Happy New Year Inglewood!

By Willie Brown

This year, Inglewood Today will celebrate 31 years in the publishing industry..  Like most small businesses, we’ve had our share of struggles, but we’re still standing.  There is something to be said for longevity and consistency. And we would not be here had it not been for the support of our loyal readers and viewers.  THANK YOU!!!

A lot has changed over the years.  The move from print to digital content has put a vast majority of newspapers out of business.  While Inglewood Today still publishes hard copies of our weekly newspaper, we also publish on our website and social media.  We have had to change with the times.  

Likewise, for those living and working in Inglewood, change has been major.  The city looks, feels and moves differently.  And, whether you are resistant to change or embrace it, will determine the outcome of your future.  The key is making change work for you.

As we welcome  the new year, Inglewood Today wants to reaffirm our moniker as your “community connection.” Throughout our long history in Inglewood, we have engaged in and sponsored scores of events and projects that benefit people who live and work here.  

More than iust a local news source, Inglewood Today has always stood for fairness in journalism.  We have fought to change negative, distorted images of our community. In fact, our newspaper was created specifically to counter salacious stories about Inglewood as a community of drugs, poverty and crime.  

Our mission was to set the record straight and present news that objectively and accurately tells the stories of our readers.  We wanted to capture the positive and report news that is rarely covered by mainstream media, like achievements of our youth, improvements in our quality of life and noteworthy community-focused events.  

Our efforts to tell the truth in a positive way have paid off in ways we could have never imagined when we began in 1994–laying the groundwork for major investments. Multi-billion dollar projects that have materialized recently came about primarily because deep-pocketed investors felt safe enough to build here.  And this sense of safety was created to a large extent on the reputation of Inglewood as a positive  place to live, work and raise families.  

The Inglewood of 2025 seems like an entirely different place than it was just 5 years ago. The look, feel and vibe is different.  Many have embraced the changes, and feel excited about the potential for growth.  But change has not been kind to some long-time residents and businesses.

Despite truckloads of dollars pouring into infrastructure projects, small business owners–especially those with businesses near the entertainment district–are suffering financially due to traffic detours and other challenges.  Some residents are finding themselves outpriced in the rental and home buying market.  Some of you feel ignored, overlooked, maybe even abandoned by the City or corporate neighbors.  Left with little to show for your hard work and tax dollars, you may feel like David battling Goliath. 

We hear you.  That’s why.In the coming months Inglewood Today will be rolling out new projects and opportunities to drive more revenue to your business, welcome new businesses and bring existing  businesses back into the spotlight.  There is room for every business to thrive in Inglewood, but business owners must find ways to forge their own path–with or without the City’s help.  

To our Inglewood families, we want to shine a light on your achievements and share your good news.  If you have a story idea, let us know.  Email your information to veronica@inglewoodtoday.com.

Together we can create a path forward that works for everyone who wants to thrive in this city.  Happy New Inglewood!  May God continue to bless you and yours richly  in this new year.