Michael Jackson& Missing Chapter Webinar: A True Story byCynthia Horner and Vincent Furgeson

By: Stephanie Woods Mckinney

Members of the New York Association of Black Journalists (NYABJ) recently had the opportunity to revisit a memorable chapter in entertainment history during a candid discussion featuring NYABJ President Cynthia Horner and wellness entrepreneur Vincent Ferguson.

Horner, an award-winning publicist, journalist and editor who recently received a proclamation from the New York City Council, joined Ferguson, a U.S. Navy veteran, wellness instructor and founder of 6 Weeks to Fitness and the Children's Choice Awards, for a conversation about the efforts behind bringing Michael Jackson to New York in 1994 to accept a Children's Choice Award.

Michael was selected by youth from New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut as the student’s top role model and personally accepted the award in New York.  Organizing this historic moment for children came with many challenges. Furgeson had to convince his board of directors into staying true and focusing on the mission of the Children’s Choice Awards-not to be confused with Nickelodeon’s Kid’s Choice Awards, which happen to “coincidentally” originate immediately after the success of The Children’s Choice Awards based in NYC. The purpose of allowing the youth to select their role model was the mission of the award program and the children selected Michael.   

At the time, Jackson was facing intense public scrutiny. Ferguson recalled the difficult decision to move forward with honoring the global superstar despite pressure from critics and the potential loss of financial supporters.

"Our mission was always about giving young people a voice," Ferguson explained. "The children made their choice, and we felt it was important to respect that decision."

Ferguson noted that maintaining the integrity of the selection process came at a cost, but he has never regretted standing by the students' decision. The result was a historic event that allowed children to see Jackson in person, creating what many attendees described as a magical experience.

Horner's longstanding friendship with Jackson and his family played a significant role in securing the singer's personal appearance at the event. While Jackson's visit was a major focus of the discussion, attendees were equally captivated by Horner's reflections on her decades-long career and relationships with some of the biggest names in entertainment.

Known throughout the industry for her professionalism and discretion, Horner rarely discusses her personal relationships with celebrities publicly. During the event, however, she offered rare insights into her experiences with the Jackson family and other influential artists.

Horner shared stories from her time at Right On! magazine, the influential publication that introduced generations of young readers to Black entertainers and cultural icons. She recalled helping secure one of the magazine's earliest features on the Jackson family and described the trust that developed between her and the family over the years.

Growing up in Gary, Indiana, like the Jacksons, Horner said she often spent time with the family and developed a close bond with Michael Jackson. Her recollections of those early years provided attendees with a unique perspective on the future superstar long before his rise to global fame.

The conversation also touched on Horner's work with a host of legendary performers, including Janet Jackson, Prince, New Edition and Mary J. Blige. Audience members eagerly engaged in a question-and-answer session moderated by Amsterdam News journalist Jason Ponterotto, taking advantage of the rare opportunity to hear firsthand accounts from someone who witnessed pivotal moments in entertainment history.

By evening's end, attendees had gained more than a glimpse into the planning of a historic awards ceremony. They were treated to a personal and insightful look at the relationships, decisions and cultural moments that helped shape Black entertainment history.

The discussion served as both a celebration of journalism and a reminder of the lasting impact that influential cultural figures and trusted storytellers have had on generations of fans.