The Magic to Freeing the 40 Million Dollar Slave

Sports writer William Rhodes’ book Forty Million Dollar Slaves: The Rise, Fall and Redemption of the Black Athlete, claims professional black athletes command exorbitant salaries and secure multimillion-dollar endorsement deals, but don’t use their wealth and influence to help improve the economic condition of many blacks. Fortunately with a little Magic, and his  Magic Brand presence in more than 80 U.S. cities, he is trying to get more athletes and entertainers to create jobs in areas where he says African-Americans need work most. (See the video)

http://wgtclsp.nbcuni.com/o/4a784acd2b1a7e80/4b3bfb2c8c6369f2/4a784acd2b1a7e80/11868f57/-cpid/fe098ccae6bac8e0

Labor statistics show that even with a 4-year college degree, unemployment rates for African-Americans are still disproportionately higher. And while we wait with bated breath for Obamas presidency to erase employment discrimination, the key to turning the economy around is job creation in black communities.

Perhaps we’ve taken the Magic for granted that he has been putting his money where is smile is for years. From Starbucks, Applebees, Rent A Center, to most recently a joint venture with food giant Sodexho.  Under this joint venture, historically black colleges and universities such as Morehouse College and Howard, Fisk and Florida A&M universities will gain access to other businesses in which the NBA all-star has an interest. http://www.magicjohnson.com/index.php?/enterprises/

But with the New Year bringing the end of a decade, Let’s pull together to Get it In in 2010!

Shout outs to http://www.Grio.com for supplying the video