[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 155 (Friday, November 7, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2219-E2220]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  CONGRATULATING DOZIER T. ALLEN, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, November 7, 1997

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is my distinct pleasure to 
congratulate Calumet Township Trustee, Dozier T. Allen, Jr., on his 30-
year anniversary as an elected public official. Dozier will be honored 
for his years of dedicated service to the communities of northwest

[[Page E2220]]

Indiana at an anniversary celebration, which will be entitled ``Tribute 
to a Statesman.'' The event will be held on Thursday evening, November 
20, 1997, at the Genesis Convention Center in Gary, IN. Dozier's family 
and friends, as well as many prominent community leaders, will attend 
this special event.
  A native of Gary, IN, Dozier Allen began his political career in 
1967, with his election to the post of Gary City councilman-at-large. 
With this election, he earned recognition for being the first Gary-born 
African-American to serve as councilman-at-large, and during his 5 
years in this position, Dozier faithfully served several council 
committees, including Ordinance, Building and Grounds, Public Welfare, 
Police and Fire, and Housing and Urban Planning. Through his active 
participation in these committees, Dozier was instrumental in passing 
many important city ordinances and resolutions. Some such initiatives 
resulted in securing more money from the State of Indiana for education 
in Gary, securing Federal assistance for drug rehabilitation 
initiatives, and the annexation of Calumet Township to Gary.
  While still a councilman-at-large, Dozier won the 1971 election for 
Calumet Township Trustee. Since then, he has been elected to seven 
consecutive 4-year terms, during which he has hired and managed over 
500 employees, and effectively administered over $300 million to assist 
more than 1.4 million impoverished families. During Dozier's 25-year 
stewardship, the Township Trustee's office has had an impeccable 
record. As township trustee, Dozier has also devoted much of his time 
to serving on several prestigious councils and committees, including: 
the Indiana Township Association's Metro Committee; the Governor's 
Indiana Metropolitan Poor Relief Council; the Lake County Welfare 
Board; the Lake County Mental Health Board; and the Indiana Township 
Trustee Association, of which he is still a member. During his 
distinguished political career, Dozier has earned the distinction of 
being elected to a major executive public office longer than any 
African-American citizen in the history of Indiana.
  Dozier expressed his devotion to public service long before his 
election to office, however. He first served his country in combat 
during the Korean war. For his outstanding service in the National 
Guard, Dozier received a Bronze Star, a United Nations Service Medal, a 
National Defense Service Medal, a Good Conduct Medal, and an honorable 
discharge. Upon returning from the war in 1954, Dozier immediately 
became involved in the Gary young adult branch of the NAACP, and he 
actively participated in the elections of countless black public 
officials. In 1960, Dozier was one of the founders of Muigwithania, the 
first local African-American organization to have an independent impact 
on electing black public officials. Since that time, he has probably 
supported more campaigns for Gary citizens to become elected officials 
than any other person.
  Dozier's humanitarian efforts have also positively impacted the 
community he serves. Over the years, Dozier has served as a board 
member or officer in countless organizations, always making a serious 
effort to contribute in a productive manner. In 1972, as a charter 
board member of the National Association for Sickle Cell Disease, 
Dozier successfully raised over $18,000 locally. Sensitive and 
compassionate in the face of human suffering, health and human service 
initiatives have always been a priority for Dozier. Other successful 
fundraising efforts in which Dozier participated, including raising 
over $12,000 for the National Civil Rights Hall of Fame in 1982-83, and 
over $10,000 for the Poor People Hunger Revival in 1985, which 
replenished exhausted township funds. In recognition of his outstanding 
community service efforts, Dozier has received many awards, including: 
the Serenity House Appreciation Award; the Martin Luther King Jr. Drum 
Major Award; the Indiana Township Trustees' Association's Distinguished 
Service Award; the Indiana Department of Mental Health Outstanding 
Service Award; the American Red Cross Outstanding Service Award; the 
John F. Kennedy Leadership Award; and the NAACP Humanitarian Award.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask you and other distinguished colleagues to join me 
in commending Dozier T. Allen on his years of outstanding service to 
the communities of northwest Indiana. The hard work and leadership he 
has displayed, while positively impacting the lives of many, is truly 
admirable.

                          ____________________