Magic Johnson dedicates World AIDS Museum and Educational Center
In anticipation of the opening of the World AIDS Museum and Educational Center in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., early next year, this November Earvin “Magic” Johnson dedicated the Museum to the millions of people who suffered due to HIV/AIDS. “Thank you for building this Museum and letting me be a part of it,” stated Johnson, one of the world’s most recognized faces and HIV/AIDS advocates. “We have got to continue to work together. It is going to take all of us working hand-in-hand to change the stigma in our society. We have come so far and are making great strides and this museum will help us in our efforts.”
The mission of the World AIDS Museum and Educational Center is to increase awareness and decrease stigma of the AIDS epidemic by documenting the history of HIV/AIDS, remembering the people who suffered from this disease, educating people about HIV/AIDS, enlightening the world to this continuing tragedy and empowering the survivors.
“The World AIDS Museum concept was created years ago by a group of individuals who had been affected by HIV/AIDS,” said Steve Sagon, president and CEO. “We realized the importance of sharing the history of AIDS to not only educate people who have no idea of what it is and who it impacts, but also to convey a message, ‘This cannot happen again.’ The world cannot isolate groups and fail to help because the group may not represent everyone. By addressing the disease with research and technology, AIDS can not only be controlled, but is on the brink of eradication. We should have been at this point years ago.”
The Museum will present HIV/AIDS from a very personal and emotional viewpoint and offer traveling and interactive exhibits in which people from all over the world can participate and add their own stories.
In November 1991, Johnson first announced to the world that he was HIV positive. Since then he has developed and funded programs addressing prevention, testing and effective treatment for persons living with HIV/AIDS.
Funding for the museum includes a capacity building grant from the Community Foundation of Broward plus numerous corporate grants and personal contributions. The Museum is currently offering opportunities for early contributors to become “Founding Members.” For more information, visit www.WorldAIDSMuseum.org or call (954) 815-2550.
