Magic Says Blacks Should Team Up to Conquer AIDS

Magic Says Blacks Should Team Up to Conquer AIDS

As part of his "I Stand with Magic" campaign to raise HIV/AIDS awareness in the black community, NBA great Magic Johnson urged young audiences in Newark and Paterson on Tuesday to do more to fight the epidemic that has gripped their communities. Since starting the drive in December 2006, Johnson has brought a similar message to nearly 20 cities with large minority populations, including Atlanta, Baltimore, and Charlotte.

Johnson knows he cannot rely on the shock factor of his 1991 diagnosis to motivate today's generation, which has always known him as HIV-positive. Wherever he goes, he enlists HIV-positive high school and college students to join him on stage. His message is consistent: Get smart before it is too late.

"The more that you're honest with young people, the more the message will sink in," said Johnson.

In New Jersey, blacks comprised 14 percent of the population but accounted for 56 percent of those with HIV/AIDS in 2005, state health department data show. Newark has the third-highest rate of blacks living with HIV/AIDS in the country.

"One thing about the black community is once we put our mind to something, it'll get done," said Johnson. "We've got to take that same attitude and same approach for HIV and AIDS."

Although many of the teens have received the same message from parents and teachers, said Jerome Walker, 19, Johnson's discussion of HIV/AIDS prevention and awareness does not come off as another lecture. "It feels more understanding coming from him," said Walker.

Star-Ledger (Newark) (07.18.07):: Claire Heininger

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