Gwendolyn Henderson

The owner of Black English Bookstore in Historic Tampa Heights, Gwendolyn Henderson, is a Tampa native. Upon graduating from Jefferson High School, she obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in education from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) and a Master of Education and Education Specialist degree from Saint Leo University in educational leadership and higher education administration. In Hillsborough County Public Schools, she is an accomplished and highly effective educator.

She has been a member of Delta Sigma Theta since 1994, an international sorority dedicated to public service. Currently, she serves as secretary of the Entrepreneurship in Education Advisory Board for the school district.  She is a life member of the Florida A&M University Alumni Association, Saint Leo University Alumni Association, American Booksellers Association and Southern Indie Booksellers Alliance. 

Additionally, she serves as chair of the Community Redevelopment Agency's board, the Public Safety Coordinating Council, and the Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Committee. Mayor Castor appointed her to the board of directors of Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority (HART) in 2023.