Gary Crusader

In the very turbulent year of 1968 for the African-American community, with the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Democratic Presidential Candidate Robert F. Kennedy, founder Balm L. Leavell died.

When Dorothy assumed the position of publisher, she brought with her a breadth of knowledge regarding newspaper publication and innovations in the workplace.

[6] In December 2015 publisher Dorothy R. Leavell was inducted into the National Association of Black Journalists Hall of Fame.The latest recognition comes from the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ), who recently announced its 2015-2016 Hall of Fame Inductees, the highest recognition given by the organization.

— Milwaukee Courier[7]In Dharathula "Dolly" H. Millender's 2003 book, Gary's Central Business Community, founder Balm L. Leavell was mentioned as being present when then-Gary Mayor Visclosky signed a proclamation acknowledging "Negro History Week".

Balm Leavell is shown to be present at the signing due to being the publisher of the Gary Crusader, along with "Jesse Mitchell (4th District City Councilwoman) Dolly Millender (chair of observance), Cleo Wesson (5th District City Councilman) and H. Theo Tatum (principal of Roosevelt High School and author of the first brief history of the 'Negro'".

The Encyclopedia of African American Business: K-Z featured Dorothy Leavell, citing that "When Dorothy R. Leavell was elected chair of Amalgamated Publishers Incorporated in April 2002, she became the first woman to head the oldest African-American-owned advertising placement firm that represents more than 200 black newspapers in at least seventy-five markets across the United States and is considered a preeminent source on reaching and motivating African American consumers.

"[9] The Chicago Tribune covered the death of Chuck Deggans, a beloved radio host and columnist who wrote for both the Post and for the Gary Crusader.

The pop star was initially in works of creating a possible creative arts center and amusement park in tribute to the icon.