The Marguerite P. Justice Papers collection includes, correspondence, photographs, reports, pamphlets, speeches, and other materials regarding the Los Angeles Police Depatment, Los Angeles Police Commission, and varying clubs and organization in the city of Los Angeles.

Marguerite P. Justice (1921-2009), fondly referred to as "Mama J," was the first African American woman to serve as a Los Angeles Police Commisioner. She was born Marguerite P. Lecense in New Orleans, Louisiana, and was the youngest of three children to Albert and Louis Lecesne. In 1945, Justice moved to Los Angeles where she worked as a seamstress, and then became personal assistant to actress Linda Darnell. Justice gave up her position with Darnell to marry William H. Justice whom she met through church.

6 boxes

All requests for permission to publish or quote from manuscripts must be submitted in writing to the Director of Archives and Special Collections. Permission for publication is given on behalf of Special Collections as the owner of the physical materials and not intended to include or imply permission of the copyright holder, which must also be obtained.

There are no access restrictions on this collection.