Earvin “Magic” Johnson being awarded

Basketball legend Earvin “Magic” Johnson Jr. was awarded National Civil Rights Museum Freedom Award winner along with outspoken historian Dr. John Hope Franklin and Liberian President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf. Museum president Beverly Robertson said Johnson is not being honored as a basketball superstar. “He is being honored for dedicating a significant amount of time, energy and resources to empowering disenfranchised African-American communities across America.”

Magic Johnson, Los Angeles Lakers superstar, who retired after announcing he was HIV positive, has remained a public figure. He played for the U.S Olympic “Dream Team,” became part owner of the Los Angeles Lakers, is a regular TV analysis on TNT and opened a chain of movie theaters in minority neighborhoods in the Los Angeles area. Since Magic’s last season as a Laker in 1995-1996, Magic has focused much of his attention on the Magic Johnson Foundation. The Magic Johnson Foundation’s mission is to help empower children, young adults and inner-city communities by funding community-based organizations to help meet their needs. The foundation also donates to groups that provide HIV/AIDS prevention to poor communities.

Its great to see Magic being awarded for his contributions to the African American community as well as the HIV/AIDS communities. Magic Johnson was my favorite player growing up and was devastated when I heard about him retiring from basketball. When I was younger I got a chance to see him in person and even though he was unable to give me an autograph he still remains my favorite player. With the way the NBA is now it is rare to actually see a player that cares more about his community than himself. Magic was unselfish on and off the floor and things haven’t changed since his retirement. I really am glad that Magic has stuck around the Los Angeles organization but its too bad his loyalty to the Laker organization hasn’t rubbed off on Kobe Bryant.