By Staff Writer – Photos by Mike Norris
On Sunday, October 30th, San Diegans gathered at United Domestic Workers to hear from the wife of Earvin ‘Magic’ Johnson, Cookie Johnson, whose life is on display in her latest New York Times Best Seller, Believing in Magic. In 1991, Earvin “Magic” Johnson announced to the world that he was HIV Positive, a moment that changed his life, and as his wife, hers too.
Hosted by the Southern Christian Leadership Conference of Southern California, Johnson has been touring and sharing her life with the masses, offering a message of love, faith and encouragement. In a dialogue format, Co-Publisher of The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint, Chida Warren-Darby, guided Johnson in a conversation, before an audience, about her book and various lessons learned in her life. Johnson transparently talked about her life with Magic from their days in college, to their on again – off again relationship of twelve years, (that ultimately resulting in marriage); to life as his wife, post HIV status. She also addressed being a mother to a son that is homosexual; the mother of an adopted daughter, and simply a woman trying to find her way in life, all with God’s help. “The word of God is what has kept me,” she said. “Reading His word daily and reminding myself of what the bible says about me.”
Johnson was extremely adamant about sharing the message of self-care and pursuing your dreams. Speaking from experience, she shared how often women find themselves being the nucleus in a family that holds it all together. “Even if it’s taking an hour out of your day, it is important to take care of yourself,” she said.
“By sharing her story, Cookie reminded us not to stigmatize or treat a person differently because of their condition. As a union of caregivers, we were all moved when she told us not to turn our back on our loved ones and instead remind them that we love them,” shared UDW Executive Director, Doug Moore. “Cookie gave a powerful testimony about her personal journey through adversity, and how her faith guided her through all of the challenges she has faced.” To learn more about Johnson’s book, visit www.cookiejohnson.com
