[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 50 (Thursday, March 19, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E243-E244]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     HONORING THE FLORIDA SENTINEL BULLETIN AND THE ANDREWS FAMILY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. KATHY CASTOR

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 19, 2026

  Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today during Black History 
Month to honor the Andrews family and the Florida Sentinel Bulletin, 
the long running African American-led newspaper based in Tampa, known 
for its deep roots in the community and its role as a vital source of 
news, culture, and advocacy. The Sentinel Bulletin's founding, legacy, 
and enduring impact embody the very spirit of the Black press in 
America.
  On December 1, 1945, Cyril Blythe Andrews resurrected the Florida 
Sentinel on historic Central Avenue in Tampa, Florida, at a time when 
African Americans were largely excluded from fair and accurate 
representation in the media. Years earlier, the original Florida 
Sentinel had been founded in 1919 by Gen. William W. Andrews but was 
later forced to close during the Great Depression. Following in his 
father's footsteps, C. Blythe Andrews understood that information was 
power and that an informed community is a community prepared to demand 
justice and opportunity.
  A scholar, athlete, businessman, and community leader, Mr. Andrews 
built more than a newspaper. Through his leadership in business 
development, housing initiatives, and civic institutions, he expanded 
economic opportunity for Black families across Florida. Under his 
direction, the Sentinel printed its own editions, developed statewide 
distribution networks, and became a trusted voice for African Americans 
navigating segregation and systemic inequality.
  In 1959, C. Blythe Andrews, Jr. expanded the publication, 
transforming it into the Florida Sentinel Bulletin and ushering in a 
new era of growth and modernization. A Boston University graduate with 
a master's degree in journalism, he strengthened the paper's editorial 
voice during the Civil Rights Era and the ongoing struggle for equal 
opportunity. Under his leadership, the Sentinel Bulletin installed 
modern printing presses, expanded circulation, and became one of the 
few Black owned newspapers in the Nation with full in house production 
capabilities. Beyond journalism, C. Blythe Andrews, Jr. served on 
numerous civic boards and advisory councils, ensuring that the concerns 
of Tampa's African American community were represented at every level. 
The Sentinel Bulletin was never simply a publication--it was a platform 
for advocacy, accountability, and advancement.
  The history of the Florida Sentinel Bulletin would not be complete 
without acknowledging other remarkable individuals who contributed to 
its legacy. Mrs. Gwendolyn Hayes has devoted 57 years to the Sentinel 
Bulletin, beginning as a proofreader in 1968 and rising through roles 
as crime reporter, typesetter, city editor, and editor. Her dedication 
ensured that the Sentinel maintained its standard of excellence and 
trained future journalists in every facet of the business. Mrs. Betty 
Dawkins has served the paper for 49 years, beginning as a proofreader 
and ultimately becoming advertising director. Through her leadership, 
the Sentinel strengthened relationships with local businesses and 
maintained the economic foundation necessary to continue publishing. 
Her work exemplifies the behind the scenes commitment required to 
sustain a Black owned newspaper for decades.
  The Florida Sentinel Bulletin has a unique and credible legacy that 
has been stewarded by generations of the Andrews family. Today, 
siblings C. Blythe ``Drew'' Andrews, III and Kay Andrews oversee the 
Sentinel Bulletin's continued service to the community. Beginning her 
work at the paper as a teenager, Ms. Andrews rose through the ranks to 
become publisher in 1996, ensuring that the Sentinel Bulletin remains 
responsive to the evolving needs of the community while honoring its 
historic mission.
  This past December, the Florida Sentinel Bulletin celebrated its 80th 
anniversary. For eight decades, the Sentinel has chronicled the 
triumphs and trials of Tampa's African American community. It has 
informed voters, exposed injustice, celebrated achievement, and 
preserved stories that might otherwise have gone untold. During this 
Black History Month, we honor this institution as a living testament to 
truth, entrepreneurship, and the unyielding pursuit of equality.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the 
Florida Sentinel Bulletin and the Andrews family for their founding 
vision, their generational leadership, and their immeasurable impact on 
Tampa Bay and the State of Florida. Its pages reflect not only history, 
but the heartbeat of a strong and vocal community.

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