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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
RECOGNIZING AND CONGRATULATING THE CHICAGO CRUSADER ON THE OCCASION OF ITS 75TH ANNIVERSARY
WHEREAS, The Chicago Crusader turns 75 years old in 2015; and
WHEREAS, The Chicago Crusader was founded by Balm L. Leavell, Jr. in Chicago in 1940; and
WHEREAS, in 1968, Dorothy R. Leavell assumed the responsibilities of publisher and editor of The Chicago Crusader, a role she continues to fulfill; and
WHEREAS, Dorothy R. Leavell’s accomplishments as editor and publisher of The Chicago Crusader include rehabilitating its facilities and modernizing the production process; and
WHEREAS, Dorothy R. Leavell was born in Pine Bluff, Arkansas on October 23, 1944. She was the valedictorian of her Merrill High School class of 1962 and, after relocating to Chicago, attended Roosevelt University; and
WHEREAS, Dorothy R. Leavell was elected president of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) in June of 1995 for a two-year term and was re-elected in June 1997 ending her term in 1999. During her tenure, she increased the visibility and international stature of the organization; and
WHEREAS, in June of 2006, Dorothy R. Leavell was elected Chairman of the National Newspaper Publishers Association Foundation; and
WHEREAS, as a member of the NNPA for more than forty-two years, Dorothy R. Leavell has served in various other capacities including as assistant secretary, a member of the board of directors, and as treasurer, a post she held as for ten years; and
WHEREAS, Dorothy R. Leavell has often been honored and recognized for her philanthropic and civic contributions. A recipient of many awards, she was honored with the Winnie Mandela Endurance with Dignity Award; the Operation PUSH Family Affair Award; the Humanitarian Award from the Council on African Affairs, among many other honors; and
WHEREAS, for 75 years The Chicago Crusader has reported the news without fear or favor and been a community resource for news reporting and opinion from an African American perspective;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Cook County President and the Board of Commissioners recognize and congratulate The Chicago Crusader on the occasion of its 75th anniversary; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Mrs. Dorothy R. Leavell be commended and saluted by this Honorable Body for her extraordinary accomplishments and her truly remarkable record of service to her community.
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