Original Resolution Honoring Houston’s Seven Major Black Newspapers

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 Informer, 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 African-American 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 inspirational 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 That the House of Representatives— (1) commends and recognizes the invaluable work and enduring legacy of these 7 Black publications in Houston, their dedication to journalism, their empowerment of the African-American community, and their overall enrichment of Houston’s cultural and historical tapestry; (2) acknowledges the vital role played by these institutions in elevating voices and shaping narratives within the African-American community and society at large, to ensure that diversity, inclusivity, and justice become accessible to all in the democratic society of the United States; and (3) expresses sincere gratitude to the Houston Informer, Houston Defender, Forward Times, Houston Sun, Houston Style, African American News and Issues, and D-MARS.com for their unwavering commitment to the truth, community service, and their remarkable contributions to the history and vitality of the City of Houston.

Summary: This resolution recognizes the work and legacy of seven Black publications in Houston, Texas, and acknowledges their role in elevating voices and shaping narratives within the African-American community and society at large.