Westside Gazette publisher honored by South Florida political elite

Westside Gazette publisher honored by South Florida political elite

Bobby Henry and wife, Bertha, lauded for community service

By Frank J. Welles

      The Broward Black Elected Officials of Broward County, Florida will honor historic newspaper publisher Bobby R. Henry, Sr. and his wife, Bertha W. Henry, for their Community Service at its Eighth Annual Black History Gala, which will be held 7:30 p.m., Friday, March 1, 2013 at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Fla.

     Westside Gazette Publisher Bobby R. Henry, Sr. and his wife, Broward County Administrator Bertha W. Henry will receive the award before a glittering crowd of 700 guests gathered to pay homage to those who help make their communities better.

     The 2013 Gala: “Hold Fast To Dreams,” is presented by the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. Platinum sponsors are Comcast and Amscot Financial. The Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau is a Silver sponsor. Partner sponsors include Waste Management, VITAS Innovative Hospice Care, FPL and Charter Schools of Excellence.

     The annual BBEO gala recognizes a prestigious list of individuals and corporations for their community service in the categories of political, community and corporate.

     The Henry duo will be recognized for Bobby Henry’s leading role in maintaining the historic newspaper founded by his family as an advocate for improving the Black community and his wife, the first Black female County Administrator in Broward County history, will be recognized for her active role in community service through her work with her sorority, Delta Sigma Theta, and the local chapter of The Links, Inc., one the oldest national African American women’s service organizations.

     “It is indeed an honor to be recognized for contributing to the uplifting of one’s community. It is that much more special  when recognition is not sought and it’s even more rewarding when the honor can be shared with one’s spouse-the burden is truly evenly yoked”, stated Henry, Sr.

     Broward County Commissioner Dale V.C. Holness and West Park Vice-Mayor Felicia M. Brunson are the honorees in the political category. A special award will be presented to Broward Vice-Mayor Sharief, who is CEO and President and founder of South Florida Pediatric Homecare.

     The BBEO Gala this year adds a new category of Lifetime Achievement. The inaugural Lifetime Achievement Honoree is U.S. Rep. Frederica Wilson.

     The corporate honorees are Comcast and Amscot Financial.                   

The Broward Black Elected Officials is a 501©3 organi-zation that supports education through scholarship awards, direct grants to the UNCF and historically Black colleges. The organization also presents com-munity outreach programs.

     Since its inception, the BBEO has donated nearly $200,000 in scholarships to Bro-ward County students and in direct grants to historical Black universities and colleges and the UNCF.

     The gala has been produced since 2007 by Roy H. Campbell, a South Florida special events producer who has created events with such international celebrities as Oprah Winfrey, Tyra Banks, Patti LaBelle and Will Smith.

     “This has been a great partnership for helping African A-merican students pursue their dreams – and hold on them. Over the years, our celebrity friends and national politicians have played a big role in the success of this annual gala,” said Campbell. “However, this year we are especially thrilled to honor the Henrys and their legacy. Both the Henrys have helped keep the dream alive through their service to the community.”