Earvin Johnson Jr. (Magic Johnson) is arguably the best point guard ever to have played in the National Basketball Association.Drafted in 1979 by the Los Angeles Lakers, Magic went on to win 5 championships with the Lakers. Prior to entering the NBA, Magic won an NCAA championship with Michigan State and also won a high school championship at Everett High School in Michigan. Some of his basketball accolades include 3 NBA MVP awards, 12 All-Star game appearances, and 10 All-NBA first and second team nominations. Magic is also an Olympic gold medal winner and in 1996 was named one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History.
Magic Johnson’s career was cut short in 1991 when he discovered that he had tested positive for HIV and was forced to retire from the Lakers. At the time not much was known about HIV and Magic, through his actions and the announcement of his story, served t educate black and all Americans about some of the facts about HIV as well as to dispel many of the negative stereotypes and misconceptions about who is at risk for HIV and what happens to a person after contracting the virus.
As successful as “Magic” has been on the basketball court, it is his business acumen and charitable activities that have gained “Earvin” equal if not attention and success. Mr. Johnson is a minority owner of the Los Angeles Lakers and is the founder and CEO of Magic Johnson Enterprises, which is an umbrella company for his many business endeavors. It is estimated that Magic Johnson Enterprises has a net worth of over $700 million, with multiple business units to include Magic Johnson Productions, Magic Johnson Theaters and Magic Johnson Entertainment. In addition to his many business ventures Mr. Johnson has taken the time to speak to young people and businesspeople all over the world as a motivational speaker and HIV activist.
Magic Johnson has been a winner at every level of competition, to include a championship in high school, an NCAA title at Michigan State, professional titles with the Los Angeles Lakers and olympic gold medals. He has consistently been the best of the best.
Prior to Mr. Johnson's announcement of having HIV, there were many misconceptions and stereotypes about HIV to include: having HIV meant you were gay, having HIV meant you had AIDS, and that being HIV positive meant a death sentence. Magic handled his announcement with grace and showed us all that HIV was not a "gay disease" and certainly was not an instant death sentence.
Earvin Johnson the businessman is arguably more successful than Magic Johnson the basketball player. Not only has he founded many businesses and participated in many successful investments, Mr. Johnson has done this while constantly giving to charities and providing opportunities to youth and the underpriveleged.
All kids need is a little help, a little hope and somebody who believes in them.
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