Magic Johnson - AIDS Epidemic by Lucas Brennan

Magic Announces his Diagnosis

lbrennan52 — 2024-04-10 20:43:51 UTC

On November 7, 1991 Magic announced his retirement from basketball after he discovered he had tested positive for HIV. This announcement shocked the world and also shifted the way people view HIV/AIDS completely, helped shift a lot of wrongful stigmas that were built around the disease and led to increased awareness efforts.

NBA Career

lbrennan52 — 2024-04-10 20:44:27 UTC

After college Magic went on to be selected #1 overall in the NBA Draft in 1979 by the Los Angeles Lakers. He would go on to dominate the 80s and play 12 seasons from 1979-1991 before his career was brought to a halt because of his HIV diagnosis and then came back for one more season in 1995 he won 5 NBA Championships, 3 MVPs, and 3 Finals MVPs, along with various other accolades.

Magic Johnson Advocates

lbrennan52 — 2024-04-10 20:49:49 UTC

After his announcement he steps away from basketball to explore treatment options for his diagnosis and doesn't back down from the disease and continues to advocate for HIV/AIDS. He not only shifted a lot of the publics view on HIV/AIDS but also encouraged other celebrities to speak openly about their diagnosis which contributed to a large increase in funding and awareness towards the disease.

Who?

lbrennan52 — 2024-04-15 18:14:46 UTC

Childhood

lbrennan52 — 2024-04-15 18:22:10 UTC

Earvin "Magic" Johnson Jr. was born on August 14, 1959 in Lansing Michigan. His interest in basketball sparked from his dad who had previously played before working as a General Motors assembly worker.

Who is Magic Johnson?

lbrennan52 — 2024-04-15 18:29:30 UTC

Magic Johnson is most well known for his prolific basketball career predominantly with the Los Angeles Lakers throughout the 1980's. He was one of the first few professional athletes to be diagnosed with HIV/AIDS, which played a pivotal role in shifting the view on AIDS.

NCAA/College Career

lbrennan52 — 2024-04-15 18:47:42 UTC

Johnson played two years at his hometown college Michigan State University from 1977-1979 where he averaged 17.1 points, 7.9 assists, and 7.1 rebounds in 62 games over the two years. He led MSU to a NCAA National Championship victory in 1979.

What?

lbrennan52 — 2024-04-15 18:56:23 UTC

Magic Johnson Foundation is Founded

lbrennan52 — 2024-04-15 19:24:40 UTC

In 1991 after retiring from basketball he founded the Magic Johnson Foundation which was founded with three main focuses that included HIV/AIDS, Scholarship, and Community Empowerment Centers.

Magic's Return

lbrennan52 — 2024-04-15 19:41:20 UTC

In 1992 Magic briefly returns to basketball for the All-Star Game where he receives a standing ovation from the crowd because of his openness with his diagnosis and his activism with AIDS. This was one of the focal points in showing how the stigmas around AIDS had significantly shifted due to increased celebrity activism.

Now?

lbrennan52 — 2024-04-15 19:41:59 UTC

Publishes Memoir "My Life"

lbrennan52 — 2024-04-15 19:48:40 UTC

In 1996 Johnson publishes his memoir "My Life" where dives into his journey since his diagnosis. He discusses his retirement, diagnosis, and life while living with HIV/AIDS. This is part of his efforts to share his story but also raise further awareness about the disease.

lbrennan52 — 2024-04-15 19:59:38 UTC

In collaboration with the Magic Johnson Foundation, Magic launched the "I Stand with Magic" campaign in 2008 which focuses on raising awareness and helping minority communities where HIV/AIDS diagnoses are very common. According to the campaign half of new HIV infections in the US are from African Americans, who only make up 13 percent of the population.

Didn't Stop There

lbrennan52 — 2024-04-15 20:00:40 UTC

Now present day Magic Johnson has a wife and three children and continues to be an advocate for people living with HIV/AIDS and continues to remind people how important it is to be educate people about the disease, along with continuing support and prevention efforts.