To Protect and Serve

Ozie B. Gonzaque was the consummate volunteer, a woman whose tireless devotion to her community only shifted from the front lines when she reached the remarkable age of 96. For nearly 80 years, she lived in her home on the border of Watts-a home whose walls served as a living museum of her impact, covered in commendations, awards, and photographs alongside police chiefs, politicians, and civic leaders.

To many, Ozie B. Gonzaque was a wonder. Although most citizens may be unaware of the full scale of her influence, a great number have been immensely blessed by her. While the heart of her work remained in South Los Angeles and Watts, her reach was felt citywide, statewide, and nationwide. Her big heart encompassed the whole of Los Angeles, but she was just as well known for wielding a "big stick." She fearlessly tangled with politicians, business leaders, and regular citizens alike to do what was right.

Ozie was neither bought nor bossed by anyone-beholden only to the God she loved and her own principled heart. Though she stood only five feet one, she was a formidable force who famously reminded anyone she met that she never started a fight she did not win.

This special edition, published by the Ozie Gonzaque Family Trust, includes a new introduction celebrating her enduring legacy and her final years as the "Queen of Watts."