Magic Johnson to present UB’s 39th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration

BUFFALO, N.Y. – NBA legend and Hall of Famer Earvin “Magic” Johnson will speak at the University at Buffalo at 8 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 12, in Alumni Arena, North Campus, as part of the UB Distinguished Speakers Series.

Perhaps best known for his professional basketball career, Johnson was selected first overall in the 1979 NBA draft by the Los Angeles Lakers, where he served as point guard for 13 seasons.  He was a three-time NBA MVP, made nine finals appearances and was named to 12 all-star teams.

Since then, he has become known as a philanthropist, entrepreneur and motivational speaker, as well as a business mogul who has successfully parlayed his skills and tenacity on the court into the business world.

In addition to serving as chairman and CEO of Magic Johnson Enterprises, Johnson is chairman and founder of the Magic Johnson Foundation, an organization dedicated to transforming urban America through HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention programs, community empowerment centers and the Taylor Michaels Scholarship Program.

Johnson is UB’s 39th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration keynote speaker.

During the program, audio and/or video photography, as well as still photography, will be limited to the first five minutes of his lecture. Johnson is expected to begin speaking at approximately 8:10 p.m. He is not available for interviews.

Working media may reserve tickets for the program by contacting Christine Vidal in the UB Office of Communications at 645-4607 or vidal@buffalo.edu no later than noon on Thursday, Feb. 12. Reserved tickets may be picked up at the will-call window in Alumni Arena prior to the program. Media may need to show press credentials in order to be admitted to the program.