Inside Inglewood News Media Night at Addis Inglewood Sets the Stage for Civic Engagement

Aundrae Russell takes the mic to introduce Olympic Champion Henry Tillman—The Champion in the City of Champions—at Addis Inglewood on Thursday, November 6, 2025. Photo by Gloria Zuurveen.

Henry Tillman speaks at Addis Inglewood Open House INSIDE INGLEWOOD inside PACE NEWS Media Night on Thursday, Nov. 6, 2025. Photo by Gloria Zuurveen

Me and the Champion, Henry Tillman, with our dukes up—ready to win! Photo by Maxine Douglas.

The open house and media night gave residents a chance to explore this hidden gem right in their neighborhood. Guests were greeted at the door by Ms. Maxine Douglas, who volunteered her time and talent as the photographer for the evening as well as ushering as she extended warm welcomes with her gracious smile. Attendees toured the beautiful facility, enjoyed light refreshments, and shared lively conversations about the future of their city.

Photojournalist Ricky Richardson and volunteer helper Maxine Douglas, proudly wearing her Wilder’s Preparatory Academy Charter School shirt, took time after work to lend a helping hand and make the Addis Inglewood Open House and Inside Inglewood inside PACE NEWS Media Night a success. Photo by Gloria Zuurveen.

Adding even more star power to the evening, KJLH 102.3 FM’s Aundrae Russell and his crew made their presence known as they enjoyed the fun and fellowship. On their way to the Brandy and Monica concert at the Kia Forum, they made it a point to stop by Addis Inglewood to show love and support for the event. Their presence brought extra excitement and energy to the crowd, as community members and media professionals mingled in an atmosphere buzzing with pride, purpose, and good vibes.

Ben Woldegiorgis, Saizana Evans, Aundrae Russell, me, Russell’s nephew, Marco Williams and KJLH On Air Personality and Inglewood resident Ricky Ruckus.

Ben Woldegiorgis, Co-Owner of Nile Bar and Restaurant, and Dee, Manager of Nile Bar, are pictured during the Addis Inglewood Open House and Inside Inglewood/PACE NEWS Media Night on Thursday, November 6, 2025. Photo by Maxine Douglas.

Marco Williams, Aundrae Russell and Ricky Ruckus. Photo by Gloria Zuurveen

“Just chill”. That is exactly what KJLH Radio Personality and Marco Williams, nephew of KJLH Radio Personality were doing at the Addis Inglewood as they lounged to relaxed while listening to classic soulful sounds during the recent open house and Inside Inglewood inside PACE NEWS Media Night in Inglewood on the corner of Market Street. Photo by Maxine Douglas.

Here I am speaking with KJLH Program Director, Chris Malone and KJLH Radio Personality Aundrae Russell about Addis Inglewood and INSIDE INGLEWOOD inside PACE NEWS.

The KJLH team was thoroughly impressed by the lounge’s grand cherry wood décor, its rich finish running from trim to ceiling, and the overall ambiance that reflected the spirit of Inglewood—strong, elegant, and community-driven.

Inglewood Leadership Shows Up and Shows Out

Inglewood’s civic leadership was on full display that night. From elected officials to commissioners and long-time residents, the city’s heart and soul filled the room.

Fourth District Councilwoman Dionne Faulk took the floor and spoke powerfully about the transformation taking place within her district. She highlighted new development projects, including plans around Morningside High School, emphasizing that progress in Inglewood is intentional and inclusive. Her words painted a vivid picture of a city that’s “booming and blooming,” as she put it, with opportunity and renewal.

Inglewood City Clerk Aisha L. Thompson greets and embrace 1st District City Councilwoman Gloria Gray upon her arrival to the Addis Inglewood Inside Inglewood Media Night on the corner of Market Street and Manchester Blvd. on Thursday, Nov. 6, 2025. Photo by Gloria Zuurveen

First District Councilwoman Gloria Gray was also on hand, along with several of her commissioners and appointees. It was truly a pleasure to see her there—especially knowing how full her schedule always is. Yet she took the time to show her support for the open house and the launch of Inside Inglewood inside PACE NEWS. Her presence was both gracious and inspiring, a testament to her continued commitment to community engagement and open communication with residents.

Ben Woldegiorgis, Co-owner of the Nile Restaurant and Bar and the Addis Inglewood is pictured with 1st District Councilwoman Gloria Gray. Photo by Maxine Douglas

Attendees at the recent Addis Inglewood and Inside Inglewood Media Night. Photo by Gloria Zuurveen

Supporting Inglewood businesses together, 4th District City Councilwoman Dionne Faulk joins City Clerk Aisha L. Thompson, City Treasurer Angela Allen, and 2nd District Planning Commissioner David Rice to show their support for Addis Inglewood and Inside Inglewood inside PACE NEWS, the city’s adjudicated newspaper of general circulation. Photo by Gloria Zuurveen.

4th District Councilwoman Dionne Faulk speaking at the Addis Inglewood Open House during the Inside Inglewood Media Night on Nov. 6, 2025. Photo Maxine Douglas

I’m pictured speaking with KJLH Program Director Chris Malone and Radio Personality Aundrae Russell during the Addis Inglewood Open House and Inside Inglewood/PACE NEWS Media Night in Inglewood. Photo by Maxine Douglas.

Also among the attendees was David Rice, CEO of Goldencrest Construction, Inc. and a respected Planning Commissioner for the City of Inglewood. Mr. Rice has watched his city go from can’t to can, and his steady influence can be seen in the thoughtful growth and development reshaping Inglewood today. His presence underscored the importance of collaboration between private enterprise and public leadership in sustaining the city’s forward momentum.

And we must give special commendation to Mayor James T. Butts, Jr. for his unwavering leadership, tenacity, and temerity in defying the odds once stacked against this city. Inglewood was long labeled as a “gang-infested, no-good city to live in” after many white residents left decades ago—but under Mayor Butts’ direction, Black and Brown communities have worked together to transform Inglewood into one of the most talked-about cities on an international scale.

Inglewood City Clerk Aisha L. Thompson and City Treasurer Angela Allen greets and welcome Radio Personality Ricky Ruckus as they tour the Addis Inglewood facilities on Thursday, November 6. This photo speaks to the power of community unity and businesses like Addis Inglewood and Inside Inglewood/PACE NEWS collaborative partnership. Photo by Maxine Douglas.

Mayor Butts, in his ability to lead with wisdom and to build like Solomon, has performed nothing short of miracles—blessings born from obedience and vision. His leadership shines as a light that illuminates the City of Inglewood, earning the respect of all men. And that, indeed, is the Southern Truth.

Addis Inglewood sits at the center of that transformation—on Manchester Boulevard and Market Street, a corner where everybody meets. It’s just a stone’s throw from the legendary Dulan’s Soul Food Restaurant, a true legacy of soul communion where the drumbeat of culture rises from plates of oxtails, short ribs, collard greens, and mac and cheese. Late into the evening, lines of hungry locals and visitors alike wrap around the corner for a taste of Dulan’s—and now, thanks to Addis, they can lounge, celebrate, and host events in the same thriving block that symbolizes the rebirth of Inglewood.

Inside Inglewood News proudly carries the message of what’s happening around this prospering and well-to-do town—reporting from the heart of it all.

Inside Inglewood and PACE NEWS: Power by the Hour from City Hall

What makes this moment even more significant is that PACE NEWS, the newspaper of general circulation with an exclusive contract to provide public notices for all departments of the City of Inglewood, has officially taken its seat inside the halls of power—now headquartered on the 7th Floor of Inglewood City Hall.

Me at Addis Inglewood Insiden Inglewood Media Open House and Media Night. Photo by Maxine Douglas

Journalist and photographer, Ricky Richardson arrived first at the Addis Inglewood Open House and Insiden Inglewood Inside PACE NEWS Media Night. Photo by Maxine Douglas

This historic move symbolizes more than prestige—it represents purpose. From this vantage point, Inside Inglewood inside PACE NEWS is positioned to deliver critical news, civic updates, and public notices directly to residents, businesses, and the wider world through print, digital, and podcast platforms.

With this new chapter, the mission is clear: to bring Inglewood Power by the Hour—a steady broadcast of local voices, progress, and truth—to the nation and the world. The timing couldn’t be more divine. As Los Angeles prepares to host the Olympic Games and Inglewood welcomes yet another NFL Super Bowl, all eyes are once again on the city that rose from doubt to dominance.

Yes, the second in five is alive—and it’s alive right here at Addis Inglewood Lounge, where community, creativity, and civic pride converge through Inside Inglewood inside PACE NEWS.

A New Chapter for Inside Inglewood News

The evening was declared a great success by Saizana Evans, Co-Owner of Addis Inglewood, and I agree wholeheartedly. It was more than a media night—it was a gathering of neighbors, leaders, and legends coming together to celebrate Inglewood’s progress, promise, and power.

As the night came to a close, one thing was certain: Inglewood is on the rise, guided by leaders who care and residents who show up.

Make sure you don’t miss the next Inside Inglewood Media Night, happening Thursday, December 4, 2025. Come see for yourself how Inglewood continues to make history—one story, one event, and one united community at a time. For more information contact us at (323) 244-7286 or at www.pacenewsonline.com.

Downtown Inglewood on corner of Market Street and Manchester Blvd. where Addis Inglewood is located at 201 South Market Street. Photo Maxine Douglas