Magic Johnson Honored with AHFS First World AIDS Day Magic Award
Johnathan graduated from the Univer-
sity of Hartford’s Hartt School in May 1998 with a degree in voice performance, and shortly after his graduation, Johna- than was invited to begin his professional entertainment career with the 129th
and felt his prominent role in the show was an unbelievable dream come true. Johnathan toured with Ringling Bros.
all around the United States, and his char- ismatic charm and his incredible voice caught the eye of Barbara Walters, who named him one of the ten most fascinating people in 1999. Johnathan’s continuing passion for performance and his drive for excellence earned him an invitation back to perform with the 131st tions.
and 133rd Edi- After three consecutive tours with The
Greatest Show On Earth, Johnathan left to pursue other performance opportunities, but continued to work with Ringling Bros. for special events. Johnathan performed in several Off Broadway productions in- cluding Carnival, Showboat, The Magic Flute, and Dreamgirls. He also did com- mercials for Jeep, Six Flags Great Adven- ture and Casual Male XL, as well as some singing with the USO Liberty Bells of New York, voiceovers for a new animated feature entitled Eloise, and a bit of free- lance journalism under his pen name J. Frederick Baptiste/Johnathan Baptiste. “I am grateful to be a part of this cel-
ebration and to be a part of this great American treasure. Nothing can compare to this job. Being a ringmaster is truly thrilling,” exclaims Johnathan. Joining Johnathan on the rails is his
wife and fellow performer Priscilla, whom he met and married while previously tour- ing with Ringling Bros., and their children Matthew Felipe and Lila Simone.
The Black E.O.E. Journal
IDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) President Michael Weinstein (right) presents basketball legend Earvin Magic Johnson, Jr. with AHFs inaugural World AIDS Day Magic Award in recognition of his work raising awareness about HIV/AIDS prevention, care and treatment during a ceremony at a Los Angeles Lakers/Indiana Pacers game at Staples Center on Sunday, November 28th. For over ten years, Johnson, through his Magic Johnson Foundation, has teamed closely with AIDS Healthcare Foundation in several free AIDS treatment clinics that are named in partnership with, and honor of Johnson. AHF Magic Johnson Healthcare Centers are located in California in South Los Angeles, Oakland, and San Francisco, and in Jacksonville and North Miami Beach, Florida.
A
About AIDS Healthcare Foundation AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), the largest global AIDS organization,
currently provides medical care and/or services to more than 141,000 individuals in 23 countries worldwide in the US, Africa, Latin America/Caribbean, the Asia/ Pacific Region and Eastern Europe. Additional information is available at www.
aidshealth.org Source: AIDS Healthcare Foundation & Business Wire
Edi-
tion of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bai- ley®
. Johnathan couldn’t refuse the offer
www.blackeoejournal.com
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