Cynthia Marie Horner, a trailblazing force in entertainment journalism, will be honored with the Media Icon Award at the 2025 Living Legends Foundation Gala on October 3, 2025, in Atlanta, GA. Known for her pioneering work as former editor-in-chief of Right On! Magazine, Horner’s career has been defined by her steadfast dedication to authentic Black storytelling in media.
A Cultural Architect of Black Entertainment Journalism
Horner rose to prominence in 1976, when she became editor-in-chief of the magazine, entering an industry where Black artists were often marginalized by mainstream media. Early in her career, she ushered in a new era of youth-focused media, celebrating Black excellence in music and culture.
Cynthia Horner interviewing Michael Jackson; Courtesy of Right On! Digital
She helped transform Right On! into a vital platform that chronicled icons such as Michael Jackson, New Edition, and Prince. Under her leadership, the magazine became a touchstone for Black youth, blending entertainment coverage with cultural pride, fashion, and empowerment.
Amplifying Voices and Shaping Narratives
The Pepperdine University graduate consistently used her platform to highlight the stories behind the stars and their significance in shaping pop culture.
Horner later created a public relations and media company called Cinnamon CHIPS (Cynthia Horner Independent Production Services). She still continues her legacy as she launches Right On! Digital in 2017 through Right On! Media Holdings, LLC, where she serves as the CEO and Editor-in-Chief, continuing her legacy of storytelling and representation in new formats. Right On! Digital now serves under the umbrella of Horner-Harris Family Production.
Honoring a Living Legend
The Living Legends Foundation’s Media Icon Award recognizes Horner’s groundbreaking impact on journalism and her pivotal role in reshaping how Black artists are seen, heard, and remembered, especially the recollected memories of fans hanging their favorite entertainment icons on their bedroom wall and school lockers. Her ability to merge culture, entertainment, and advocacy makes her a singular figure in the history of Black media.
As she is honored in Atlanta this October, Horner’s story serves as a celebration of not just a career but a cultural legacy—one that is still influencing new generations of journalists, creatives, and change makers.
