Conga Kids, a Southern California nonprofit known for using dance to promote social-emotional learning and student engagement, recently honored Dr. James Morris, Inglewood Unified School District's County Administrator, with its prestigious Visionary Award during the organization’s 10th annual Conga Kids Dance Championship at The Novo at L.A. Live in downtown Los Angeles. 

Dr. Morris was recognized for his leadership and commitment to supporting students and families through arts education and innovative school partnerships in the Inglewood Unified School District (IUSD). The award celebrates educators and community leaders whose work has made a lasting impact on underserved communities throughout Southern California. 

The recognition comes as Conga Kids continues to deepen its partnership with Inglewood Unified School District, where the program is now active in every elementary school across the district. Through this districtwide collaboration, Inglewood students are participating in cultural dance instruction designed to build confidence, teamwork, leadership and respect through movement and music.

Conga Kids reaches nearly 60,000 students throughout Los Angeles and Orange counties through its collaborations with school districts and community organizations. The nonprofit’s curriculum combines arts education with social-emotional learning, teaching students dances including cumbia, salsa, Charleston, hip hop and Bollywood. 

Inglewood Unified was represented in this year’s championship competition by Woodworth-Monroe Academy, highlighting the district’s growing involvement in the Conga Kids program. 

Founded in 2016, Conga Kids has become an integral part of many Southern California school districts by providing students with access to arts programming that may not otherwise be available. The organization’s mission focuses on promoting social and emotional well-being and inclusive practices through dance, music, and sports. 

As the partnership between Conga Kids and Inglewood Unified continues to grow, district leaders say the program is helping create meaningful opportunities for students to connect, collaborate and thrive both inside and outside the classroom.