James Helton and Wavery Guidry: Unsung Heroes of Galveston’s Segregated Beaches

A fascinating part of history that has been forgotten is being rediscovered on Galveston Island. James Helton and Wavery Guidry were two Black lifeguards on Galveston's segregated beaches who saved more than 30 lives between 1935 and 1957. On February 1, the Texas Historical Commission will present an Undertold Story Marker to honor them.

These lifeguards worked at beaches during the Jim Crow era, when laws and social norms kept black and white people separate. Even though it was hard, they worked hard to keep the Black community on Brown Beach safe. The historical marker is now located at 28th Street and Seawall Boulevard.

James Helton was hired as Galveston's first Black lifeguard in 1935. He was born on the island and had a Red Cross Senior lifesaving license. Helton's bravery was clear even before he was elected because he helped save lives, like when he helped a police sheriff save a white woman. But Helton's work was often not recognized for what it was.

Wavery Guidry joined Helton in their goal to help others, carrying on the family tradition of saving lives in the harsh segregation era. Guidry was dedicated until the day he died in 1986, leaving behind a quiet courage.

The plaque is part of the Undertold Stories program from the Texas Historical Commission, which tells stories about people who were left out of history books. Carol Bunch Davis, a scholar and former associate professor at Texas A&M University-Galveston, has done a lot of study on these lifeguards' lives.

Davis said, "This honor not only shows how much work they put in, but it also shows how strong and brave people have to be to serve in a systemic racist environment."

The presentation of this historical marker is an important reminder of the important roles Black Americans have played in keeping communities safe and strong, and it will ensure that their stories are told for future generations.

A researcher named Dwayne Jones said, "Galveston has a lot of history." "These kinds of stories show us how strong the people who served in tough conditions were."

The unveiling of this marker will make sure that the bravery of Helton and Guidry is never forgotten, leaving their mark on Galveston's past.

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