Recalling His Despising Days, Barack Obama Commends Magic Johnson for His “Pragmatic, Optimistic Approach” to Changing the World

In 1991, Magic Johnson had to make one of the most challenging decisions in his life. Having fought his way back, he is now one of the biggest advocates and spokespersons for people with HIV. With his 30-year-old public confession, he pledged to change the stigma against individuals with the disease. Recently, he was a part of the Elizabeth Taylor Aids Foundation gala, which raised a record sum at the fundraiser this Thursday.

During the gala, Magic Johnson received kind words from the former president of the United States, Barack Obama.

Barack Obama’s respectable words for Magic Johnson

The Elizabeth Taylor Aids Foundation was established in 1991, the same year Magic announced his retirement from the league after getting diagnosed with HIV. In the recent fundraiser, Barack Obama was not present for the dinner, but he sent his words in a note to the Los Angeles Lakers legend.

Being a Philadelphia 76ers fan in the 1970s, Obama started off his statement by saying that he wasn’t fond of Magic because he took the Sixers out in his rookie season. But as time went on, it was impossible not to notice the incredible talent and charm possessed by Magic Johnson.

Obama then went on to mention the impact of Magic Johnson’s announcement in 1991.

He first said that when people heard the news, they couldn’t believe it. They didn’t know what would happen to Magic or if he would ever play basketball again. But Obama then went on to praise Magic Johnson’s resilience.

He wrote, “But as the saying goes, adversity doesn’t build character; it reveals it. And Magic’s pragmatic, optimistic approach to his diagnosis ended up changing the way the world saw the disease.” Magic and his wife Cookie went on to give their thanks for this honor.

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Magic then turned to his wife and said, “32 years ago, no way I would have made it without you.”

Magic’s announcement and Cookie’s love

Magic was diagnosed with HIV two months after his marriage. He announced his retirement immediately. Magic also made a much tougher decision.

He gave his wife the option of walking away from marriage. But Cookie didn’t leave Magic and stayed with him through the tough times to face the adversities together. Magic revealed in an interview years later that if his wife had left him at the time, he would’ve died.

Recently, the couple celebrated their 32nd wedding anniversary, and Magic wrote a heartfelt message to his wife. With his wife’s support, he is still here and able to continue doing his work for the people.

How much do you think Magic Johnson has impacted people’s views on the virus?

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