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In a celebration held at the annual Juneteenth Gala on June 19, 2025, the New York Association of Black Journalists (NYABJ) presented its prestigious President’s Award to veteran media executive and entertainment journalist Cynthia Horner. This accolade, reserved for individuals who have made notable contributions to Black journalism and the broader cultural landscape, follows Horner’s decades-long influence in shaping celebrity journalism and fostering Black media power.
“I am deeply appreciative of the award which was given to me by Bonita Sostre, the current NYABJ President. As the Member at Large, I have tried to make an impact within our chapter and have assisted our fellow board members with our fundraising efforts. As a journalist for over four decades, it has been a pleasure to interact with so many professionals from the New York City area, and I am touched by the support that I have been given in the chapter. It is my greatest desire to continue touching the lives in our community through NYABJ and our media site, Right On! Digital,” said Cynthia,.
Horner is a trailblazer: born in Anderson, Indiana, she moved to Southern California and by age 11 was already editing her school paper. Horner wrote for local newspapers in high school and earned early admission to Pepperdine University thanks to scholarships. Soon after college, she made history as the youngest-ever editor of the nationally syndicated Right On! magazine
Over the years, Horner interviewed numerous icons—Michael and Janet Jackson, Prince, Beyoncé, Mariah Carey, Queen Latifah, and many more. She served as Editorial Director at Right On! (now a co-owner), co authored the New York Times bestseller The Magic of Michael Jackson, and played a founding editorial role at Hip Hop Weekly magazine
As an entrepreneur, she founded her own media relations firm, Cinnamon CHIPS, and serves as Publisher for Right On! Digital, Right On! and Word Up! magazines. Horner has also taught journalism, coached students in public relations, and received honors such as Journalist of the Year from the International Association of African American Music
At the same event, NYABJ also celebrated several distinguished figures:
Nate Burleson, CBS Mornings anchor, received an NYABJ Excellence Award alongside ABC News President Kim Godwin, and Still Processing podcasters Wesley Morris and Jenna Wortham, recognizing their contributions to Black storytelling
The gala also featured awards for journalistic excellence across categories, honoring outlets like CBS, NBC, ABC, Essence, The New York Times, and The Amsterdam News for impactful reporting on the Black and African diaspora communities.
Established in 1976, the New York Association of Black Journalists is the Greater New York chapter of the National Association of Black Journalists, the world’s largest organization for journalists of color. Its mission includes advocacy for accurate coverage of Black communities, promotion of diversity in newsrooms, mentorship and scholarships for aspiring journalists, and professional networking
A robust, member-driven group, NYABJ comprises more than 1,000 professionals—including journalists, producers, photographers, editors, and PR specialists—and actively hosts two events per month, supports high school journalism through its First Take program, and culminates each year with its Juneteenth Gala to honor media excellence.
Over the decades, NYABJ has nurtured talent, challenged media to better serve Black communities, and promoted Black voices in every media format. It continues preparing for its milestone 50th anniversary in 2026, a testament to its enduring impact .
Cynthia Horner’s President’s Award spotlighted a life of remarkable impact, amplifying Black stories through entertainment journalism, mentoring future generations, and strengthening representation in media. The gala equally celebrated many outstanding Black voices and reaffirmed NYABJ’s crucial role in journalism, from grassroots advocacy to professional awards.
