By Bobby R. Henry Sr.Writer, Westside Gazette
FORT LAUDERDALE — With heavy hearts however deep gratitude for a life effectively lived, we announce the passing of Levi Henry Jr., writer emeritus and founder together with his spouse, Yvonne Henry (deceased), of the Westside Gazette—a person whose imaginative and prescient gave voice to a individuals and whose function helped form a group.
Greater than 5 a long time in the past, when the tales of Black communities have been too usually ignored, misrepresented, or ignored, Levi Henry Jr. dared to create one thing totally different. He based the Westside Gazette not simply as a newspaper, however as a mission—a platform to tell, uplift and empower.
He understood then what we should always remember now: If we don’t inform our tales, nobody else will inform them appropriately.
A paper with a function
From its earliest editions, the Westside Gazette stood as a trusted voice for Broward County and past, masking the triumphs, the struggles, and the on a regular basis lives of a individuals deeply rooted and decided to not be moved.
Below his management, the paper grew to become:
• A watchdog for justice
• A champion for schooling and civic engagement
• A recorder of Black historical past in actual time
• A platform for voices too usually silenced
He didn’t simply print information—he cultivated consciousness, constructed pleasure, and impressed motion.
The person behind the mission
To the group, he was a writer.
To many, he was a mentor.
To us, he was Daddy.
Levi Henry Jr. was a person of quiet energy and unwavering conviction. His presence commanded respect, not by means of quantity, however by means of imaginative and prescient. He believed in doing the work, standing on precept, and letting fact communicate louder than opinion.
He was a loyal husband to Yvonne Henry, his companion in function and life, and collectively they laid the inspiration for what would grow to be a generational establishment.
His knowledge was not solely spoken—it was lived.
A legacy that can not be erased
At this time, the Westside Gazette stands as a testomony to his foresight and religion. Each headline, each {photograph}, each story printed carries the DNA of his unique imaginative and prescient.
In an period the place media continues to evolve, his mission stays fixed: A optimistic paper for a optimistic individuals.
His life’s work reminds us that Black-owned media just isn’t non-compulsory; it’s important.
The cost earlier than us
As we mourn, we additionally mirror.
As we grieve, we additionally recommit.
As a result of the best option to honor Levi Henry Jr. just isn’t solely in phrases however in continuation.
We should proceed to:
• Inform our tales
• Shield our historical past
• Inform our individuals
• Empower our future
There’s a position so that you can play – Be a part of Us
• The Levi Henry, Jr Neighborhood Affect Fund is being established on the Neighborhood Basis of Broward. In lieu of flowers and different expressions of sympathy, the household kindly requests that contributions be made to this fund. By your generosity, the group he cherished will proceed to learn from his life’s work for generations to return.
• Donations could also be made by clicking the hyperlink and/or on-line at CFBroward.org by choosing the “Donate Now” button; or by mail to the Neighborhood Basis of Broward, Suite 200, 910 E. Las Olas Blvd; Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33301.
Closing Phrase
Levi Henry Jr. didn’t merely construct a newspaper. He constructed a legacy. And although he has transitioned from this earthly life, his affect will echo in each version, each voice, and each technology to return.
We’re deeply rooted… and due to him… we will not be moved.
Funeral preparations can be introduced at a later date.
This story was initially printed by the Westside Gazette Newspaper.
