TAMPA, Fla. — This week, Tampa is celebrating the life of City Councilwoman Gwendolyn Henderson.

She died unexpectedly last week at 60 years old. Loved ones gathered to remember her Monday night, including at her business, Black English Bookstore.

What You Need To Know

  • Loved ones gathered to remember Tampa City Councilwoman Gwendolyn Henderson Monday evening

  • Henderson died last week at the age of 60

  • Friends and family gathered at Henderson's Black English Bookstore, as well as at a viewing

  • PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Tampa City Council member Gwendolyn Henderson dies at 60

"The last time I was here, you know, she was here, and she was just showing us some of the new books that she had gotten in. It meant everything to her," said Henderson's longtime friend, Ross Anderson.

On the shelves of Black English, customers will find more than a good read. Anderson, who founded the group Men of Vision, said it was her mission to offer a deeper understanding of history — especially Black history, Tampa's culture and community.

"I know when I brought the guys in, for them just to be surrounded by, one — greatness, but they were surrounded by authors that look like students that she taught," Anderson said.

Henderson taught for years at Jefferson High School, and Anderson said what he'll remember most is her love for her students.

“She just came from the heart. It was important to her for students to know, one — their history, just students to know that somebody cares,” he said.

Deidre Cummings started working at Black English back in March.

“I love what she had created here, and I just wanted to be a part of it,” Cummings said.

She told Spectrum News Henderson loved welcoming people into the store and telling them she created it with the help of students in an entrepreneurship class. 

“I admired her so much,” said Cummings. “I felt like I had so much more to learn, and we all had so much more to learn, you know? But all we can do now is learn from her legacy, and this bookstore is part of her legacy.”

A viewing was also held Monday night. Among those in attendance were Henderson’s city council colleagues, including Councilman Luis Viera. He said Henderson wasn’t one to play political games, but instead led from the heart. On a personal level, he said it was a pleasure sitting next to her at council meetings.

“She had no filter. She was hilarious,” Viera said. “We would talk a lot because we got along really well. There were times when, because of a vote or whatever, I could tell she was not happy with me, and so we talked later on about it — just in general terms that are permissible and everything. And, you know — she was a good lady.”

Henderson’s funeral is scheduled to take place Tuesday morning.