Cynthia Horner has built a massive career at the intersection of Black culture and media for 50 years as the head of Right On! magazine. But her story boasts a who’s who of Black cultural royalty.
“I’m an overachiever. I’ve always been taught that excellence is important,” said Horner, 71, who also serves as president of the New York Association of Black Journalists (NYABJ), stating that the message was from her dear friend Michael Jackson, who would often tell her how, as Black professionals, they must be the best of the best.
Born in Indiana, before moving to California at age five, Horner was always interested in reading the news as a child. “Journalism was ingrained in me,” she said. She soon began winning writing contests and, by age 11, became the editor of her school’s newspaper. After skipping grades, Horner received full scholarships to Pepperdine University.
In 1976, she accepted a position as an assistant at Right On! magazine, created to be a Black-centered teen entertainment publication. Within a few months, when a vacancy opened, she became the magazine’s editorial director.
Horner expanded the magazine’s model to cover a wider range of African American culture, highlighting lesser-known and up-and-coming stars. She now holds the title of CEO, editor-in-chief, and co-owner of the publication, which she purchased in 2014 with her husband, photographer Kenneth Harris, now called Right On! Digital.
A galaxy of Black stars
Alongside Jackson, Horner’s close friends in the Black entertainment industry spanning over five decades include the entire Jackson family, Mariah Carey, Prince, New Edition, LL Cool J, Whitney Houston, Beyoncé, Snoop Dogg, and scores more. While covering the Jackson family, Horner says a lifelong bond formed between them as she would often stay at their home, eat dinner together, and participate in fun activities like going to the movies. “It was more than just a business relationship between the Jacksons and Right On! magazine. We are completely entwined,” Horner said. “We were really like family.”
Horner recalls stories of how, as a young girl, Janet Jackson would often call her on the phone asking to play. She remained close friends with Michael through his life, and fondly recalls him bringing her along during his “Bad” album tour. “We really bonded,” Horner said. “He just liked being around someone who didn’t care that he was Michael Jackson.”
Another prominent name Horner would work with was Prince, who she says was insistent on being interviewed by her early on. “Prince reached out to me personally so that he could secure some coverage in the magazine because he thought that might be a way to help him jumpstart his career, which it did,” Horner said.
In the 1980’s, Horner would be at the forefront of spotlighting hip hop music and culture despite pushback from company leaders and other editors. Some of them were Public Enemy, NWA, and the Juice Crew collective, including Big Daddy Kane and Biz Markie, designed by Dapper Dan, who was able to reach new exposure as a result of Right On!
She began to notice newer outlets such as Vibe and The Source, and shows like Yo! MTV Raps were following in Right On’s footsteps, covering hip hop and Black culture, and with a stronger budget. “Right On just meant a lot to me because I knew it meant a lot to the culture,” Horner said. Early next year, she looks to begin printing Right On! once again on a bi-monthly basis.
Through NYABJ, the media advocacy organization Horner has led since 2024, Horner looks to use her network to connect members with employment opportunities during a period in which Black media professionals have fallen victim to the anti-DEI wave and a changing media landscape. “If I can move the needle at all. I plan to do it,” Horner said. Between NYABJ, Right On! and other projects, Horner says she will continue making history.
“I’m not out here seeking glory,” she said, “ because the glory seeks me.”
The New York Association of Black Journalists’ 50th Anniversary Sneaker Ball & Awards Ceremony Gala takes place at the Alhambra Ballroom, 2216 Adam Clayton Powell Blvd., in Harlem on Friday, Oct. 23. Tickets are available at Eventbrite.
