Magic Johnson

Magic Johnson a leader of awareness against AIDS (https://newsone.com/2882057/magic-johnson-hiv-2/ ())

"Heroes represent the best of ourselves, respecting that we are human beings. A hero can be anyone from Gandhi to your classroom teacher, anyone who can show courage when faced with a problem. A hero is someone who is willing to help others in his or her best capacity"("Heroic Quotes"). This line expresses how Magic Johnson has the courage and humility to help others to his best potential; while doing so he brings a positive presence. Johnson has encountered many important people in his life, but specifically his opponents on the court make him the competitive hero he is today("Earvin 'Magic' Johnson"). Johnson has always attached with basketball his entire life which motivates him to succeed and compete for any task ahead of him. Yet, during his career, "Unfortunately for basketball fans, at a November 7, 1991, press conference, Johnson announced that he had been infected with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)--which leads to the incurable, fatal disease AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome)--forcing his retirement"("Earvin 'Magic' Johnson"). Johnson contracting the AIDS virus has made him learn and has formed him to drive toward his goal: "...he has become an unofficial spokesperson for HIV and AIDS awareness, promoting disease prevention measures and railing against the stigmatization of those who are afflicted. Twelve years after his announcement, Johnson still shows no signs of AIDS himself, and remains as energetic and focused as ever"("Earvin Johnson"). Through his basketball career, Johnson has frequently been recognized as a leader and someone who has a magnetic personality. He uses his experience and knowledge to fight for his mission, educate others, be smart and donate to the AIDS community. With his selfless attitude, hard work, and bravery, he is an overall hero and routinely competes for his mission to educate others about the dangers of AIDS.

Johnson's selfless attitude towards his mission makes it easier to reach out, help, and educate others involving AIDS; while doing so, he also assists others in need or who are less fortunate. He uses his positive attitude and personality to change lives and educate others: "HIV/AIDS Awareness & Prevention - Since its founding in 1991, the Magic Johnson Foundation has developed and funded programs addressing HIV/AIDS prevention, HIV testing, and effective treatment for persons living with HIV/AIDS"("Overview"). Through his awareness and cause, Johnson keeps his foundation running full speed and making sure that while spreading awareness and prevention around, that he does it for people to gain the knowledge about preventing AIDS. His cause and awareness not only spreads the word on his foundation and the disease, but when Johnson is there with a real and certain attitude, it makes his mission enjoyable and easier.  His positive attitude also contributes to people who are less fortunate than him: "Johnson has also been busy overseeing a number of business ventures, primarily aimed at revitalizing poor, largely African American urban areas and specifically targeting African American patrons"("Earvin Johnson"). While committing himself to prevention and awareness, Johnson also selflessly commits himself to helping people who are need and less fortunate. He also spreads that being helpful to not only people with AIDS or in danger of it, but to grasp an opportunity whenever possible to save anyone's life. Johnson's attitude is one to admire because of the selflessness and positivity he shines when doing his mission.

Magic Johnson working with the AIDS foundation (http://magicjohnsoncec.faithweb.com/ () ())

When doing his work, Johnson brings out his best and makes sure to work hard and  really bring out a positive message to educate others, especially concerning the disease, AIDS. He shows his commitment and unmatched hard work, "Mr. Johnson serves as Chairman and Founder of the Magic Johnson Foundation. His unwavering commitment to transform urban America continues in the Foundation's programs, which promote HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention, digital literacy, and college access"("Overview"). His commitment and tenacity for his mission is unlike anyone else, and  he shows how much he wants to fight in order to get his message out with a positive attitude, and especially target those who are young and in danger of contracting the disease. When focusing toward his goal, he is always wants the best, "Up at 4 a.m. each workday, Johnson jogs five miles to his office in Beverly Hills, where he oversees Magic Johnson Enterprises, which operates movie theaters, Starbucks stores, and other businesses in long-neglected urban neighborhoods. Meanwhile, he's actively involved in his namesake foundation's efforts around HIV/AIDS and education, and works closely with the Obama administration on community-development issues. And when he finally gets home from the office after a brisk walk, he takes more business calls until 9 p.m"(Samuels). His desired labor to his foundation shows how much he works hard to make him and his foundation the best it can be. He always wants the most potential, which not only does he resemble on the court, but also off the court. As a result of Johnson's dedication and hard work, he's shown how much potential he and his awareness for the cause has.

Johnson's urge to succeed has no limit and it shows through him taking chances and taking any opportunity to be better for others to learn, including enticing others to improve in their lives. Coming out to admit that he is infected with AIDS and inspiring others, "Johnson's admission stunned his fans. Overnight the likeable player became a spokesman for AIDS awareness. "I want [kids] to understand that safe sex is the way to go," Johnson told People. "Sometimes we think only gay people can get it [HIV], or that it's not going to happen to me. Here I am. And I'm saying it can happen to anybody."("Earvin Johnson, Jr.") Johnson's bravery is truly hard for himself to come out and say that, but rather, he rebounds and picks himself back up to show that if he can make it, anyone can. Becoming a spokesperson for awareness makes a symbol for others that he is immortal and others are attracted to be better and learn from him. Taking big steps, "MJF was created to fight HIV/AIDS through grantmaking. Twenty-two years after its formation, the organization has evolved to address other powerful epidemics in urban communities, which include the lack of educational opportunity and the absence of empowerment"("Overview"). Johnson's bravery is displayed through him taking some risks and challenges to make the foundation and mission to be bigger and at its highest potential. He is experienced and knows that to succeed, he takes some brave risks that a hero in his mission must do. While living with the virus, "He points out that, "the gay community has done such a great job of getting their message across, and it's worked, But there is still such a stigma with the virus in our community, and that prevents any progress, because we won't talk about it with our kids or our families. What can change without talking? That's what I'm fighting to change with the foundation"(Samuels). While dealing with AIDS, Johnson knows what he needs to do: educate others and to let others know about the disease. His whole attitude towards the foundation is only to head in a forward progress with a brave and strong attitude. Johnson uses his experience to make risks that are easy for him to take and execute, to succeed.

Magic Johnson reflecting his life with statue (https://theclio.com/web/entry?id=23183 ())

Johnson is a hero because of his righteous, kind, yet determined personality, which contributes to conveying his message to others about the dangers of AIDS. While battling the virus, Johnson has resembled that with a positive attitude, he can be who he wants to be and succeed, even with the struggles of people looking down upon him. To symbolize a hero is being someone who is willing to put himself first for others, work hard to succeed and improve, and step up and take chances for whatever obstacle to climb over. Johnson matches the definition hero, but his personality and passion is what makes him an inspiration. While having a kind attitude, he shows that to make a change, he does what is best for his mission to educate and teach others: "President George Bush appointed Johnson to the National Commission on AIDS, but Johnson resigned to protest what he considered to be the president's lack of support for AIDS research. Johnson continued to speak out and raised millions of dollars for research to combat the disease. He founded the Magic Johnson Foundation for HIV/AIDS education and coauthored What You Can Do to Prevent AIDS" ("Earvin Johnson, Jr."). His bravery is key and shines a light for others to illustrate that he takes risks of sometimes not taking an easy, but working hard to get through and take the more successful and better option. I am inspired by Johnson, and his heroism at heart, and to me has always been someone that is fun and enjoyable to watch, and in his own life, succeeds and improves every day with a determination and passion that does not compare. As exemplified by Johnson, a hero may not be famous, and must represent the best potential of what amazing things humans can do, as well as determination for his goal to educate others and help others, full capacity.

Works Cited

"Earvin Johnson, Jr." Encyclopedia of World Biography, Gale, 1998. Student Resources in Context, link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/K1631003407/SUIC?u=powa9245&xid=d2a8f5e6. Accessed 17 Jan. 2017.

"Earvin Johnson." Notable Sports Figures, edited by Dana R. Barnes, Gale, 2004. Biography in Context, link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/K2440301255/BIC1?u=powa9245&xid=4fed9625. Accessed 18 Jan. 2017.

"Earvin 'Magic' Johnson." Sports Stars, Gale, 1994. Biography in Context, link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/K1628000085/BIC1?u=powa9245&xid=0de6fcce. Accessed 12 Jan. 2017

"Heroic Quotes." BrainyQuote. Xplore, n.d. Web. 24 Jan. 2017.

"Overview." Magic Johnson Foundation, magicjohnson.org/about-us/overview/.