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

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

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