[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 45 (Thursday, March 9, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E201-E202]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               CELEBRATING NATIONAL WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. FRANK J. MRVAN

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 9, 2023

  Mr. MRVAN. Mr. Speaker, it is with great respect and admiration that 
I rise to celebrate National Women's History Month and its 2023 theme, 
Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories. Each year, the National Women's 
History Alliance selects a unifying theme in honor and celebration of 
Women's History Month. This year's theme recognizes women in present 
time and throughout history who have played an active role in all forms 
of media and storytelling including radio, print, screen, television, 
electronic media, and more.
  As we celebrate the many women who have devoted their lives and 
talents to creating art and seeking the truth through storytelling, I 
would like to take the time to honor Dorothy Leavell, editor and 
publisher of the Crusader Newspaper Group, which consists of the 
Chicago Crusader and Gary Crusader newspapers. The Chicago Crusader was 
founded in 1940 by Mr. Balm L. Leavell, Jr. and Joseph H. Jefferson. In 
1961, they established the Gary Crusader, a publication serving the 
City of Gary and the community of Northwest Indiana. Dorothy took the 
helm as editor and publisher after the passing of her husband, Balm, in 
1968.
  Throughout her career, Ms. Leavell has fought and beat the odds in a 
male-dominated industry. She remained grounded in her purpose to serve 
as an advocate for the African American community and has become a 
successful, accomplished, and innovative business leader. Under 
Dorothy's leadership, the Crusader Newspaper Group became a voting 
member of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), a 
federation of more than 250 African American-owned community newspapers 
throughout the United States. In 1995, Dorothy became only the second 
female president of the NNPA, a position she held from 1995 to 1999. 
She also served as chairperson of the NNPA Foundation from 2006 to 
2011. Over the years, Ms. Leavell has received countless accolades 
honoring her truly remarkable and distinguished career. In addition, 
Dorothy has generously served her community by giving of her time and 
efforts to various charitable endeavors. For her exceptional devotion 
to these earnest causes, Dorothy has received numerous prestigious 
awards, and she is truly worthy of our admiration.
  Mr. Speaker, at this time, I ask you and my other distinguished 
colleagues to join me in celebrating Women's History Month and 
recognizing the dedication, perseverance, and contributions of Ms. 
Leavell and so many other extraordinary women have made to improve our 
communities through the stories they tell.

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