“The Four Amigos” or “Gang of Four” were honored at the YMCA of Greater Seattle 26th anniversary A.K. Guy Award Luncheon on Nov. 12. The “Fantastic Four” as dubbed during the event include: activist “Uncle” Bob Santos, King County Councilman Larry Gossett, Roberto Maestas, and the late Bernie Whitebear, known for their minority rights activism. Their fight for social justice and civil rights resulted in prominent social service organizations. The gang reflected on minority activism in Seattle and what still needs to be done. 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 that 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 is co–founder and past executive director of the International District Improvement Association (Inter*Im) and founder of the International District Community Health Center.
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