Johnson’s ‘magic’ of awareness

Dating back to his days as a guard at Michigan State, Ervin “Magic” Johnson has been known for his moves on the basketball court. But it is now moves off the court that are being recognized throughout the country and world.
It was 15 years ago when Johnson announced to the world he was diagnosed as HIV-positive. Now, thanks to advances in AIDS and HIV research, Johnson is a healthy 46-year old, who uses his foundation as a stage in spreading the word about AIDS awareness and prevention.
“He’s the face of basketball, so just his presence alone, in what he has gone through helps others,” said Shane Jenkins, director of HIV Initiative for The Magic Johnson Foundation.
The foundation was founded in December 1991, by Johnson and assists community-based organizations in addressing the social needs of children and young adults in urban areas nationwide. But a primary mission is the donation of necessary funding to organizations that provide HIV and AIDS prevention, along with health care education to minorities.
Recognized as one of the 50 best players ever in the NBA, Johnson has also gained recognition by speaking to students throughout the country.
“He’s very instrumental in a lot of athletes lives,” Jenkins said. “He just did a speaking tour last summer at schools.”
For five years, Jenkins said the foundation has been involved with recognizing National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. Jenkins said this should be a time when blacks should bring attention to not only HIV and AIDS, but the strides made to bring a cure.
“This is a day that we want to bring unity so we can stop infecting African Americans,” Jenkins said. “We’re hoping that through this day, we can bring about change in the focus. And that focus is for us and about us.”
Tate Joshua, 18, was only three years old when Johnson made his fateful announcement. Last year, he was a senior baseball player at Avoyelles High in Moreauville. This year, he is a freshman nursing major at Southern and said even now, Johnson’s mission is louder and clearer than ever.
“Magic Johnson shows you can live with HIV and be happy,” Joshua said. “But being promiscuous isn’t healthy living. Student-athletes should look at Magic and know what is right and what is wrong.”
Duane Lewis, media relations director for the St. Louis Rams, said in professional sports such as football, Johnson’s experiences have served as provided preventive measures for athletes.
“I think guys are smarter about their decision making,” Lewis said. “With the growth and technology in the last 15 years, more information is more available. That being the case, players are more informed about HIV and AIDS.”