Tampa City Councilwoman Gwen Henderson passed away Monday night, city officials confirmed. Henderson was sworn into the city council in 2023 and represented District 5, which encompasses parts of Ybor City and East Tampa. She was also owner of Black English Bookstore in Tampa Heights. Henderson, a West Tampa native, was a teacher, activist and "powerhouse in the community," according to a news release. She died of natural causes in her home overnight, and firefighters responded to the emergency medical call Tuesday morning, officials said. "Council Member Henderson should be remembered for her years of service to the community as an educator, community leader and elected official,” said Councilman Bill Carlson, District 4. “She also served the community through her bookstore and as a fierce advocate for women and her students. On stage she loved to debate, but off stage she was smart, witty and kind." Henderson grew up in the Carver City neighborhood. She went to several public schools in the area and got her bachelor's from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) and received her master's in education from Saint Leo University, according to her biography on the city's website. MORE: https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/hillsboroughcounty/tampa-city-councilwoman-gwen-henderson-dies/67-b4711caa-84a5-4cca-807f-1e2a569e9dfc