The publication is reproduced in full below:
COMMENDING THE WESTSIDE GAZETTE ON CELEBRATING THEIR 50TH ANNIVERSARY
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HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS
of florida
in the house of representatives
Monday, February 15, 2021
Mr. HASTINGS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a staple of journalistic integrity in my Congressional district. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the oldest African-American newspaper in the heart of southern Florida, the Westside Gazette. For fifty years, they produced as their motto reminds us: ``A Positive Paper For Positive People.''
The Westside Gazette was founded by Levi Henry Jr. in 1971, in an era not unlike the politically charged environment we have today. While it is now run by his son and my good friend, Bobby Henry, this weekly paper continues to be known for its crusade against racism and injustice. These are the very virtues embodied by the elder Henry, for example, when he demonstrated in support of the integration of Florida beaches with ``wade-ins'' not so long ago.
Bobby Henry Sr. continues the activist tradition of his father, going beyond his role as publisher. In 2017, he was the recipient of the Angelo B. Henderson Community Service Award by the National Association of Black Journalists for making a positive impact on HIV/AIDS and poverty-stricken communities.
Their fifty years of professionalism stand out even more so today as too many regions have suffered misfortune, having succumbed to modern economic pressures that deprive communities of competent, local news outlets. This misfortune leads to communities of all colors dwelling in an excess of news deserts, making it increasingly difficult to hold local politicians to account. The Westside Gazette's pursuit of truth and dedication to journalistic integrity is of continued benefit to not only its readers, but the larger community and the functioning of our democratic form of government.
Madam Speaker, I am so privileged to commemorate and honor the Westside Gazette's longlasting achievement in journalism. Please join me in praising their success, fifty years informing not just the African-American community, but the broader public of southern Florida.
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SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 167, No. 29
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