Washington State’s Black History: Freddie Mae Gautier
All month, we’ll be partnering with The Black Heritage Society of Washington State to bring you artifacts, photos and stories from our community’s history.
From the Freddie Mae Gautier Legacy Collection are selected photographs from many images that document her life and moments as she engages with friends and allies.
Freddie Mae Gautier (1930-2001) was a community activist, political advisor, mentor, and well-known businesswoman who lived in Seattle. From 1953-1967, Gautier worked as a matron in the KC Sheriff’s office. She became an advocate for social justice and a prominent figure in the civil rights movement both at home and nationally.
As Gautier increasingly became involved in politics, she befriended members of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) and in 1963, she co-founded the local chapter of SCLC and went on to become the Western Vice President of the regional branch. In 1963, she enlisted eleven Black women and founded the Benefit Guild, a charitable organization to promote unity and improve economic conditions in the community. Among the community organizations Gautier championed, she was an organizer at the Central Area Motivation Program (CAMP..now Byrd Barr Place) and became the director of the Model Cities Group Home Program that provided homes to youth in need.
Using her connections and ambition, Gautier helped to secure the creation of the city’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial in 1981. Fierce and gentle at the same time, she co-owned a candy and gift shop in the Sea-Tac Airport. Remaining active, she managed the records section for the Seattle Municipal Court until her 1997 retirement.
Beloved and never to be forgotten, Freddie Mae Gautier passed away on December 14, 2001.
