Mr. Speaker, I rise today during Black History Month to honor the Andrews family and the Florida Sentinel Bulletin, the long running African American–led newspaper based in Tampa, known for its deep roots in the community and its role as a vital source of news, culture, and advocacy. The Sentinel Bulletin’s founding, legacy, and enduring impact embody the very spirit of the Black press in America.

On December 1, 1945, Cyril Blythe Andrews resurrected the Florida Sentinel on historic Central Avenue in Tampa, Florida, at a time when African Americans were largely excluded from fair and accurate representation in the media. Years earlier, the original Florida Sentinel had been founded in 1919 by Gen. William W. Andrews but was later forced to close during the Great Depression. Following in his father’s footsteps, C. Blythe Andrews understood that information was power and that an informed community is a community prepared to demand justice and opportunity.

A scholar, athlete, businessman, and community leader, Mr. Andrews built more than a newspaper. Through his leadership in business development, housing initiatives, and civic institutions, he expanded economic opportunity for Black families across Florida. Under his direction, the Sentinel printed its own editions, developed statewide distribution networks, and became a trusted voice for African Americans navigating segregation and systemic inequality.

In 1959, C. Blythe Andrews, Jr. expanded the publication, transforming it into the Florida Sentinel Bulletin and ushering in a new era of growth and modernization. A Boston University graduate with a master’s degree in journalism, he strengthened the paper’s editorial voice during the Civil Rights Era and the ongoing struggle for equal opportunity. Under his leadership, the Sentinel Bulletin installed modern printing presses, expanded circulation, and became one of the few Black owned newspapers in the nation with full in house production capabilities. Beyond journalism, C. Blythe Andrews, Jr. served on numerous civic boards and advisory councils, ensuring that the concerns of Tampa’s African American community were represented at every level. The Sentinel Bulletin was never simply a publication—it was a platform for advocacy, accountability, and advancement.

The history of the Florida Sentinel Bulletin would not be complete without acknowledging other remarkable individuals who contributed to its legacy. Mrs. Gwendolyn Hayes has devoted 57 years to the Sentinel Bulletin, beginning as a proofreader in 1968 and rising through roles as crime reporter, typesetter, city editor, and editor. Her dedication ensured that the Sentinel maintained its standard of excellence and trained future journalists in every facet of the business. Mrs. Betty Dawkins has served the paper for 49 years, beginning as a proofreader and ultimately becoming advertising director. Through her leadership, the Sentinel strengthened relationships with local businesses and maintained the economic foundation necessary to continue publishing. Her work exemplifies the behind the scenes commitment required to sustain a Black owned newspaper for decades.

The Florida Sentinel Bulletin has a unique and credible legacy that has been stewarded by generations of the Andrews family. Today, siblings C. Blythe “Drew” Andrews III and Kay Andrews oversee the Sentinel Bulletin’s continued service to the community. Beginning her work at the paper as a teenager, Ms. Andrews rose through the ranks to become publisher in 1996, ensuring that the Sentinel Bulletin remains responsive to the evolving needs of the community while honoring its historic mission.

This past December, the Florida Sentinel Bulletin celebrated its 80th anniversary. For eight decades, the Sentinel has chronicled the triumphs and trials of Tampa’s African American community. It has informed voters, exposed injustice, celebrated achievement, and preserved stories that might otherwise have gone untold. During this Black History Month, we honor this institution as a living testament to truth, entrepreneurship, and the unyielding pursuit of equality.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the Florida Sentinel Bulletin and the Andrews family for their founding vision, their generational leadership, and their immeasurable impact on Tampa Bay and the State of Florida. Its pages reflect not only history, but the heartbeat of a strong and vocal community.