[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 29 (Monday, February 15, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E133-E134]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 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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