Earvin "Magic" Johnson is famous for his brilliant passing skills, all-around sublime talent and engaging personality. At 6 feet 9 inches, he was the tallest point guard in league history, and his illuminating smile made him the most admired as well.

Having achieved every imaginable goal from a player's perspective, Earvin "Magic" Johnson became vice president of the Los Angeles Lakers in June 1994. During his 12-year NBA career, he led the Lakers to five NBA championships and nine appearances in the NBA Finals. After announcing his retirement from the NBA on November 7, 1991 due to the HIV virus, Mr. Johnson's immense popularity resulted in his being voted as a starter in the 1992 All-Star Game and later, chosen for the 1992 U.S. Olympic Basketball Team.

While Mr. Johnson may be best known for his prowess on the basketball court, he is also a successful businessman and committed philanthropist. The Magic Johnson Foundation (MJF) is a non-profit organization that provides support to community-based organizations that serve the health, educational and social needs of inner-city youth and organizations. In addition, the Foundation is committed to raising awareness about several health and social concerns that threaten under-served communities. As a Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) Vice President and Event Chair for the annual Magic Johnson Sports Star Award Dinner & Auction, Johnson has helped MDA raise in excess of $1.5 million to support the Association’s projects of research, diagnosis, and community service programs for the Los Angeles area. He has also worked with the Make a Wish Foundation, the United Negro College Fund, the Starlight Foundation, the American Heart Association, the Urban League and he is currently on the Board of Trustees for the American Cancer Society Foundation.

Mr. Johnson has appeared on several national programs including 60 minutes, Today, David Letterman, Entertainment Tonight, The Rosie O’Donnell Show and The Tonight Show, and has been the cover story of publications such as Black Enterprise, People, GQ, Entrepreneur, TV Guide and Ebony. He has also been featured in publications such as Entertainment Weekly, Variety, Los Angeles Magazine, In-Style, VIBE and Newsweek. The co-author of several books, Johnson has penned his autobiography, My Life, as well as What You Can Do To Avoid AIDS and Magic’s Touch.

Mr. Johnson speaks to youth about drugs, violence and other social issues of extreme importance. His keynotes include “The Magic of Winning” and “The Magic of Caring for Others.”

Mr. Johnson travels from Los Angeles, California.

Credit: harrywalker.com