The announcement read more like a death sentence for Johnson to the nation since little was understood about HIV and AIDS at the time since AIDS was viewed as a disease only homosexual men contacted and had only been in the public eye since 1981.

With Johnson’s announcement, HIV and AIDS were vaulted into the mainstream spotlight and put an end to a lifestyle many men, not just professional athletes, had engaged in. No longer would it be possible for men to have multiple sex partners without having to thinking about, or pay, the consequences.

15 years later and not only is Johnson bigger both literally and figuratively, but Johnson is still here with his voice, body and million dollar smile that made him a household name along with his basketball talent.

Over the last 15 years, Johnson had done more than any politician could have ever done to raise money and increase awareness for the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Johnson has created the Magic Johnson Foundation, a foundation that raises money to fund community-based organizations to serve the educational, health and social needs of children residing in inner city communities and HIV/AIDS organizations specializing in education, prevention and care.

In addition, Johnson has done everything from launching a platinum recording artist to hosting a late night talk show. Johnson has also been able to bring Magic Johnson Theatres into the inner cities and has opened a series of 24-hour Fitness Magic Johnson clubs in minority areas.

Magic Johnson has spent the last third of his life in the public eye fighting his HIV after spending the previous 15 years thrilling fans around the world on the basketball court, both at the college and professional level. This is one anniversary and one life that should be celebrated every year.