King County Council member Larry Gossett, Long-time community activist Robert Maestas, human rights advocate Bob Santos and the late Native American activist Bernie Whitebear are being honored by the Fremont Public Association (FPA) for their achievements in undoing racism and supporting equal rights. Nicknamed the “Four Amigos,” the group founded The Minority Executive Directors Coalition (MEDC) of King County in 1981. Since then and even years before, the MEDC has shared common objectives with the FPA in a fight to diminish racism. On Weds. Oct. 13, The FPA will pay tribute to these four “local heroes” for their charismatic leadership in building alliances throughout Seattle’s multicultural community. The FPA will also be unveiling a mural in their honor by local artist Al Doggit. “The Fremont Public Association created the Local Heroes Award to recognize Seattle residents who make significant contributions to our community and, through their actions, inspire others to contribute in their own ways to making this a just and caring city,” said FPA President Frank Chopp. Councilman Larry Gossett represents the 10th district as a member of the Metropolitan King County Council. He is one of the original founders of the Black Student Union at the University of Washington. He has traveled all over the world representing the Council on promotional trade missions and has long been an advocate for programs to help inner-city youth. Robert Maestas, founder and executive director of El Centro de la Raza. Maestas has spent decades building a community for all people. Bob Santos, a former representative for HUD and executive director of Interim, a non-profit housing agency in the International District is well known for his years of “preserving the community for the people who built it,” Santos once said. He worked enthusiastically with homeless organizing groups, and among other things opened the first homeless shelter in a Federal building. All four honorees reside in Seattle and three will be attending the ceremony. Bernie Whitebear died in July 2000 after a three-year battle with cancer. He is the founder of United Indians of All Tribes Foundation and created the Indian Cultural Center, adjacent to Seattle’s Discovery Park. Accepting the award in his place will be family, friends and admirers.
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