“Just Because You’re Poor…” – Magic Johnson Revels in Headlining Billion-Dollar Pharma Giant’s Efforts Towards Inclusivity

Talking about the importance of work ethic and giving back, Earvin ‘Magic’ Johnson had another session to educate people more about life. As a kid, he was called ‘Garbage Man,’ working alongside his father collecting trash as their family tried to survive. But now Johnson has accumulated $1.2 billion in net worth thanks to his business-savvy self or “talent and personality,” as he puts it. So when given an opportunity, the Lakers legend hasn’t shied away from imparting knowledge to impact someone’s life.

The Dow Chemical Company, valued at $37.24 billion, had its golfing tournament held in Midland Michigan, where Magic Johnson called as a guest. After the event, Magic took to Instagram to express his gratitude to the people who invited him to the event. Firstly he thanked DOW chairman and CEO Jim Fitterling. Secondly, to DOW Chief Inclusion Officer Dr. Alveda Williams. He also thanked the kids in attendance and revealed a little about his talk.

“Really wanted to inspire the crowd about the importance of DE&I- diversity, equity, and inclusion and why we have to keep it going,” he wrote on his story. “I also reminded the students that just because you grow up poor doesn’t mean you have to have poor dreams and a good education can change your life forever.” Magic Johnson said that it was the best diversity and inclusion event that he has been a part of. He also thanked Saginaw business leaders, and community leaders for uplifting the community.

The 64-year-old was not born rich, He learned the trait from his mentor Dr. Jerry Buss. In speaking with him he broke an unwritten rule but did not pay any heed to the critics. It was Buss who initially helped Johnson with his entrepreneurial journey, compensating for the little he made on court.

Magic Johnson only earned $40 million from his Lakers salary, a fraction of what the stars earn today. Reaching a billion in net worth was thus a long road yet for the 5x Champion. But he did. In 2023, Forbes named him the 3rd basketball athlete after Michael Jordan and LeBron James to make the club.

Unlike the two donning hefty sum from their Nike contracts alone, Magic ventured into numerous investments after making about $18 million from his basketball contracts (his converse deal started with $100,000 a year: as per Forbes). A long journey indeed for young Johnson.

Magic Johnson lived the advise he imparted today

Magic Johnson’s father Earvin Johnson Sr. worked as a general motor assembly worker and held some janitorial work for extra money. Magic joined his father frequently on the jobs, including garbage collection. It was here the Lakers legend might have heard his first lesson – “Don’t do the job halfway. Do it right,” his father said, Johnson recalls via Basketball Network.

Further, according to “Magic Johnson: Basketball Star & Entrepreneur,” Magic said his dad also helped him understand the finer points of the sport. ‘Details that could help an average player become a good player and a good player become great,” as J. Chris Roselius wrote.

Needless to say, his dad held a great influence on Johnson on and off the court. When he passed away at an early age, the NBA star carried his work ethics forward and ensured not to let his situation limit his vision. “I grew up poor, but I didn’t have poor dreams,” Magic had said according to NBC. He took on jobs, even demanded at times, and opportunities that came his way to attain not-so-far reality. And all whilst staying humble.

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