Westside Gazette Founder Levi Henry Jr. Dies, Leaving Lasting Legacy

The publisher's decades of dedicated journalism empowered and uplifted the Black community in Broward County and beyond.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 10:51pm

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A brightly colored, high-contrast silkscreen print of an iconic newspaper front page, repeated in a tight grid pattern, capturing the community-driven spirit of the Westside Gazette.The Westside Gazette, a trusted voice for the Black community in Fort Lauderdale for over 50 years, carries on the legacy of its visionary founder Levi Henry Jr.Fort Lauderdale Today

Levi Henry Jr., the founder of the Westside Gazette newspaper in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, has passed away. For over 50 years, Henry's vision and purpose-driven journalism gave a voice to the Black community, serving as a watchdog for justice, a champion for education and civic engagement, and a platform to record Black history in real time.

Why it matters

Henry's work with the Westside Gazette was essential in an era where the stories of Black communities were often overlooked, misrepresented, or ignored by mainstream media. The paper became a trusted voice that cultivated awareness, built pride, and inspired action within Broward County and beyond.

The details

Levi Henry Jr. co-founded the Westside Gazette with his wife Yvonne Henry (deceased) over 50 years ago, creating a newspaper that was more than just a publication - it was a mission to inform, uplift and empower the Black community. Under his leadership, the Gazette became a watchdog for justice, a champion for education and civic engagement, and a platform to record Black history.

  • Levi Henry Jr. co-founded the Westside Gazette over 50 years ago.
  • Levi Henry Jr. passed away in April 2026.

The players

Levi Henry Jr.

The founder and publisher emeritus of the Westside Gazette newspaper, whose decades of dedicated, purpose-driven journalism gave a voice to the Black community in Broward County, Florida and beyond.

Yvonne Henry

Levi Henry Jr.'s wife, who co-founded the Westside Gazette with him and was his partner in purpose and life.

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What they’re saying

“If we do not tell our stories, no one else will tell them correctly.”

— Levi Henry Jr., Founder, Westside Gazette

What’s next

The Levi Henry, Jr Community Impact Fund is being established at the Community Foundation of Broward to continue Henry's legacy. Donations can be made online or by mail to support the community he loved.

The takeaway

Levi Henry Jr.'s life's work with the Westside Gazette reminds us that Black-owned media is not optional, but essential. His unwavering commitment to truth, community, and empowerment through journalism has left an indelible mark, and his mission must continue to be carried forward.