Many people have been called a hero for many different reasons. A hero is a person who is noted for an achievement in a particular field. Earvin Magic Johnson is a hero because he helps lead the fight against the AIDS/HIV virus (Magic Foundation 1). He has helped many people around the world and has served on many different committees to help youth with the virus.
             Earvin "Magic" Johnson was born on August, 14 1959 in Lansing, Michigan. He grew up in his early years there also. He had nine brothers and sisters. His parents were Earvin Sr. and Christine.
             Magic's influence to play basketball was from his early years. His father used to play basketball with him whenever he had time (Johnson 11). Magic's nickname when he was younger was "June Bug" because he was always hopping around the court. He did not like it very much but that is what a lot of people called him. Earvin constantly played basketball. He loved the sport, he and the basketball were inseparable. He would wake up early in the morning on many occasions and go and find people to play with. Some days he would even play all day long. Many different basketball players he watched and liked helped to influence him to play basketball.
             Earvin had another very important influence during his life. He was influenced to help with the fight against the AIDS/HIV virus when he was diagnosed with it in October of 1991. He was asked by President Bush's offer to serve on the National Commission on AIDS in 1991 (Johnson 274). That was the first time he really thought about helping others with the virus.
             Earvin's grades and education were never a problem at all (Johnson 65). Magic Johnson attended Everett High School in Lansing where he grew up. He received the nickname Magic when he was a star on the basketball team. He brought Everett's basketball team to a 27-1 record and a state title. After high school Earvin attended college. Ma...