The GLORY Was on Full Display at WePlay Studios in Inglewood

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By Gloria Zuurveen, Editor-in-Chief

INGLEWOOD-GLORY was in the house — and I mean that literally — on Sunday, September 28, 2025, when the GLORY AWARDS took center stage at the magnificent WePlay Studios in the heart of Inglewood, the City of Champions. It was an Oscar-like affair, full of glamour, grace, and greatness, right in our own backyard — just a stone’s throw away from City Hall and nestled in the city’s thriving sports and entertainment thoroughfare where the world now gathers to play, cheer, and celebrate.

From the moment the red carpet rolled out, it was clear this was no ordinary event. The glamor was undeniable, the excellence on full display, and the spirit was high. Surprise guests like Karen Monroe, Founder & CEO of I Want KayKay, a celebrity nanny service, along with Julienne Johnson and Keith Edwards of Johnson Edwards Productions, and so many others, filled the room with love and light. Cameras flashed, the crowd glowed, and the stage was set for greatness.

And when I, Dr. Gloria Zuurveen, Founder and CEO of the Parent Action Coalition for Education (PACE), took the stage, the Spirit took over. I danced my way through “I Believe” by Sounds of Blackness, because I do believe — in God’s plan, in community strength, and in the GLORY that shines when we come together to uplift one another. The GLORY AWARDS was more than a show — it was an immersive experience, a breathtaking fusion of technology, artistry, and inspiration. WePlay Studios dazzled the audience with its high-definition digital stage, lighting, and cinematic sound, creating a setting worthy of Hollywood itself. But what made it truly special was that it all happened right here in Inglewood — in our own city, in our own space, telling our own stories.

 

The celebration was complete with a delicious meal sponsored by David Rice, Founder and CEO, A Taste of Inglewood, and prepared by Keokia Kitchen, sealing the night with soul food and fellowship that fed both body and spirit. Then came the major announcement that I’m so proud to share again: INSIDE INGLEWOOD, our new community newspaper, is now officially located on the 7th floor inside Inglewood, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with City Hall and the heartbeat of civic leadership! This milestone marks a turning point — for decades, we’ve covered the news, and now, we are inside the news. From this new vantage point, INSIDE INGLEWOOD, inside PACE NEWS, will amplify voices, highlight progress, and report truth from the center of power. We’re bringing journalism home to the people — inside Inglewood, for the people of Inglewood.

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And the night’s prestige didn’t stop there. Keith Edwards and Julienne Johnson, masters of full-service event and entertainment production, graced the GLORY AWARDS with their presence. With over 30 years of experience producing some of the most spectacular events in the U.S. and Europe, their client list reads like a Who’s Who of Hollywood and high society — from Barbra Streisand, Elizabeth Taylor, and Bruce Willis & Demi Moore, to Brad Pitt, Kenny Edmonds, Jane Fonda, and Geena Davis. Most recently, they produced events for Robert Day (TCW), continuing their legacy of excellence.

Their attendance at the GLORY AWARDS was not only an honor — it was validation. For such distinguished producers to sit in awe of what was unfolding inside WePlay Studios confirmed what I’ve always known: The GLORY AWARDS is a world-class, Oscar-like experience — produced by the people, for the people, in the heart of Inglewood. They joined us as special guests of Larrance “Rance” Dopson, recipient of the Founder’s Award, whose musical genius has earned global acclaim. The night reached a heavenly crescendo as his father, Lawrence Dopson, lifted his voice in soulful a cappella, blending legacy and love in a moment of pure GLORY. This event was more than a celebration — it was a statement. That Inglewood is not only hosting the world’s biggest stadiums and brightest stars — but also producing its own cultural legacy, rooted in faith, excellence, and community pride. So yes, let the pictures speak for themselves. The GLORY AWARDS is here to stay — and it’s shining brighter each year. Through PACE NEWS and INSIDE       INGLEWOOD, we’ll keep the spotlight glowing on our   GLORY Scholars, Light-Leaders, Civic Heroes, and Local Champions who make this city proud. I always say in The Southern Truth — When you know better, you do better. And when you do better, you show GLORY everywhere you go. On that Sunday night, as I looked across the crowd at WePlay Studios, I knew one thing for sure: GLORY was in the house — and so was the future of Inglewood.