From Inglewood to the World: GLORY AWARDS Celebrate Light Leaders at WePlay Studios
PACE Presents the GLORY AWARDS at WePlay Studios In Inglewood. VIP Tickets Sold Out!
INGLEWOOD, CA – Rooted, grounded, and letting their lights shine in their fields of expertise, the GLORY AWARDS were created for just this purpose. The upcoming celebration of “Light Leaders” who are transforming lives is the vision of Dr. Gloria Zuurveen, founder and CEO of the nonprofit Parent Action Coalition for Education (P.A.C.E.). First launched in 2018 at the EXPO Center in Los Angeles, the GLORY AWARDS continue their mission this year at the state-of-the-art WePlay Studios in Inglewood.
Adding unmatched energy and prestige to the evening, Mr. Aundrae Russell — host of “Spread the Word,” the Stellar Award-winning gospel program on the legendary 102.3 KJLH — will serve as Master of Ceremonies. A beloved voice in Los Angeles and beyond, Russell carries the legacy of a station owned by none other than the master of music himself, Stevie Wonder. As a 2024 GLORY AWARDS honoree, he exemplifies the very spirit of the awards: excellence, service, and using one’s platform to inspire and uplift others. With Russell at the helm, the 2025 GLORY AWARDS promises to be an unforgettable evening of celebration and illumination.
The gala will be held on Sunday, September 28, 2025, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at WePlay Studios, 235 West Florence Ave., Inglewood, CA 90301.
Inglewood Mayor James T. Butts, Jr. will present the Founder’s Award to Mr. Larrance “Rance” Dopson, a four-time GRAMMY Award winner. Beyond his accolades, Dopson represents a legacy of family, faith, and music innovation. From his father, Lawrence “Poppa Dop” Dopson—King of his castle—Rance inherited the gift of turning music into a drum call for the masses. Through his genius in musical entrepreneurship and wide-reaching collaborations, including with the incomparable Ukrainian partners at WePlay Studios, Dopson continues to light the world with creativity and purpose.
Inglewood City Councilwoman Dionne Faulk will present the Lifetime Achievement Award to Dr. Carolyn Wilder, whose impact on education in Inglewood and beyond is historic. Alongside her husband, Dr. Wilder founded Wilder’s Preparatory Academy and Charter School, the first charter school in Inglewood. Her tenacity and faith built a fully accredited institution that has set a world standard for educating all children, especially Black children.
Other honorees will include leaders reflecting the breadth of Inglewood’s vibrant community such as City Treasurer Angela Allen who will present Inglewood City Clerk Aisha L. Thompson with the GLORY AWARD for Public Service.
Thompson has already demonstrated her commitment to civic engagement, most recently with Votechella, a dynamic event blending fun, education, and democracy.
Joined by LA County Registrar Dean Logan and his team, their efforts to empower residents was on display along with GLORY AWARDS honoree Thompson and her dedicated staff, including Destinee, Adryana, Camille, and others. They exemplify the light and professionalism these awards seek to recognize.
Business leaders, educational advocates, and nonprofit founders such as Brandon Meyers, Lauren Brazile, Betty and Ben Woldegiorgis, co-owners of The Nile Bar located in the heart of Inglewood on the corner of Market and Manchester will also be celebrated for their excellence and letting their lights shine.
The 2025 GLORY AWARDS at WePlay Studios will remind us that when individuals let their lights shine, they illuminate the path for others.
We look forward to celebrating and honoring these leaders for their service, leadership, and love.
Their lights are shining bright, and we give God the glory.
Without sponsors and compassionate care for the mission of PACE, our lights would not shine so bright so we thank David Rice Founder and CEO, Taste of Inglewood, for sponsoring the VIP lounge during the 2025 GLORY AWARDS.
Tickets are still available at www.parentactioncoalitionforeducation.org.
Dr. Zuurveen, you are such a blessing to and for locals, people, and businesses. We are all looking forward to the 2025 Glory Awards which as previous years will be fantastic and well received. God bless you and your visions. Thank you for stepping out on faith each day and bringing us moments of glory.