Magic Johnson Foundation Essay

The Magic Johnson Foundation is a non-profit charity that was founded by Magic Johnson in 1991, very shortly after he was diagnosed with HIV. This foundation was originally created to fight HIV/AIDS through grantmaking. However, twenty-two years after the organization began, the foundation decided to also help ethnically diverse, urban communities that lack educational opportunity and the absence of empowerment. Magic wanted to relate his personal experiences to his organization and help urban communities in any way that he could because he knew he had to money and power to do so. He is also very aware of how expensive HIV/AIDS can be, so he wanted to help give back and support and prevent others from it. The Magic Johnson Foundation is structured

around three core programs. First, being the HIV/AIDS Awareness and Prevention program, which is funded and directed to address HIV/AIDS prevention, HIV testing and to treat people who are living with HIV/AIDS. The second program involved in this foundation is the Taylor Michaels Scholarship Program, which recognizes students with outstanding academic achievement, leadership and commitment to serve their community. The last piece that completes this foundation are the Community Empowerment Centers which provides the communities with access to resources and programming that educate, empower and strengthen individuals by using technology.

Students in school who may need computers or other technical devices can be provided for use. “To date, the foundation has donated over $15 Million to underserved communities. MJF has evolved from an HIV grant making organization to one that advocates for community based organizations, and supports educational empowerment through HIV/AIDS education/testing/awareness work, minority college access, and digital literacy. Additionally, the Magic Johnson Foundation provides inner city youth access to social activities and outings such as professional sports events and holiday parties otherwise unavailable to them.” Some other aspects the organization members help with include mentorship, financial support and internship opportunities. Following Magic Johnson’s diagnosis in 1991, the Magic Johnson Foundation has created a tremendous impact on ethnically diverse individuals in need of treatment or prevention of HIV/AIDS, educational opportunity and

empowerment.
“Earvin “Magic” Johnson has developed a profound reputation that makes him a highly sought after guest by some of the most respected media outlets seeking his insight and opinion across a variety of topics.” Magic Johnson participated in several interviews, talk shows and school visits to advertise and showcase his foundation, which is now known to have helped over 350,000 students. The foundation has many different strategic partnerships to help increase the quality of life and to provide entertainment products and services for these urban communities. The Los Angeles Sparks, Los Angeles Dodgers and Oklahoma City Dodgers are just a few examples. “We strategically invest in infrastructure for the advancement of our community and support minority-owned businesses to positively impact the need for diversity in various sectors.” The Magic Johnson Foundation also engages in direct investment with Skurt, ShotTracker, Uncharted Play, Mitú, JopWell and Walker and Company. The Johnson association even participates in work case studies with Starbucks, Simply Healthcare, 24 Hour Fitness and Magic Johnson Theatres to help accomplish their company partner challenges. The foundation also helps market Honda, Simply Healthcare, and Kellogg’s cereal.
The Magic Johnson Foundation has been a monumental success ever since it was established, and it continues to provide help for the urban communities in need and for those whom have HIV or would like to get tested or help prevent themselves or others from getting HIV. Many individuals and companies could be struggling a lot more than they are now without this organization, which is why Magic Johnson’s Foundation is needed. It has affected and changed so many people’s lives in such positive ways and it has helped decrease minority issues in various facets.
Today, many people from all over the world have been diagnosed with HIV/AIDS. The 1980’s was the start of the HIV epidemic and now in 2017, it is a known virus that is still affecting people today. “In 2016, 39,782 people were diagnosed with HIV in the United States.” “More than 1.1 million people in the United States are living with HIV today, but 1 in 7 of them don’t know it.” Gay and bisexual men tend to be the most affected and southern states carry the largest burden for HIV. “Because of high rates of infection in gay communities and misconceptions about the disease’s origin and transmission, public perception conceived of AIDS as a “gay plague.” By the end of 1986, 11,932 AIDS-related deaths had been reported in the United States and the disease was spreading rapidly across demographics and through multiple forms of transmission. However, the US government had done little to advance education and prevention.” Luckily, people who decide to take part in Magic Johnson’s foundation can be helped if they are diagnosed with HIV. In addition, people can educate themselves just from watching any of his interviews on media about it or by simply going to his organization’s homepage. The foundation helps support the expensive costs that are required to help treat the individuals and assists them with sustaining a decent quality life. “Eavin became a symbol of hope,” says his doctor, David Ho, “that this disease is not a death sentence.” Magic Johnson’s situation became a social phenomenon because people did not realize why he has been able to live such a long life after being diagnosed. He tells people that it was the early detection that saved his life and that is why he tries to educate people on how important it his to get tested for HIV. Although, HIV can not be cured, it can still be prevented and treated if the individual makes the option to do so. Magic Johnson’s foundation is what has led many people who are diagnosed to live longer lives and be able to enjoy living, before their time eventually comes. He has saved a great deal of individuals from dying a lot sooner than they would have without his foundation and preventing them from HIV. Statistics show this progress through 2008-2014, as HIV infections fell from 45,700 to 37,600.
“The United States will become a place where new HIV infections are rare and when they do occur, every person regardless of age, gender, race/ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity or socio-economic circumstance, will have unfettered access to high quality, life-extending care, free from stigma and discrimination.” There has been a goal set for the United states to reduce the chances of obtaining HIV virus all together and Magic Johnson has been a huge contributor in trying to achieve this goal and helping diagnosed individuals have a better quality of life.
Magic Johnson, himself stated “someone today will find out they have HIV. No one is immune. No kid, no grown up, black, white, Latino, Asian. Nobody is immune from HIV and AIDS.” He always expresses to people how vital it is that we spread the awareness and stay safe and protect ourselves. Considering that HIV/AIDS does still exist, there is nothing a diagnosed individual can do about it except slow the process by treating this non-curable disease and help prevent others from obtaining it. It spreads by blood products, from mother to baby during pregnancy, and unprotected sex. Once these things occur and the infection has entered the individual’s body, attacking the immune system, there is no going back.
“HIV is the virus that causes HIV infection.

AIDS is the most advanced stage of HIV infection. “HIV attacks and destroys the infection-fighting CD4 cells of the immune system. The loss of CD4 cells makes it difficult for the body to fight infections and certain cancers. Without treatment, HIV can gradually destroy the immune system and advance to AIDS” Because this epidemic was established back in the 1980’s, it is a disease that is now very hard to get rid of because it has already been transmitted all over the world. This is a key reason for big organizations, such as Magic Johnson’s, being created so they can help treat and prevent HIV/AIDS as much as possible. Also, to help publicize the significance behind awareness of how HIV spreads and how much it can affect people’s health and

lifespan.
“Magic Johnson is a hero and icon in the fight against AIDS, and we honor him today for the courage and leadership he shows in this ongoing battle,” said Michael Weinstein, AHF President. “Since he first went public with his own HIV status nearly twenty years ago, Magic has spoken out and raised funds and awareness to prevent the spread of HIV and for the care and treatment of those living with the disease. As a public figure—and through his own personal experience living successfully with HIV—Magic serves as a steadfast and consistent beacon, letting others who may also be infected know that seeking medical care and lifesaving antiretroviral treatment is the right thing to do.” Many people tend to give up after being diagnosed and do not even attempt to find help or treatment. Partly because individuals believe that they can not afford the costs of treatment or are too embarrassed or ashamed of their disease. Organizations such as Magic Johnson’s, help supply people with the funds needed to aid their sickness of human immunodeficiency virus. Not only does Magic Johnson’s programs help people physically, but also mentally. It can gain people’s confidence through the help of all the different things it provides to individuals and can guarantee assurance through its services. Minorities who are involved in Johnson’s foundation tend to be overall happier people because they are provided with so many different services and opportunities.
Without the Magic Johnson Foundation, there would be a large increase in suffering minorities who struggle financially, people diagnosed with HIV, and students who lack educational resources and empowerment. This organization has given participants life changing experiences and it continues to grow each year. As long as HIV/AIDS still exist, the Magic Johnson Foundation will continue to help individuals who are doing everything they can to prevent and fight it. The history of HIV/AIDS is something that can never be taken away from society and until or if it ever becomes non-existent, it will always be a case that individuals have to look out for and try to prevent themselves from getting. This also means that the Magic Johnson Foundation will most likely continue to grow to years in the future and help people who are diagnosed with this virus. The discovery of HIV/AIDS in the 1980’s has caused about 35 million people to die, but it is not too late to at least help prevent or stop the disease from spreading as much throughout the 21st century. Magic Johnson deserves endless recognition for his efforts and contributions towards his organization that he founded 26 years ago, as his achievements assure others of how much of an impact it has caused on not only urban communities, but also as a role-model to other organizations.