Tampa community leaders react to death of Councilwoman Henderson

With heavy hearts, Mayor Jane Castor and Tampa City Council Chairman Alan Clendenin confirm the sudden death of Councilwoman Gwendolyn Henderson of District 5.

A West Tampa native, Councilwoman Henderson touched the lives of many as a teacher, community activist, and elected official. She was sworn into the Tampa City Council on May 1, 2023, and shortly after became Chair of the Community Redevelopment Agency.

Councilwoman Henderson was a powerhouse in our community — she was a teacher, business owner, and champion for African-American culture and Tampa’s history. Her sense of humor energized our city and her loss leaves a deep void for all of us.

Councilwoman Henderson brought passion, empathy, and deep community knowledge to her role. Elected in 2023, she was known for her fierce advocacy on issues of education, equity, and economic opportunity. Prior to serving on City Council, she spent decades as a dedicated educator with Hillsborough County Public Schools and served on the City of Tampa’s Citizens Review Board. She was the current chair of Tampa’s Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA), a small business owner and a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

The City of Tampa extends its deepest condolences to her family, loved ones, and all those impacted by this tremendous loss.

Plans to honor Councilwoman Henderson’s life and service will be shared in the coming days.

I am deeply saddened by the passing of Councilwoman Gwen Henderson—a devoted educator, community leader, and dear friend.

Gwen dedicated decades to Hillsborough County Public Schools and was the heart of Jefferson High School during my time as principal. Her love for our students, staff, and community was unmatched, and her support never wavered.

Gwen remained a fierce advocate for public education through her work on the City Council. She never stopped fighting for our schools or believing in the power of education to change lives.

She will be deeply missed in our community.

I am deeply saddened to learn of the sudden loss of Councilwoman Gwen Henderson. Gwen was a devoted public servant, a passionate advocate for Tampa’s neighborhoods and a fierce voice for Tampa families.

Her love for her hometown was evident in every action she took—from championing affordable housing and public safety to standing up for seniors and small businesses. Gwen fought for the hopes and dreams of her community, including advocating for the rebuilding and expansion of the Fair Oaks Recreation Center in East Tampa. As the owner of the Black English Bookstore in Tampa Heights, she preserved Black history for future generations. I have been proud to work closely with Gwen often—from securing federal support for important community initiatives to supporting students and parents with free laptops when the COVID-19 pandemic forced remote learning.

Tampa has lost a beloved neighbor and tireless advocate. My thoughts are with her daughter Ariel, her family, her friends and the neighbors she served so faithfully. May Gwen’s memory be a call to continue the work she so proudly led.

Gwen was always talking about her family journey: she talked with adoration about her late mother; her heroic late father who she always proudly said served in the Korean War and raised a family in Carver City; her loving sister; and her daughter who she had so much beaming pride in. Gwen had a passion for Black History - from 1619 to today. If you wanted to see the beauty of Gwen’s heart, you should stop by her dream realized - her Black English bookstore. That bookstore was about the pride she had in the journey of her family and families like hers. Gwen’s life and values were intertwined in the journey of Black Tampenos.

I was shocked and saddened this morning upon being told of Gwen’s death. I am proud to have worked alongside Councilwoman Henderson—who, like me, was a neighborhood advocate, business owner, and former teacher.

She dubbed me “Fifteen,” and I, in turn, called her “Sixteen” in reference to our places in the sequence of the very few women to ever serve on city council. I deeply regret that I will no longer be able to enjoy her laughter, infectious spirit, and boundless energy as we continue our work to build a Tampa that works for everyone.