Magic Johnson's Announcement: Where Were You 20 Years Ago?

It was 20 years ago today, November 7, 1991, when Earvin "Magic" Johnson stepped to the microphone and announced that he was suffering from the most insidious disease of our time. After leading the Los Angeles Lakers to five championships in 12 seasons, after becoming arguably the most recognized athlete on the planet and stamping his smiling image on our social fabric, Magic strode to the microphone, surrounded by current and former teammates, coaches, opponents, family and friends, and calmly announced what the press had begun to report ... that he was HIV positive. 

I remember exactly where I was when I witnessed this on television. I was amazed at how calm Magic was. How he kept his composure as these larger than life men surrounding him wiped tears from their eyes, all contemplating what we were all thinking. At that time, we all firmly believed that Magic Johnson was announcing his own death sentence; that we would all soon witness this larger than life man suffer a horrible, public demise. 

In reality, what we were witnessing was Magic's unfathomable courage. Courage to announce publicly (when few would) that he was infected with a virus that at the time was associated with homosexuality, promiscuity, or drug usage (as if any of this truly matters).

Twenty years later, Magic Johnson is not only alive, he is thriving. Where people were once ignorant, they are now informed. Magic has created the Magic Johnson Foundation to combat this disease, and through his efforts, millions of dollars have been raised in order to research and fight HIV/AIDS. 

While those around him mourned prematurely, Magic Johnson went to war. He became not only a role model on a basketball court, but a role model in life, truly a profile in courage. 

"God had a plan for me and I'm just fulfilling that plan ... Just like HIV.  I was the one that was supposed to go through that challenge and go through that period because that brought light to HIV and AIDS. They needed somebody and it was me, and I feel really good about what I have accomplished."

—Earvin "Magic" Johnson

I recently read an article about a speech Magic gave at an inner city school in Los Angeles. At the conclusion of his speech, he asked if anyone had any questions. A young girl raised her hand and said, "I don't really have anything to ask, but I was wondering if you would mind if I came up there and gave you a hug?" Naturally, Magic agreed, and the entire audience crowded the stage just to touch the man.  With all the irrational fears about HIV/AIDS that existed 20 years ago, can you imagine this happening back then?

"HIV does not make people dangerous to know, so you can shake their hands and give them a hug: Heaven knows they need it."

—Princess Diana

So, where were you 20 years ago when Magic made that announcement? How did it shape your thoughts and opinions regarding HIV/AIDS?