Last updated on November 22nd, 2025 at 01:56 am
MARGUERITE P. JUSTICE
In 1971, L. A. Mayor, Sam Yorty appointed Justice a 2-year term on the 5-seat Los Angeles Police Commission. This made her the second woman and first Black Woman to serve as L. A. Police Commissioner. The move was so huge, an episode of the TV series, “Adam-12” did a 2-parter based on her experiences.
However, before such accolades, the New Orleans native worked as a seamstress then moved to Los Angeles in 1945. By 1950 she was working as a private secretary for actress, Linda Darnell. She left Darnell when she got married. Following her time as Police Commissioner, Justice engaged in many civic and community affairs, as an activist until her death on September 17, 2009.
