 12 from 12:00 – 1:30 p.m. at the Sheraton Seattle Hotel. Tickets are $75/person for non–profits and $100/person for corporations. To purchase tickets, contact Sok In at 206.344.3190 or akguy@seattleymca.org.

Guest(s)

Larry Gossett is a current member of the King County Council representing District 2. He encouraged the University of Washington to create a Black studies program and helped bring about the UW's Educational Opportunity Program for minority recruitment.

Roberto Maestas is co–founder and executive director of El Centro de la Raza; a multiracial and multigenerational center in the old Beacon Hill Elementary School. El Centro provides employment support, a food bank, ESL classes, bilingual child care, a citizenship program and housing support.

Bob Santos is known by many as the unofficial "Mayor of the International District," and has been a mentor to many Asian Pacific American community activists. He is co–founder and past executive director of the International District Improvement Association (Inter*Im) and founder of the International District Community Health Center.