Rev. Levi Henry Jr. founded the Westside Gazette in Fort Lauderdale more than 50 years ago.
Rev. Levi Henry, Jr., publisher emeritus and founder of the Westside Gazette in Fort Lauderdale, died on April 7 at age 94.
A homegoing celebration was scheduled for 11 a.m. Friday, April 17 at New Mount Olive Baptist Church, 400 NW 9th Ave., Fort Lauderdale. A service also was held on April 13 at First Saint Paul Baptist Church, in Whiteville, North Carolina.
Burial will be at South Florida National Cemetery in Fort Lauderdale.
“More than five decades ago, when the stories of Black communities were too often overlooked, misrepresented, or ignored, Levi Henry, Jr. dared to create something different. He founded the Westside Gazette not just as a newspaper, but as a mission—a platform to inform, uplift and empower,’’ said his son, Bobby R. Henry, the publisher of the newspaper.
“From its earliest editions, the Westside Gazette stood as a trusted voice for Broward County and beyond, covering the triumphs, the struggles, and the everyday lives of a people deeply rooted and determined not to be moved,’’ Henry stated.
Rev. Henry was born on April 3, 1932. He was a U.S. Army veteran and a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
Under Levi Henry’s leadership, the paper became:
A watchdog for justiceA champion for education and civic engagementA recorder of Black history in real timeA platform for voices too often silence
He didn’t just print news—he cultivated awareness, built pride, and inspired action.
“Levi Henry, Jr. was a man of quiet strength and unwavering conviction. His presence commanded respect, not through volume, but through vision. He believed in doing the work, standing on principle, and letting truth speak louder than opinion,’’ Bobby Henry said about his father.
“He was a devoted husband to Yvonne Henry, his partner in purpose and life, and together they laid the foundation for what would become a generational institution. His wisdom was not only spoken—it was lived.’’
Rev. Henry started the newspaper with his wife, Yvonne Henry, who is deceased.
The Levi Henry, Jr Community Impact Fund has been established at the Community Foundation of Broward.
In lieu of flowers and other expressions of sympathy, the family is requesting that contributions be made to this fund.
Donations may be made online at CFBroward.org by selecting the “Donate Now” button; or by mail to the Community Foundation of Broward, Suite 200, 910 E. Las Olas Blvd; Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33301.
Survivors include his wife, Mamie Anderson Henry; children, Carolyn Thompson of Jacksonville, N.C., Elizabeth Dorenda Henry, Bobby Henry, Pamela Henry, Sonia Henry-Robinson, Carma Lynn Henry, and Steven T. Henry of Fort Lauderdale.