Earvin “Magic” Johnson

Earvin “Magic” Johnson has become one of the most successful African American businessmen in the world. He is a Major League Baseball owner, an NBA Legend, a 2-time Hall of Famer, and an entrepreneur, philanthropist and motivational speaker. The business mogul has successfully parlayed his skills and tenacity on the court into the business world, propelling his company to the status of #1 Brand in Urban America.

He is Chairman and CEO of Magic Johnson Enterprises (MJE), which provides high-quality products and services that focus primarily on ethnically diverse and underserved urban communities through strategic alliances, investments, consulting and endorsements. The conglomerate is comprised of multiple business entities and partnerships that include Canyon Johnson, a $1 billion real estate fund, Yucaipa Johnson, a $500 million private equity fund, ASPIRE, a new African American television network, SodexoMagic, Magic Airport Holdings, Inner City Broadcasting Corporation, Magic Johnson Bridgescape Academies, and Vibe Holdings, LLC. Magic is the Chairman of the multicultural media company that houses the Vibe, Uptown and Soul Train brands.

Magic is noted for his unprecedented Starbucks partnership, which served as the catalyst for redevelopment in urban communities and is literally the blueprint for Corporate America’s engagement and success with urban consumers. In 2010, he divested his Starbucks and Los Angeles Lakers shares in excess of $100 million. However, he continues to assist Starbucks with their community development initiatives.

Magic teamed up with Tim Leiweke, former CEO of AEG, in an effort to build a new stadium and bring an NFL team back to Los Angeles as well as thousands of jobs to the city. The story of Magic and Larry Bird’s inspiring friendship and rivalry was presented in a theater adaptation of Magic/Bird on Broadway in April 2012.

Magic also serves as Chairman and Founder of the Magic Johnson Foundation, where his unwavering commitment to transform Urban America continues through HIV/AIDS awareness & prevention programs, community empowerment centers, and the Taylor Michaels Scholarship Program. Celebrating over 20 years of success, the Magic Johnson Foundation has become one of the most recognizable philanthropic organizations around the world.