Marguerite P. Justice facts for kids

Marguerite P. Justice (born July 1921, died September 17, 2009) was a very important woman. She was the second woman ever to become a police commissioner in the United States. Even more special, she was the first Black woman to hold this powerful job. A police commissioner helps lead the police department and makes important decisions about public safety.

Marguerite Justice's Early Life

Marguerite P. Justice was born Marguerite P. Lecesne in New Orleans in July 1921. She was the youngest of three children. Her parents were Albert and Louise Lecesne.

In 1945, she moved to Los Angeles. There, she worked as a seamstress, which means she sewed clothes for a living. In the early 1950s, she became the private secretary for Linda Darnell, a famous actress. A private secretary helps someone with their daily tasks and plans.

In 1954, Marguerite met William H. Justice at church. She married him that same year.

Becoming a Police Commissioner

In 1971, Marguerite Justice was chosen for a special job. Mayor Sam Yorty appointed her to the Los Angeles Police Commission. This group has five members who help guide the Los Angeles Police Department.

Marguerite Justice was the second woman to join this commission. She was also the very first Black woman to do so. The LAPD even gave her a loving nickname: "Mama J."

Her experiences as a commissioner were even used in a TV show! In 1972, a two-part episode of the series Adam-12 called "Clear with a Civilian" was inspired by her work. The show thanked her for being "the first and only woman police commissioner in the United States" at that time.

Community Service and Helping Others

Marguerite Justice was well-known for helping her community in Los Angeles. She was a popular community activist, meaning she worked hard to make her neighborhood a better place. In 1971, she said she was lucky to have time for community work because her husband supported her.

In 1969, she started a group called the Southwest Sweethearts. This group supported the Southwest Division of the LAPD. For example, during the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, her group set up a special house. It offered meals and showers to police officers working long hours.

Marguerite Justice received the Jack Webb Award from the Police Historical Society. This award honored her strong dedication to law enforcement. She also helped the society update its display of old LAPD uniforms. This display was later named the Marguerite Justice Gallery in her honor.

In 1984, Governor George Deukmejian appointed her to another important group. This was the Bicentennial Commission for the U.S. Constitution. This commission helped celebrate 200 years of the U.S. Constitution.

Throughout her life, Marguerite Justice worked with many youth groups in Los Angeles. She helped young people through programs like the youth fellowship at St. Mark United Methodist Church.

Marguerite P. Justice passed away on September 17, 2009, at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.