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Still Dreaming: 3 Lakers stars and their social justice strides

LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 22: Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers, LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers and Quinn Cook #28 of the Los Angeles Lakers kneel during the National Anthem with VOTE shirts on prior to the start of the game against the Denver Nuggets in Game Three of the Western Conference Finals during the 2020 NBA Playoffs at AdventHealth Arena at the ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on September 22, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 22: Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers, LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers and Quinn Cook #28 of the Los Angeles Lakers kneel during the National Anthem with VOTE shirts on prior to the start of the game against the Denver Nuggets in Game Three of the Western Conference Finals during the 2020 NBA Playoffs at AdventHealth Arena at the ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on September 22, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
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(Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers

Magic Johnson: Leading The Charge Against HIV/AIDs

In the 1980s and 90s, the AIDS epidemic was in full swing. Although the disease continues to plague people of all ethnicities, it continues to disproportionately affect African Americans.

Because of this, Magic Johnson’s HIV announcement proved to be a pivotal moment for black Americans and people of color around the world. On November 7th, 1991, Magic Johnson took to the podium to announce his retirement from the NBA.

The normally cheerful Johnson addressed the press with great sincerity. The five-time NBA Champion and three-time MVP may have been walking away from the game, but his confidence and charm quickly reappeared.

Immediately after the announcement, he joked to the press that he would “continue to bug you guys for a long time. Like I always have.” Looking back on it, he has done exactly that.

This November will mark 30 years since that fateful day. Johnson is still very much a consistent fixture in media. In fact, he recently celebrated a World Series victory with his Los Angeles Dodgers ownership group this past season.

Much like his former teammate Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Johnson has used his platform for much more than sports. In 2007, he joined a prestigious list of Freedom Award winners.

The annual Freedom Award is given out by the National Civil Rights Museum-a museum built on the site where Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated-to those who have had a positive impact on their communities.

According to CBS News, Johnson was honored “for his work since leaving the NBA on promoting economic development, improved health care and educational opportunities in low-income urban neighborhoods and other underserved communities.”

Although haters have argued that his HIV scandal makes Johnson a terrible role model, he spent his life post-basketball flipping that narrative.

The more I learn about Johnson, the more I wonder if it was ever a blemish on his reputation at all. According to the New Yorker, HIV tests rose by 60 percent in New York after Magic’s HIV announcement. It’s safe to say that his poise and leadership created awareness and saved countless lives.

In the face of adversity, Johnson continues to show great strength. Even at age 61, the NBA’s All-Time Assist Per Game leader still has plenty to give.

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