| Atlanta Urban League to honor Magic Johnson, 7 other business champions |
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Urban League of Greater Atlanta is honoring NBA legend Earvin “Magic” Johnson as the “Business Champion of the Year.”Johnson, a successful entrepreneur with brands in a number of urban communities, is among eight business leaders lauded under this year’s theme, “Celebrating Champions of Job Creation.” Johnson joined a distinguished roster of honorees at the 51st Annual Equal Opportunity Day Dinner and Gala, which was held at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis Hotel Ballroom. “I am deeply honored to receive the Business Champion of the Year Award from the Urban League of Greater Atlanta, an organization that I have always respected and admired for the work it does to empower communities and support families to achieve economic empowerment,” said Johnson. As Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Magic Johnson Enterprises, Johnson oversees a conglomerate that includes Canyon Johnson, a $1 billion real estate fund; Yucaipa Johnson, a $500 million private equity fund; ASPiRE, a TV network that celebrates the African-American experience and showcases the next generation of talent and game changers; SodexoMAGIC; Magic Airport Holdings; Best Buy; T.G.I. Friday’s Restaurant; Inner City Broadcasting Corporation; Detroit Venture Partners; Magic Johnson Bridgescape; and Vibe Holdings, LLC. “We are thrilled to have Mr. Johnson join us as we celebrate and honor his business success and commitment to community and economic empowerment of urban communities and families along with our other distinguished honorees,” said Nancy Flake Johnson, president and Chief Executive Officer of the Urban League of Greater Atlanta. “We are excited that he has chosen Atlanta as the home base for two of his most recent ventures: the ASPiRE network and the Magic Johnson Bridgescape, an education center for out-of-school and at-risk youth.” Nick Nelson, who served as this year’s gala chair, called Johnson a “successful brand strategist” who is empowering African-American communities through his work. “Magic Johnson is a successful brand strategist for corporations seeking a relationship with the urban market, and he is a catalyst for those companies to invest into underserved communities with sustainable jobs,” said Nelson. “It is a privilege to recognize a man who exemplifies long-standing efforts to economically empower the African-American community.” The Equal Opportunity Day Dinner and Gala annually recognizes corporations, organizations and individuals who champion equal opportunities for African-Americans and others in underserved communities. In addition to Johnson, seven others were honored at this year’s event:
Usher’s New Look Foundation: Community Service Champion Award Chaka Zulu: Young Professionals and Guild: League Auxiliary Champions Awards About the Urban League of Greater Atlanta Founded in 1920, The Urban League of Greater Atlanta is a civil rights organization dedicated to economic empowerment. For 92 years, the mission of the Urban League of Greater Atlanta is to empower communities and change lives by enabling African Americans and others to achieve their highest human potential and secure economic self-reliance, parity, power and civil rights. The Urban League of Greater Atlanta is one of 97 affiliates in 36 states and the District of Columbia. |
