Magic Johnson to Receive Business Champion Award in Atlanta

The Urban League of Greater Atlanta announced today that NBA legend and business entrepreneur Earvin “Magic” Johnson will accept the “EOD Business Champion of the Year” Award and join the distinguished roster of honorees at its 51st Annual Equal Opportunity Day Dinner and Gala that will take place at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis Hotel Ballroom, Saturday, Dec. 1, 2012 at 7 pm. This year’s theme is “Celebrating Champions of Job Creation.”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. I look forward to joining the League and its distinguished guests at the dinner,” Earvin “Magic” Johnson said. 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 Black communities and families along with our other distinguished honorees,” Nancy Flake Johnson, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Urban League of Greater Atlanta, said. “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.”The Equal Opportunity Day Dinner and Gala recognizes corporations, organizations and individuals who champion equal opportunities for African-Americans and others in underserved communities.”Magic Johnson is a successful brand strategist for corporations seeking a relationship with the Black market, and he is a catalyst for those companies to invest into underserved communities with sustainable jobs,” Gala Chair and Liquid Soul Principal and Chief Marketing Officer Nick Nelson, said. “It is a privilege to recognize a man who exemplifies long-standing efforts to economically empower the African-American community.”The EOD Dinner and Gala also will honor: � The HJ Russell Family: Family Heritage Champion Award � Macy’s: Program Partner Champion Award � Wells Fargo: Supplier Diversity Champion Award � R. Lawrence Ashe Jr.: Legacy Champion Award � Usher’s New Look Foundation: Community Service Champion Award � Chaka Zulu: Emerging Business Champion Award � Young Professionals and Guild: League Auxiliary Champions Awards