Busting the Brass Ceiling

Book excerpt: A policewoman chronicles her historic legal battle against sexism within the LAPD in this “valuable . . . and at times, frightening” memoir (Kirkus Reviews). Former Army major Fanchon Blake dreamed of becoming a top cop. She joined the LAPD in 1948, confident that her efforts and talent would be rewarded. Instead, despite long hours and high achievement ratings, Blake—like all other women on the force—was denied promotion time and again. Over the years, the tenacious officer challenged the LAPD’s discriminatory agenda from within. Eventually, she broke the “blue wall of silence” by going to the press. And when all else failed, Blake saw one last chance to effect change: she filed a complaint against the LAPD with the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in 1973. What followed was a harrowing struggle against discrimination that would make history for women and other minority groups. Despite the ensuing verbal abuse, silent treatment, and intimidation, Blake pushed on. Seven years later, her heroic efforts would finally make it possible for women to bust through the brass ceiling.