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Twenty years
ago, NBA legend Ervin “Magic” Johnson shocked the world and revealed he
had HIV.
Back then, Magic was at the top of his game—playing for the Los
Angeles Lakers, recently married to the love of his life, and gearing up for
yet another championship run. He was unstoppable. And then came the press
conference.
November 7, 1991 was a day that not
only changed Magic Johnson’s life, but the world as well. Up until that point,
HIV was seen as a gay, White man’s disease and a certain death sentence.
Recently, Magic sat down with ESPN to discuss his life—20 years
after telling the world he was living with HIV. Today, Magic is not only
beating the disease, but he’s also reinvented himself into a successful
businessman and dedicated philanthropist.
Through his Magic Johnson foundation,
Magic has partnered with the AIDS Healthcare Foundation to establish five full-service
clinics in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Oakland, and
Jacksonville that provide much-needed HIV/AIDS care in economically
disadvantaged neighborhoods. He has also put his money where his mouth is and
given over $10 million to fight the disease.
Twenty years ago, as he revealed he had the virus, Magic told
reporters, “I’m gonna go on, I’m gonna beat it, and I’m gonna have fun.” And he has most certainly been a man of his word.
Do you remember where you were when Magic
Johnson revealed he has HIV? What did you think? I remember being
a young boy and my mother and aunt crying their eyes out because they thought
he would die. I wonder what they think of him now. What are their and your thoughts despite the grim statistics of the
time, now that Magic not only survived, but he has become one of the world’s
most ardent HIV/AIDS activists?
I received a message via TTY that contained news of his revelation. I was at home and remember the rumors and innuendos surrounding this announcement. I recall the feelings of dismay at this news. I was overwhelmed!
ReplyDeleteHe's most definitely a hero!!! I take me hat off to him!
ReplyDeleteROGER: NICE TO SEE THAT HE TURNED IT ALL AROUND.
ReplyDeleteRED: SURE IS A HERO!
ReplyDeleteIt's also a fact that nutrition and a clean life style keeps you healthy even when the "odds" are against you.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, not many in Mr Johnson's country, or anywhere, have the same luck.
Let's wish him eternal health.
Considering the hundreds of women he potentially infected, my admiration was and remains somewhat reserved.
ReplyDeleteI have always admiredMagic Johnson, he is well worth the praise. I recall his announcement many years ago, I was en route home and turned on the television and there was the announcement and moments later the house phone started to ring to spread the news. Magic is going strong just as he stated he would.
ReplyDeleteCHET: HE BECAME A MAN OF HIS WORD.
ReplyDelete