Remembering Willie Brown: The Heart and Voice of Inglewood Today

By Gloria Zuurveen, Editor-in-Chief, PACE NEWS

The City of Inglewood has lost one of its most steadfast champions.

Willie Brown, the indefatigable founder and publisher of Inglewood Today, has passed away, leaving behind a powerful legacy of service, storytelling, and community advocacy. Willie Brown and I shared a unique bond as fellow publishers who founded our newspapers around the same time in the 90s filling a void after the 1992 L.A. Riots.

For decades, he remained a dedicated voice of the people, chronicling the triumphs, trials, and transformations of Inglewood. His work was more than reporting; it was a weekly love letter to the city he so deeply cherished. Known to many as Mr. Inglewood, Willie knew every corner and conversation in the city. Through his columns and coverage, he helped bring countless leaders into the public eye—figures such as former Mayor Danny Tabor and now City Councilwoman Gloria Gray, who both owe part of their recognition and community trust to the pages of Inglewood Today. But Willie’s gift was more than journalism.  His ever-present smile and warm spirit made him a trusted neighbor and friend. Week after week, he delivered the news with integrity and joy, determined to keep residents connected, informed, and empowered.

A Celebration of Life in honor of Willie Brown will be held on Friday, July 18, 2025, at the CenterPointe Club, located at 6200 Playa Vista Drive, Playa Vista, California 90094, from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.  All are welcome to pay tribute to a man whose life’s work made Inglewood stronger and whose absence will be deeply felt.

Willie Brown will be remembered not only as a consummate publisher but as a tireless advocate for community, truth, and progress.

His legacy lives on in every life he touched—and in the spirit of Inglewood, which he helped shape through his words and unwavering dedication.

He will be deeply missed.