[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 148 (Wednesday, September 13, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E843]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING THE LIFE OF DIANA MARCUM

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 13, 2023

  Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, today, we gather to commemorate the life and 
legacy of Diana Marcum, a beacon of compassion and storytelling 
brilliance whose words touched our hearts and unveiled the essence of 
the human experience. Diana's journey was one of resilience, empathy, 
and a profound dedication to capturing the narratives of the overlooked 
and the underrepresented.
  Born in Sonoma County on February 2, 1963, Diana embarked on an 
unorthodox path to journalism, driven not by formal credentials but by 
her innate ability to craft stories that resonated deeply. Her journey 
began as an editorial assistant and blossomed into a remarkable career 
that left an indelible imprint on the world of journalism.
  At the core of Diana's work was her gift for revealing the 
extraordinary within the ordinary. Her narrative prowess was on full 
display in her Pulitzer Prize-winning series ``Scenes from California's 
Dust Bowl,'' which chronicled the impact of drought on the people of 
the San Joaquin Valley. Through her elegant prose, Diana wove together 
the stories of farmers, fieldworkers, and others in California's 
Central Valley, painting a vivid picture of their struggles, hopes, and 
triumphs. Her storytelling capability wasn't just a skill; it was a 
vehicle for bridging divides and fostering understanding among diverse 
communities.
  Diana's genuine curiosity and empathetic approach allowed her to 
establish connections that went beyond the surface. That was my 
experience with her, as we bonded over our love and connection to the 
Azores.
  Diana's narrative talents flourished outside the realm of traditional 
journalism as well. Her books, ``The Tenth Island: Finding Joy, Beauty, 
and Unexpected Love in the Azores'' and ``The Fallen Stones: Chasing 
Butterflies, Discovering Mayan Secrets, and Looking for Hope Along the 
Way,'' revealed her boundless curiosity and love for exploration. 
Through her literary works, Diana invited readers to embark on journeys 
of discovery, reflecting her insatiable desire to understand the 
intricacies of our world.
  Beyond her writing, Diana's influence extended into her personal 
interactions and relationships. Diana's ability to forge deep 
connections was a testament to her character--a character rooted in 
humility, authenticity, and a profound belief in the power of words.
  Tragically, Diana's life's journey reached its conclusion on August 
9, 2023, in Fresno, California. Her legacy will remain etched in the 
stories she told, the lives she touched, and the hearts she uplifted. 
As we honor Diana Marcum today, we are reminded of the immense impact 
that one person's dedication to empathy and storytelling can have on 
our world.
  Mr. Speaker, I invite my esteemed colleagues to join me in honoring 
the life and legacy of Diana Marcum. Let us be inspired by her tireless 
pursuit of truth, her unwavering commitment to highlighting the beauty 
within human struggles, and her ability to spark compassion and 
connection through her words. In celebrating Diana's life, we also 
celebrate the timeless power of narrative to bridge divides and 
illuminate the shared human experience.

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