Tampa councilwoman writes her next chapter, opens bookstore

Gwen Henderson, seeing an unmet need for a community-driven niche bookstore, adds business owner to her resume.

By Laura Lyon
| 5:00 a.m. July 24, 2024
| 0 Free Articles Remaining!

Gwen Henderson, owner of Black English Bookstore in Tampa, poses in her shop.

Tampa Bay-Lakeland

Much like the books on the shelves at her store, Gwen Henderson is an educator and storyteller. She opened Black English bookstore in the Tampa Heights neighborhood in November 2023, and now small business owner’ is one of more role in her busy schedule.

Henderson, a Tampa native, is a city councilwoman who recently turned in her retirement papers after working as an educator in Hillsborough County for 30 years. Henderson won a four-year term to the council in March 2023 for District 5, which covers McKay Bay/Palmetto Beach and downtown Tampa, the Channel District and Ybor City.