IV 

118TH CONGRESS 

1ST SESSION H. RES. 655 

Recognizing the historical contributions and value of Houston’s 7 major 

Black publications. 

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 

AUGUST 18, 2023 

Mr. GREEN of Texas submitted the following resolution; which was referred 

to the Committee on Oversight and Accountability 

RESOLUTION 

Recognizing the historical contributions and value of 

Houston’s 7 major Black publications. 

Whereas this resolution may be cited as the ‘‘Original Resolution Honoring Houston’s Seven Major Black Newspapers’’; 

Whereas the City of Houston takes pride in its rich, vibrant 

cultural and historical tapestry, the depth and breadth of 

which is largely due to the contributions of its diverse 

communities; 

Whereas historically Black publications have played a critical 

role in providing a platform for the voiceless, and shaping 

public discourse for generations; 

Whereas Houston has been the birthplace and home of 7 preeminent Black publications, including the Houston InVerDate Sep 11 2014 23:19 Aug 18, 2023 Jkt 039200 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 6652 Sfmt 6300 E:\BILLS\HR655.IH HR655

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•HRES 655 IH 

former, Houston Defender, Forward Times, Houston 

Sun, Houston Style, African American News and Issues, 

and D-MARS.com; 

Whereas the Houston Informer was established in 1919 to 

provide African Americans with a powerful voice for democracy, enhanced education, equality, and improved infrastructure, becoming an invaluable part of the fiber and 

fabric of Houston; 

Whereas the Houston Defender, since its inception in 1930, 

has served as a relentless sentinel, focusing on socioeconomic issues and defending the rights and interests of 

the African-American community, and contributing to the 

city’s vibrant tapestry of diversity; 

Whereas the Forward Times, a cornerstone of the community 

and self-publication since 1960, has made significant contributions to the elevation of African-American voices, 

serving as a beacon for transformative societal change; 

Whereas the Houston Sun, initiated in 1983, has illuminated 

the triumphs, challenges, and experiences of the AfricanAmerican community, being a voice for its constituents; 

Whereas the Houston Style commits itself to providing the 

public with a comprehensive representation of the issues 

the African-American community in Houston cares about, 

both in popular culture and the news; 

Whereas African American News and Issues, established in 

1996, has focused on addressing real-time news directly 

impacting the African-American community across Texas 

and encouraging healthy dialogue on key issues; 

Whereas D-MARS.com, since its founding in 2001, has devoted itself to promote positive, informative, and inspiraVerDate Sep 11 2014 23:19 Aug 18, 2023 Jkt 039200 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 6652 Sfmt 6300 E:\BILLS\HR655.IH HR655

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•HRES 655 IH 

tional stories that transform and uplift the African-American community; and 

Whereas the contributions of these Black publications have 

not only been instrumental in chronicling the past, but 

they continue to inspire, educate, and empower present 

and future generations: Now, therefore, be it 

1 Resolved, That the House of Representatives— 

2 (1) commends and recognizes the invaluable 

3 work and enduring legacy of these 7 Black publica4 tions in Houston, their dedication to journalism, 

5 their empowerment of the African-American commu6 nity, and their overall enrichment of Houston’s cul7 tural and historical tapestry; 

8 (2) acknowledges the vital role played by these 

9 institutions in elevating voices and shaping nar10 ratives within the African-American community and 

11 society at large, to ensure that diversity, inclusivity, 

12 and justice become accessible to all in the demo13 cratic society of the United States; and 

14 (3) expresses sincere gratitude to the Houston 

15 Informer, Houston Defender, Forward Times, Hous16 ton Sun, Houston Style, African American News 

17 and Issues, and D-MARS.com for their unwavering 

18 commitment to the truth, community service, and 


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•HRES 655 IH 

1 their remarkable contributions to the history and vi2 tality of the City of Houston. 

Æ 


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