Miami Herald - April 17, 2003
Stephen F. Holder, sholder@herald.com

Sure, you knew that. Just consider this a reminder, because the pioneering Johnson has made it so easy to forget. Johnson has moved on with his life, living it to the fullest, so we rarely think of him as a victim.

And that's the way he wants it.

For Johnson, his HIV confirmation was a new beginning.

"At first, there was this enormous uncertainty and constant concern about just how long he'd be here," said Memphis Grizzlies president Jerry West, who was in the Lakers' front office most of Johnson's career. "Now, I just marvel at him in so many areas. And he's still as enthusiastic as he was when he was playing, which is amazing."

Johnson, a five-time NBA champion and Hall of Famer, will be in Miami today for a health fair and community forum at an Overtown church, and for those afflicted with HIV and AIDS, the former Lakers star remains the poster child for living with this generation's plague.

One would be hard-pressed to find a better businessman than Johnson, who does everything from operate Starbucks franchises to produce movies. And basketball remains a passion, with Johnson serving as vice president and minority owner of his former team, the Lakers.

In between those time-consuming ventures, he has managed to produce a platinum-selling vocalist, considered running for Los Angeles mayor and makes all he does appear effortless.

"He has a gift, and it's something that can't be learned," said Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak, who frequently consults with Johnson on personnel matters. "And it's almost as if he's never missed a beat. He's transcended the illness."

That's saying plenty. It was Nov. 7, 1991, when the world sat in stunned silence as Johnson revealed he had HIV, for which there remains no cure. He was deemed an American hero rendered helpless.

All that remained was the painful process of watching him wither away.

Think again.

"From that day on, there was one commitment in his life: to get well," said Heat coach Pat Riley, who coached the Lakers for nine seasons and remains friends with Johnson. "He's a believer. He's a dreamer. He's somebody who is going to fight."

Today, Johnson shows no obvious effects of HIV, and there are few, if any, traces of the virus in his body. He credits his meticulous medical regimen and vigorous daily workouts.

"My health is wonderful," Johnson said in a recent CNN interview. "The virus is laying asleep in my body."

And with his physical condition almost relegated to a nonissue, Johnson, 43, is concentrating on the things that make him tick. That includes his charity work, which he makes an integral part of his schedule. Speaking publicly on AIDS has become a passion, even though most people might be unwilling to talk openly about a slumbering killer within them.

And although Johnson can afford the costly medication and has had great fortune, he is mindful that not everyone is as lucky.

"The most important thing about Magic is that he is not living in shame or denial," said Michael Weinstein, president of the AIDS Healthcare Foundation, which runs several clinics named in Johnson's honor. "There's no better way to fight stigmas than to have someone of his stature speak out."

And when Johnson is not out educating, he's conquering the business world, with his empire worth an estimated $500 million. Fortune magazine last year ranked him 33rd on its list of most powerful black business leaders.

Yes, life is good for Johnson. All he wants now is to continue his joyous journey with his wife, Cookie, and three children. And if he can't have that, he has already had plenty.

'If God says, 'No,' " Johnson said recently, "don't cry for me because I've done everything in life I've wanted to do."

-- The health fair, followed by the forum, will be held from 3:30 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. today at Greater Bethel AME Church, 245 NW 8th St., Miami. Call 1-888-212-4684.

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