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 Resolu-
tion Honoring Houston’s Seven Major Black News-
papers’’; 
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 pre-
eminent Black publications, including the Houston In-
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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 de-
mocracy, enhanced education, equality, and improved in-
frastructure, 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 socio-
economic 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 con-
tributions 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 de-
voted itself to promote positive, informative, and inspira-
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•HRES 655 IH 
tional stories that transform and uplift the African-Amer-
ican 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 
Resolved, That the House of Representatives— 
(1) commends and recognizes the invaluable 
work and enduring legacy of these 7 Black publica-
tions in Houston, their dedication to journalism, 
their empowerment of the African-American commu-
nity, and their overall enrichment of Houston’s cul-
tural and historical tapestry; 
(2) acknowledges the vital role played by these 
institutions in elevating voices and shaping nar-
ratives within the African-American community and 
society at large, to ensure that diversity, inclusivity, 
and justice become accessible to all in the demo-
cratic society of the United States; and 
(3) expresses sincere gratitude to the Houston 
Informer, Houston Defender, Forward Times, Hous-
ton Sun, Houston Style, African American News 
and Issues, and D-MARS.com for their unwavering 
commitment to the truth, community service, and 
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their remarkable contributions to the history and vi-
tality of the City of Houston. 
Æ 
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