The Gang of Four: Four Leaders, Four Communities, One Friendship

by Bob Santos, Gary Iwamoto

Seattle's Gang of Four changed the face of the city in the 1960s, '70s, and '80s by bringing four ethnic groups together in battle against city powerbrokers over development, poverty, fishing rights, and gentrification. The four leaders learned quickly that working together provided greater results than working apart. This is the story of a powerful political alliance and lifelong friendships forged through sit-ins, protest rallies, and other acts of civil disobedience. "We got very good at occupying buildings," remarked one of the Gang.

Bob Santos and Gary Iwamoto recall how a Native American, Asian American, African American, and Mexican American came together to fight for their neighborhoods and their people.

Bob Santos has spent most of his life in the International District of Seattle. He grew up in the N.P. Hotel with his widowed father, Sammy Santos, a professional prizefighter. He was hired in 1972 to lead the International District Improvement Association (Inter*Im). During his tenure at Inter*Im, Santos organized property owners, businesses, residents, and activists from the Asian American community to preserve the neighborhood and build new housing.

Gary Iwamoto is a regular contributing writer for the International Examiner, an Asian Pacific Islander community newspaper. He has written several plays, notably Miss Minidoka 1943, which was produced by the Northwest Asian American Theater. He and Bob Santos also wrote Humbows, Not Hot Dogs in 2002.

Genres: History

240 pages, Hardcover

First published April 7, 2015

Reviews

[Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is what we need right now.

[Gemma Alexander · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book would really have benefited from another pass by a proof reader, but the stories of these four activists are so important. I'm glad to have this glimpse of the Seattle that was and the people who made it into the Seattle I've loved.

[Whitney · Rating 4 out of 5]

The only thing holding me back from 5 stars for this great book is the cursory attention paid to the role of women in these movements and communities.

[Jess Zimbabwe · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book deserves an edit, some new graphics, and a re-printing. These leaders are true heroes of Seattle and our country, but the stories are hard to follow as presented.

[Peggy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I rated this four stars not because it's well written but because it's important. The story of four local activists (Roberto Maestas, Bernie Whitebear, Bob Santos and Larry Gossett) who banded together during a crucial time in Seattle's history should be widely known. Their legacies are all around us, in El Centro de la Raza, Daybreak Star Center at Discovery Park, Santos Place, Gossett Place. Working their way from their childhoods to activist beginnings through present day (Larry Gossett is longest serving member of King County Council) this is how recent past created the best parts of our local present, with a lot of arrests along the way!

[Jim Cantu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating to hear many of the stories behind these legendary community leaders.