Who better than Magic Johnson to help a community rebound? Earvin “Magic” Johnson Jr. founded the Magic Johnson Foundation (MJF) after retiring from the Los Angeles Lakers in 1991. Under his vision, the Foundation actively works to support community-based organizations and develops programs that serve the health, educational and social needs of those residing in inner-city communities.

About the Magic Johnson Foundation

The Magic Johnson Foundation was established in 1991 as a single-disease organization that worked to raise funds for community-based organizations dealing with HIV/AIDS education and prevention programs. The Foundation has since responded to the growing need to address all aspects of our youth’s lives by expanding its mission. This expanded mission emphasizes the Foundation’s focus on supporting community-based organization and development programs that serve the health, educational and social needs of those residing in minority communities.

The Magic Johnson Foundation Mission

The Magic Johnson Foundation is committed to improving the quality of life of people residing in minority communities. We will serve as the facilitator to deliver the much-needed programs and resources that others can’t or won’t deliver to these communities including access, education and information. It is our hope that our efforts will serve as a call to action to encourage other foundations, corporations, civic organizations and individuals to join us in this most worthy cause. We are committed to making a positive impact on families, one child at a time.

Earvin “Magic” Johnson - Biography 

Earvin Johnson, Jr. is Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Johnson Development Corporation and Magic Johnson Enterprises.  Johnson Development Corporation is an organization dedicated to urban revitalization by providing entertainment complexes, restaurants and retail centers in underserved communities nationwide.  To date he is Starbucks’ only joint venture partner with 107 stores opened across the country and a commitment to open a total of 125.  He has also created a partnership with Canyon Capital Realty Advisors and developed the Canyon Johnson Urban Fund.  Canyon Johnson is the country’s largest private real estate fund.  The company has raised over $900 million and has acquired 24 properties to assist in the revitalization of underserved communities.  Mr. Johnson has also opened 6 AMC Magic Johnson Theatres in Atlanta, Houston, Largo, Los Angeles, New York and North Randall.  His T.G.I. Friday’s restaurant in Los Angeles is one of the highest volume restaurants in the Carlson Restaurants chain. 

Magic Johnson Enterprises handles business development, asset acquisitions, endorsements, licensing, motivational media, personal appearances, urban marketing and business to business relationships that benefit underserved communities. Partnerships with corporations such as Burger King help to bring quality and convenience to urban America.  Mr. Johnson is one of Burger King’s biggest franchisees with 31 restaurants to date in Atlanta, Birmingham, Dallas and Miami.  He has also established a dozen 24 Hour Fitness Magic Sport centers.  The facilities in Sherman Oaks and San Leandro, California have over 18,000 members and rank #1 and #2 in the Magic-Sport fitness chain.  Mr. Johnson has also established 27 Washington Mutual Home Loan Centers and partnerships with NASCAR, Cadbury Schweppes, Lincoln, the Zimmerman Agency and TNT. 

Magic Johnson Enterprises recently launched two new initiatives: the Magic Johnson Travel Group and SodexhoMagic, LLC.  The Magic Johnson Travel Group is the first multicultural home-based travel agent initiative and franchise network.  It is designed to cultivate growth in the minority travel market and develop entrepreneurs from urban America.  SodexhoMagic, LLC will provide an extensive portfolio of food and facilities management services as well as offer signature dining facilities.

Mr. Johnson is Chairman and Founder of the Magic Johnson Foundation, Inc. which is committed to improving the quality of life for people residing in urban communities.  The Magic Johnson Foundation’s Taylor Michaels Scholarship Program has distributed over 800 college scholarships to deserving minority students. There are currently 225 students in the program. To help bridge the digital divide in minority communities, Johnson currently has 23 Magic Johnson Empowerment Centers. The Foundation also has established four HIV/AIDS clinics located in Los Angeles, Jacksonville, Oakland, and San Francisco. 

Johnson is universally known for his 13 year career in the NBA. His honors include: five national championships with the Los Angeles Lakers, 3 MVP awards, 12 NBA All-Star games, a gold medal at the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona, Spain and induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.