A Life Well Lived: Honoring Willie Charles Brown, Sr., Publisher of Inglewood Today

July 22, 2025

Willie Charles Brown, Sr. , the 81-year-old publisher of Inglewood Today, passed away on June 25, 2023, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of community journalism spanning more than three decades. After founding his newspaper in 1993 to counter negative mainstream narratives about Inglewood following the Los Angeles uprising, Brown transformed it into a trusted source of local news and community commentary.

Who is affected

Inglewood residents who relied on Inglewood Today as a trusted news source
The Inglewood community that Brown documented and supported for over three decades
Local civic leaders and politicians who worked with Brown
The Black media landscape in California
Brown's friends, golfing circle, and colleagues including Kenneth Miller
California Black Media network
Emerging community leaders whom Brown mentored

What action is being taken

Brown's life and legacy were honored at a service held at Inglewood Park Cemetery on July 19
A Celebration of Life was held on July 18 at the CenterPointe Club in Playa Vista
Councilmember Gloria Gray read a city proclamation honoring Brown's impact
Former colleagues at Inglewood Today are working to preserve his legacy
Kenneth Miller has expressed willingness to "do whatever I'm asked to keep his legacy alive"

Why it matters

Brown provided a platform that gave Inglewood residents a voice for over 30 years
Inglewood Today countered distorted narratives about the community in mainstream media
Brown was described as "an institution" and "an anchor in the community" by Mayor Butts
He was a foundational voice in forming California Black Media's statewide Black press infrastructure
His work supported Black-owned, community-centered journalism during challenging times for print media
Brown elevated community concerns before they reached official agendas
He championed women's rights and spoke out against injustice through his platform

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint