America's Social Arsonist: Fred Ross and Grassroots Organizing in the Twentieth Century - Hardcover

"Those who know the name Fred Ross probably identify him as 'the man who taught Cesar Chavez how to organize,' as he was once dubbed by The Chronicle. Most Californians probably have never heard of him. Gabriel Thompson's superb new biography of Ross, 'America's Social Arsonist: Fred Ross and Grassroots Organizing in the Twentieth Century,' will be fascinating for both groups. The author sheds new light on the life of a man whose presence was behind the scenes but whose work ended up in the headlines... Thompson has plumbed Ross' extensive notes and files to relay vivid accounts of his experiences and insight into his ideas. During his half century as an organizer, Ross pioneered tactics that are widely used today. 'But,' asserts Thompson, 'his greatest legacy is in the people he inspired and mentored who went on to shape California and U.S. history.'" -- Elaine Elinson San Francisco Chronicle "In America's Social Arsonist, Gabriel Thompson captures Ross' life story and core ideas. It is among the books to be read by anyone interested in labor or community organizing and the future of democracy as more than marketing politicians to consumer "citizens" when real power lies in the hands of those with money... This brief review can't do justice to Ross, or to Thompson's telling of his story. It's an important story, well told. Read the book!" Counter Punch "One of the most profound meetings in San Jose history occurred on the evening of June 9, 1952, when a wiry community organizer named Fred Ross knocked on the door of 25-year-old Cesar Chavez and asked him to become a leader of his people... Until recently, Ross has been seen as the less prominent partner in that meeting. He generally avoided the limelight before his death in 1992. But now a new book, 'America's Social Arsonist,' by Oakland-based writer Gabriel Thompson, recounts Ross' career and his huge impact." -- Scott Herhold San Jose Mercury News "This is an absolutely must-read book for organizers, those interested in organizing, and those interested in how to achieve progressive social change. It is also perfect for book groups, inspiring discussions sure to go far into the night." -- Randy Shaw Social Policy "Gabriel Thompson has produced a masterful and engaging book about a premier American organizer, Fred Ross Sr... This fine book is many things - useful, moving, and sad. It highlights the creative innovations and the painful lessons of an organizer who spent his career behind the scenes, but who is getting, at long last, the attention he richly deserves." -- Michael Gecan Labor's Edge "An excellent biography ... @@@@ (4 out of 5)" Mal Warwick's Blog on Books "America's Social Arsonist is a compact synthetic history of the social justice movements in which [Fred] Ross played an important part. And Ross certainly deserves the credit Thompson gives him for pulling together key elements-especially putting house meetings at the center-during the early post-World War II fights to create an effective modern organizing playbook." -- Fred Glass BOOM California

"A good organizer is a social arsonist who goes around setting people on fire." (Fred Ross). Raised by conservative parents who hoped he would "stay with his own kind," Fred Ross instead became one of the most influential community organizers in American history. His activism began alongside Dust Bowl migrants, where he managed the same labor camp that inspired John Steinbeck's The Grapes of Wrath. During World War II, Ross worked for the release of interned Japanese Americans, and after the war, he dedicated his life to building the political power of Latinos across California. Labor organizing in this country was forever changed when Ross knocked on the door of a young Cesar Chavez and encouraged him to become an organizer. Until now there has been no biography of Fred Ross, a man who believed a good organizer was supposed to fade into the crowd as others stepped forward. In America's Social Arsonist, Gabriel Thompson provides a full picture of this complicated and driven man, recovering a forgotten chapter of American history and providing vital lessons for organizers today.