[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 51 (Friday, March 22, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E282]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            NORTHWEST OHIO WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH RECOGNITION

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MARCY KAPTUR

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, March 22, 2024

  Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to celebrate Women's History 
Month by shining a spotlight on four remarkable women hailing from 
Ohio's 9th District in our Northwest Ohio region who have etched their 
names in the annals of history.
  Growing up in a world where gender roles were rigidly defined, these 
women demonstrated a commitment to uplifting women and improving their 
communities within Northwestern Ohio and beyond.
  Born in Toledo, Ohio, Mari Evans was a prominent African American 
poet, writer, and dramatist known for her association with the Black 
Arts Movement.
  While she initially pursued fashion design at the University of 
Toledo, she ultimately decided to embark on a career in music, and then 
in writing.
  Throughout the 1960's and 1970's, Evans gained recognition for her 
poetry, which often explored themes of race, identity, and social 
justice.
  One of her most notable works is entitled ``I Am a Black Woman.'' 
This seminal piece encapsulates the essence of her poetic voice.
  Evans' writing style was marked by its lyrical simplicity, direct 
themes, and its ability to capture the African American experience.
  Outside of her literary endeavors, Evans was actively engaged in 
community service, advocating for prison reform and volunteering with 
organizations focused on social issues.
  Her legacy endures through her powerful poetry, her commitment to 
social activism, and her impact on generations of readers and writers 
exploring the complexities of identity and experience.
  Feminist icon Gloria Steinem was also born in Toledo, Ohio.
  She sought to challenge the societal norms that constrained women's 
opportunities and perpetuated systemic injustice.
  After graduating from Smith College, she honed her craft as a writer 
and developed a keen awareness of the pervasive gender bias within the 
media industry.
  Determined to challenge these stereotypes, Steinem began to infuse 
her writing with feminist perspectives, shedding light on issues such 
as workplace discrimination, reproductive rights, and the 
intersectionality of oppression.
  In 1971, Steinem co-founded Ms. Magazine, a groundbreaking 
publication that quickly became a platform for feminist thought and 
activism.-
  Through the magazine, Steinem and her colleagues tackled taboo 
subjects with courage and candor, sparking national conversations about 
women's rights and challenging the status quo.
  Ms. Magazine provided a voice for marginalized women and served as a 
rallying point for the burgeoning feminist movement, inspiring many to 
join the fight for equality.
  Steinem's activism extended far beyond the pages of the magazine, as 
she emerged a tireless advocate for women's rights on the national 
stage.
  Her willingness to confront uncomfortable truths and challenge 
entrenched power structures cemented her status as a fearless leader 
and trailblazer.
  Sheree Hovsepian, a luminary in the realm of contemporary art, 
bridges her Iranian heritage with her American upbringing to craft 
compelling reflections on identity and the human form.
  Raised in northwestern Ohio after her family's immigration to the 
United States in 1976, Hovsepian skillfully intertwines the organic 
with the geometric, inviting viewers to embark on a profound journey of 
introspection and exploration.
  Her adept fusion of materials--from fabric and paper to wood and 
string--imbues her creations with a palpable depth, earning her acclaim 
and placement in prestigious public museum collections such as the 
Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum and the Studio Museum in Harlem.
  Recently celebrated at the 59th International Art Exhibition of La 
Biennale di Venezia, Hovsepian's work continues to captivate audiences, 
serving as a reminder of the transformative power of art in evoking 
dialogue and understanding.
  Beyond her creative endeavors, Hovsepian remains steadfast in her 
commitment to fostering the arts community, actively participating in 
various committees of cultural institutions and championing arts 
education and development initiatives.
  Mildred Benson considered herself a newspaper reporter first and an 
author second.
  An American journalist and writer known for her contributions to 
children's literature, she touched readers of The Toledo Blade and 
Toledo Times for seven decades.
  As a pillar of the community, she penned a weekly column for the 
Blade until mere weeks before her death.
  She wrote under a pseudonym for the Stratemeyer Syndicate, creating 
the adventurous personality of Nancy Drew in many of her early 
mysteries.
  Inspiring millions of young American women, Ms. Benson's work on the 
famous series helped shape the character's iconic traits and 
adventurous spirit.
  She leaves behind a significant legacy, both for the children whose 
love of reading she inspired and for readers of the Toledo Blade in her 
community.
  During Women's History Month and all year round, it is important to 
recognize the strong and talented women who broke down barriers and 
shattered glass ceilings, alongside those who continue to do so today.
  Today, I proudly honor Mari Evans, Gloria Steinem, Sheree Hovsepian, 
and Mildred Benson.
  They are Pioneers whose remarkable contributions have not only 
enriched the tapestry of Northwest Ohio and the 9th District, but have 
also left an indelible imprint on the collective history of our Nation.

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