Magic Johnson 6’ 9”, one of the greatest basketball players of all time, successful businessman, philanthropist, and Dyslexic.
Related: Does your child have a learning disability or dyslexia. Find out. Download this checklist
Magic Johnson Biography
One of seven children Earvin Johnson Jr was born on August 14, 1959 in Lansing, Michigan the son of a general motors assembly worker, Earvin Sr. and Christine a school custodian. His father worked at an auto factory during the day and hauled trash at night to make extra money.
Earvin Jr. worked at several jobs, including helping his father.” His parents were role models for persistent hard work. (Source: Notablebiographies)
Video: Magic Johnson Documentary: An NBA Documentary with Magic Johnson dyslexia Highlights
As a dyslexic child, Johnson struggled with reading and writing during school. His life at school wasn’t a smooth ride. “The looks, the stares, the giggles…I wanted to show everybody that I could do better and also that I could read,” he said. Johnson could only read at the sixth-grade level.
Related: Choosing Right Assistive Technology for Students with Learning Disabilities and Dyslexia
His counselor at school advised him to go to summer school. Which he did and surpassed. “I am not the only one that has a problem. But I didn’t let my ego or peer pressure get in my way, “ he said at a speech at a high school.
He didn’t let the disapproval and criticism get to him. Instead, he used it as a constant motivation tool to rise above and get where he is today.
“You’re the only one who can make the difference. Whatever your dream is, go for it.”
Magic Johnson
Dyslexia doesn’t have to stop us from achieving our dreams.
Being persistent helped Johnson succeed in spite of his dyslexia. He never doubted his ability, but he made every effort to stay the course. He studied hard and work harder. By the time he was in the eighth grade, he thought his future was with basketball.
He Won the Nickname “Magic”.
He went to predominantly white Everett High School where he was exposed to racism. As a starter on the Men’s basketball team, Johnson’s hard work and perseverance led Everett High School to a 27–1 win-loss record as he averaged 28.8 points and 16.8 rebounds per game. In 1976 he led his team to victory in the state championship game! At Everett he won the nickname “Magic” for his ball-handling and passing skills.
Michigan State University #33
Johnson went on to play basketball at Michigan State University (MSU). In 1979 in his second year, he leads his team to win the National College Championship and voted the Most Valuable Player after scoring 24 points. MSU beat undefeated Indiana State University that year.
Indiana State University’s star Player was Larry Bird, and thus became a friendly lifetime professional rivalry between the two players. Michigan State University honored Magic, retiring his basketball jersey number 33.
Magic Johnson NBA Career with the Los Angeles Lakers
After completing his sophomore year, Johnson left MSU and entered the National Basketball Association (NBA) draft under a financial hardship provision allowing him to start earning his living by jump starting his professional career without completing the four-year college eligibility requirements. Johnson ranked the prestigious position of #1 in the first draft, the first underclassman ever to be drafted first overall and selected by the Los Angeles Lakers (Lakers) basketball team.
Magic Johnson. The Most Valuable Player
In his rookie season with the Lakers, they won the NBA championship and Johnson became the first rookie to ever win the NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Award. During his young age career with the Lakers, the team won five NBA Championships with the Lakers and was a part of the 1992 Olympics gold medal-winning united states Olympic team and Johnson awarded three Most Valuable Player Awards, three Finals Most Valuable Player Awards and selected to play on twelve All-Star Game Teams
Magic Johnson Gets Inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame
Video: Earvin “Magic” Johnson honored and inducted in the Basketball Hall of Fame
Magic Johnson Accomplishments
Magic Johnson’s Business Career
After ending his NBA career Johnson concentrated on building his sports and entertainment business empire. He is the CEO of Magic Johnson Enterprises (MJE), a billion-dollar conglomerate he started in 1987 (while still active in the NBA). The company under his leadership established Magic movie theaters, shopping centers, fitness centers and over 100 Starbucks in low-income communities (later he sold them) to bring jobs and economy to these communities. (Source: CNBC)
As an astute businessman, he partnered with a group of investors that purchased the LA Dodgers. He also held a 4% interest in the Los Angeles Lakers basketball franchise that he later sold.
On February 21, 2017, Johnson replaced Jim Buss as the president of basketball operations for the Los Angeles Lakers.
On April 9, 2019, Johnson resigned from the Lakers, citing his desire to return to simple life “I want to go back to having fun,” with tears in his eyes.
(Source: CBS News )
Magic Johnson Philanthropist
Upon discovering he tested positive for HIV, Johnson became an advocate for HIV/Aids prevention and safe sex. At his press conference held on November 7, 1991, announcing his HIV status, he discussed his plan to establish a non-profit organization. The Magic Johnson Foundation (MJF), founded in December of 1991 by Earvin “Magic” Johnson, is a nonprofit public charity.
The mission of the Foundation is to identify and support community-based organizations that address the educational, health, and social needs of children, young adults and inner-city communities throughout the nation. MJF also donates needed funds to organizations that provide HIV/AIDS prevention and health care education to the minority community.
He also funds the Magic Johnson Bridgescape Academy, which helps high school dropouts get diplomas.
“All kids need is a little help, a little hope and somebody who believes in them.”
Magic Johnson
The All-Star player overcame dyslexia and dominated the court as one of professional basketball’s best players for 13 years. He is an astute businessman and a philanthropist. He won many battles before getting to where he is today.
Throughout his life, Earvin Magic Johnson, Jr. showed resilience, determination, perseverance, hard work and a persistent need to succeed.
Magic Johnson shows us that dyslexia or other hurdles in life does not stop someone from dreaming big and achieving their dreams.
“I think you just have to keep knocking down doors, you have to keep being aggressive, and even if somebody says ‘No’, then you have to knock on the next door.”
Magic Johnson
TOP 20 Magic Johnson Quotes
Important information and resources on recognizing and treating dyslexia.
Why is early intervention important for kids with a dyslexia IEP plan.
Parents can play an important role in early identification of their dyslexic child. If your child struggles and shows learning delays consult with the teacher and a pediatrician.
Assessments can be done as early as kindergarten or first-grade. Parents can request their child to be tested at school at no cost. The understanding of the assessment and identification process is very important.
The importance of early intervention cannot be stressed enough. Early intervention with effective instructions and treatment can prevent a dyslexic at risk to fall behind in the development of age-appropriate literacy skills. Introducing him or her to effective instruction can optimize a child’s skills.
Intervening at an early age allows for the creation of an effective Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) with a set of instructions on how to address the child’s specific needs for learning and ensuring he or/she will receive the educational specialized instruction and related services according to his IEP.
How to maximize the benefits of IEP, an Individualized Education Plan for your child.
Assistive Technology Helps Students With Learning Disabilities and Dyslexia
Assistive technology (AT) helps dyslexics overcome challenges, such as note-taking, poor handwriting, allowing them to read and write using a range of technological tools. For dyslexic children and adults AT creates an enormous difference leveling the learning field for the LD individual. Choosing the right assistive technology tools is important.
Additional Dyslexia Resources
- Does your child have a learning disability or diagnosed with dyslexia? Use this Checklist of Find Out. Download checklist does my child has dyslexia
- Famous Dyslexics Quotes