Washington Women's History Consortium

WHC Biographical Profile

Marjorie Pitter King

Marjorie Pitter King, former State Representative, 37th District.

Marjorie Pitter King served as State Representative, 37th district, from 1965 to 1966. A graduate of Howard University in Washington D.C., Ms. King worked in the Pentagon during WWII and fought to seat the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party at the 1964 National Democratic convention.

Community Service

  • YMCA, board member.
  • Washington State Women’s Civil Rights Committee.
  • Seattle Urban League, board member.
  • Luther Human Relations Institute
  • Involved in community and church activities, especially dealing with civil rights for women and minorities.
  • Organized youth activities within the Democratic Party

Past and Present Affiliations

  • Alpha Omicron Chapter, president
  • Delta Sigma Sorority , president of the Alpha Omicron Chapter
  • Ann T. O’Donnell Democratic Women’s Club
  • Inter Greek Association
  • Black Heritage Society of Washington State

Legislative & State Service

  • Appointed September 2, 1965 to serve unexpired term for Ann O’Donnell, deceased.
  • First black woman to serve in the legislature.
  • First African-American to be appointed to the legislature.
  • Lost in the 1966 primary election for the same legislative seat.

Leadership, Positions & Appointments

  • 37th District Democratic Party, chair
  • King County Democratic Party, vice-chair, served on the rules, credentials and platform committee
  • Metropolitan Democratic Central Committee, president
  • Washington Federation of Democratic Women Inc., treasurer
  • Metropolitan Democratic Women’s Club of Seattle and King County, president
  • State Democratic Party Platform Committees