Award-winning cultural journalist Cori Murray has been appointed Executive Vice President of Editorial Content at EBONY Magazine, a move that signals a powerful new era for the historic media brand.
After a 23-year tenure at ESSENCE Magazine, where she most recently served as Deputy Editor, Murray now takes the helm of EBONY’s editorial vision, promising to “move Black forward” with storytelling that continues to amplify Black voices.
In a heartfelt announcement on Instagram, Murray wrote:
“Eighty years ago, John H. Johnson and his wife Eunice Johnson built @ebonymagazine to amplify Black stories. Today, in my new role as EVP, editorial content, I’m a proud steward of this legacy brand… Stay tuned for what’s ahead!”
A Legacy of Trailblazing Editorial Work
Murray’s career has been defined by her commitment to Black culture, representation, and storytelling. At ESSENCE, she was instrumental in major editorial milestones. Under her leadership, the publication:
- Won its first-ever American Society for Magazine Editors (ASME) National Magazine Award for Photography in 2022,
- Featured a same-sex couple on its cover for the first time in its 52-year history,
- Curated iconic Hollywood events, including the ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood Awards and its Oscars Week celebrations.
She also co-hosted the two-time Webby-nominated Yes, Girl! podcast and was a featured voice in the OWN docuseries Time of Essence, which chronicled the magazine’s cultural legacy.
Recognition for Championing Black Women’s Stories
In 2022, Murray received Black Women in Film’s ElevatHER Award, which honors women whose work champions the untold stories of Black women in entertainment and media.
A respected member of the African American Film Critics Association, her influence stretches beyond the printed page to television and film.
She has shared her critical insights on platforms like CNN, MSNBC, Access Hollywood, and Good Morning America, and appeared in Ava DuVernay’s 2010 documentary My Mic Sounds Nice: A Truth About Women in Hip Hop.
Looking Ahead: Murray’s Vision at EBONY
Cori Murray is no stranger to EBONY. Earlier this year, she penned the magazine’s May 2025 cover story on the legendary Angela Bassett, showcasing the kind of star power and editorial depth she brings to the table.
Now in her new executive role, industry insiders expect her to push boundaries while honoring the Johnson family legacy of Black excellence in media.
Her appointment comes at a pivotal time as legacy Black-owned media brands reassert their role in a rapidly evolving industry.
EBONY’s continued relevance depends on adapting to digital-first storytelling without losing its identity, and with Murray at the helm, the brand appears to be in visionary hands.
