“It’s very important because 177,000 people (have) been hospitalized last year with RSV and 14,000 died,” Earvin “Magic” Johnson, who turned his HIV diagnosis into an inspiring campaign to overcome health setbacks iterated in Feb this year. In 1991, in his prime, Johnson announced his retirement after testing positive for HIV. Since then, the 5x NBA champion has been a significant advocate for creating awareness of the cause. However, the first steps did not come easy for the 64-year-old.

Magic Johnson was at ASU to discuss Martin Luther King’s legacy on the 60th anniversary. He spoke before the crowd of his childhood, NBA, Martin Luther King, and ultimately his journey with HIV. Award-winning columnist, Duane Rankin, shared the moment on X, as Johnson credited activist Elizabeth Glaser for playing a crucial role in his journey.

“It was a difficult decision from my wife’s point of view to go public,” Johnson admits. However, knowing that the numbers were high in black and brown communities, the NBA champion deemed it essential, finding the right push from Glaser. “The lady that really actually saved my life, Elizabeth Glaser, who was dying, told Cookie and I that I was going to be here a long time because drugs were coming down the pipeline. So she really convinced me to go public.” 

Glazer was indeed right. Johnson stands here, 32 years later, though with his routine checkups, alive and well. Having lived through the evolution of medicine from his initial encounter, the NBA star asserts it isn’t as deadly as it was once said to be.

When Magic Johnson had announced his results decades ago, he reveals, there was just one medication available – AZT. But thanks to medical advancement, the number now nearly at 40, he feels “it’s not a death sentence anymore like it used to be.”

Magic Johnson giving back to the community

The Los Angeles Lakers Legends Magic Johnson Foundation (MJF) is one of the most recognized philanthropic organizations. The MJF has massively contributed towards addressing issues related to the education, health, and social needs of ethnically diverse communities. Notably, the NBA legend founded MJF after his diagnosis of HIV back in 1991. So it primarily focuses on spreading awareness and education to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS.

Apart from this, Magic Johnson also founded MJ Enterprises in 1987. The company focuses on bringing in employment opportunities for the members of minority communities. It is worth mentioning that MJ Enterprises focuses on the expansion of movie theaters, restaurants, fitness centers, and other similar establishments to areas inhabited by minority communities.

For Magic Johnson, life has been a roller coaster ride. The most important thing the icon has placed forth is to get educated and never back down from a challenge. Johnson had said he’d dedicate his life to “battle this deadly disease,” upon receiving the news and well, today lies the example.

Stay tuned for more such updates, and to follow what Shaq’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato had to say about the marketing genius, watch this video.