Bobby R. Henry, Sr

Bobby R. Henry, Sr., is the Publisher and CEO of the family-owned Westside Gazette Newspaper in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. In circulation since 1971, the Gazette serves the African American communities in Broward, Dade and Palm Beach Counties, providing local, statewide, national and international news.

Mr. Henry earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology from Florida Memorial College and pursued graduate studies in Special Education at St. Thomas University in Miami.

Mr. Henry’s innovative entrepreneurial initiatives have led to the dramatic transformation of the traditional family-owned African American newspaper. Since his elevation to CEO, the newspaper has seen his emergence as an influential corporate member within the State of Florida and throughout the nation.

Within the community, Mr. Henry contributes enormously. He has devoted many years to uplifting youth, beginning with the Juvenile Justice System in Dayton, Ohio and as a District Executive with the Boys Scouts of America. Pre-COVID-19, he mentors to young Black males whom he reaches through motivational speaking, coaching, fishing, and a “Partner in Education” with the Broward County School System. He also introduced the community to the Westside Gazette HBCU Football Recruiting Combine.

Besides being appointed by Governor Jeb Bush to sit on The Florida Black Business Investment Board, Mr. Henry has been active on the board of numerous organizations, including the Negro Chamber of Commerce, Board member of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) the Black Press of America. He is also an active participant with the Fort Lauderdale Branch of the NAACP (Life Member), New Mount Olive Baptist Church (Deacon), Life Member of  TMWPHGL AF&AM of FL Inc.; McDonald Lodge #70 A.F.&A.M. and his beloved, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. (Life Member). He is the current president of The Florida Association of Black Owned Media, Inc.

Mr. Henry has received many awards and citations for his ongoing efforts to uplift the African-American community.

He is married to Broward County Administrator Bertha W. Henry and is the father of 4 children.