Before leaving office, President Joe Biden took the time to honor 19 important figures with the highest civilian honor in the United States, the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Each and every one of these honorees have an historic, important and impactful story that’s part of the American experience. But of all the recipients, one of them felt like he brought me, and so many others from around the world, on his 40-year journey toward this moment.
That person was Earvin “Magic” Johnson.
The Power Of Purpose
The White House states that the medal is to be presented to “individuals who have made exemplary contributions to the prosperity, values, or security of the United States, world peace, or other significant societal, public or private endeavors.”
The purpose of Earvin “Magic” Johnson has been shown to the world through his philanthropic efforts in creating scholarship funds for students and fundraising efforts for families, his economic support of Black businesses and job creation for those who need a hand up not a hand out, his physical presence in bringing corporations to neighborhoods investors had ignored and his influence across sports leagues that have struggled to allow minority ownership to be part of the investment pool. Mr. Johnson not only has been on the front line but also has publicly built a bridge between the two Americas that exist—the one of the haves and one of the have-nots—and created space for Black Americans to improve their circumstances.
How is started
Mr. Johnson came on the scene in the 1979 NCAA Championship game. As a sophomore at Michigan State, he faced Indiana State’s Larry Bird, in what would be the highest-rated basketball game in history. He appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated and was drafted as the number one overall pick by the Lakers. He ushered in the era of “showtime” basketball and captured five NBA World Championships. He abruptly retired in 1991, after announcing he’d contracted the HIV virus.
As the White House said during the medal ceremony, “His honesty about his HIV status shattered stigmas and saved lives.”
This is the moment the world got to see manifest destiny.
After retirement, he started Magic Johnson Enterprises and turned his focus toward business, where he changed the business and social landscape of South Central LA, one of the city’s hardest neighborhoods. He created an environment where you could go to the Magic Johnson Theater to catch a matinee movie, swing by the Magic Johnson Starbucks to get a coffee and play chess, watch the Lakers game at Magic’s TGI Fridays and the next day burn off your calories at the Magic 24 Hour Fitness.
Mr. Johnson’s name became a symbol of inspiration and hope, and his model of economic and philanthropic support spurred him toward a staggering business empire and a net worth of $1.6 billion.
This was much bigger than basketball.
How it’s Going
Today, Mr. Johnson moves in the spaces many people dream of being in.
Through the power of ownership, he’s won nine rings, most recently with the 2024 Dodgers beating the Yankees in the World Series. Every summer, social media anticipates his annual European vacation, eager to see his circle of family and friends as yachts travel from port to port. The internet still gets excited to hear him dropping gems on podcasts. And corporate America invites him to speak to the most powerful rooms in the world, where he shares advice—with a side of entertainment—on ways to unlock underserved markets.
Upon receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom, he posted the following on his social:
“This award is not just mine; it belongs to everyone who has helped me become the person and businessman I am today . . . It also belongs to everyone who has dedicated themselves to the causes of freedom, justice, and equality. I accept this honor with a deep sense of responsibility. It serves as a reminder of the work still ahead and the change we can all help bring about! I promise to keep working to make a positive difference for our country and the world.”
This moment was also felt by the people he’s either inspired or helped find their way.
For me, Mr. Johnson has done both. Not in hyperbole, but in reality.
When I was looking for direction as a young executive in 2005, I got a call that someone had seen my work and was interested in meeting to discuss an opportunity.
I arrived in NYC unaware that I’d be meeting with Mr. Johnson. I entered the room, shook his hand and spoke. He took a chance and hired me. I was added to his executive team, and after having learned many lessons by watching him from afar, now I’d be learning from him in person.
Everything I heard about him was real. He emphasized the importance of moving with intention, overdelivering for others and valuing your track record.
While giving the thumbs up at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, Mr. Johnson brought all of his supporters into the moment.
We may not have been there with him in person, but we were all on that stage in spirit. Inspired by how far he’s come—and inspired for what is yet to come.