The Living Legends Foundation, Inc. (LLF) is gearing up for its highly anticipated 2025 Annual Awards Dinner and Gala, marking a major milestone as it comes to Atlanta, Georgia for the first time. Hosted by Skip Cheatham, Executive Producer and Program Director of the D.L. Hughley Show, the event promises an evening of celebration and recognition. Set for Friday, October 3, 2025, at Flourish by Legendary, the night kicks off with a red carpet and cocktail reception at 6:30 p.m., followed by dinner and the awards ceremony at 7:30 p.m.
For 2025, the LLF is making history. After 34 years of honoring excellence in the music and entertainment industries, this year’s gala will shine a spotlight on six extraordinary women. Each honoree has made a lasting impact in music, broadcasting, and entertainment—driving forward the LLF’s mission to elevate and celebrate exceptional achievements in Black music and media.
Meet the 2025 Honorees
Kashon Powell
Vice President of Programming, Radio One
Jerry Boulding Radio Executive Award
Kashon Powell has reshaped the landscape of urban radio, bringing innovation and a fresh perspective to the industry. As a visionary radio executive and programmer, she has paved the way for the amplification of Black voices in music. She will receive the prestigious Jerry Boulding Radio Executive Award in recognition of her groundbreaking contributions to radio.
DeDe McGuire
Host of the Nationally Syndicated “DeDe In The Morning” Radio Show
Frankie Crocker Radio Personality Award
DeDe McGuire is a household name in morning radio, beloved for her humor, authenticity, and the deep connections she forms with listeners. Her remarkable career earns her the inaugural Frankie Crocker Radio Personality Award, celebrating her ability to connect with audiences nationwide.
Samantha Selolwane
Head of Promotions, RCA
Music Executive Award
Samantha Selolwane is at the forefront of music promotion, using her expertise to elevate artists and reshape the development process in today’s rapidly evolving industry. She will be honored with the Music Executive Award for her trailblazing work at RCA, where her efforts have helped countless artists rise to the top.
Carole Carper
Broadcast & Music Industry Executive
Mike Bernardo Female Executive Award
A true pioneer, Carole Carper broke barriers as the first Black woman News Director at major stations in St. Louis and Los Angeles. With a career that spans broadcasting and the music industry, she has opened doors for future generations of executives. She will receive the Mike Bernardo Female Executive Award in recognition of her unmatched leadership.
Cynthia Horner
Publisher, Right On! Digital
Media Icon Award
Cynthia Horner’s work as a publisher and journalist has shaped the music industry’s narrative for decades. As the force behind Right On! Magazine and its digital evolution, she continues to guide the next generation of journalists and content creators. She will be honored with the Media Icon Award for her exceptional contributions to music journalism.
Louise West
CEO, West Entertainment Services
Kendall Minter Entertainment Advocate Award
Louise West’s career as an entertainment advocate and entrepreneur has been instrumental in advancing the rights of artists. As co-founder of the Black Entertainment and Sports Lawyers Association (BESLA), Louise has championed equity in the entertainment industry. She will receive the Kendall Minter Entertainment Advocate Award for her dedication to empowering artists and shaping a more just industry.
A Celebration of Excellence
David C. Linton, Chairman of the Living Legends Foundation, expressed his excitement, saying, “In this ever-changing industry, it’s crucial to recognize and salute the men and women of color who are making a difference from within the corporate suites of the entertainment world. This year’s honorees represent a cross-generational group of individuals whose work continues to inspire and influence the music and entertainment landscape.”
This year’s event is particularly special, as it will be held in Atlanta—a city with a rich musical legacy and a vibrant cultural history. From being home to the first Black-owned radio station, WERD, to housing iconic music labels like LaFace and SoSo Def Records, Atlanta has long been a mecca for Black culture. It’s the perfect place to honor these incredible women whose work has shaped the music, radio, and entertainment industries.
The Living Legends Foundation, since its inception in 1991, has been the leading advocate for diversity, mentorship, and recognition in Black music and media. The Annual Awards Dinner & Gala continues to be a key event, bringing together luminaries and industry professionals to celebrate the best of the best, while investing in the future of music and entertainment.
Don’t miss the chance to witness history being made at the 2025 Living Legends Foundation Annual Awards Dinner & Gala. It’s an evening to honor the legacy of Black music and media, while looking ahead to the next generation of trailblazers in the industry.
