Earvin "Magic" Johnson

<p>Earvin "Magic" Johnson has become one of the most powerful African-American businessmen in the world. He is Major League Baseball owner, an NBA legend, a two-time Hall of Famer, an entrepreneur, philanthropist and popular keynote speaker. The business mogul has successfully parlayed his skills and tenacity on the court into the business world, propelling his company to the #1 brand in urban America.</p><p>Johnson spent 13 seasons in the NBA as a point guard for the Los Angeles Lakers, winning the NBA title and the NBA Finals MVP his rookie season, and four more championships with the Lakers. He retired in 1991 after contracting HIV, but returned to play in the 1992 All-Star Game, winning the All-Star MVP Award. He retired again for four years, but returned in 1996 and played 32 games for the Lakers before retiring for good.</p><p>He is currently the 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. He is most noted for his unprecedented Starbucks partnership, which served as the catalyst for redevelopment in urban communities and is 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 $100 million dollars. He also is part of an investment group that purchased the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2012 and the Los Angeles Sparks in 2014.</p><p>Johnson also serves as Chairman and Founder of the Magic Johnson Foundation (MJF), where his commitment to transform urban America continues through HIV/AIDS Awareness & Prevention Programs, Community Empowerment Centers, and the Taylor Michaels Scholarship Program.</p>