On November 7, Earvin “Magic” Johnson—former NBA superstar and longtime HIV advocate—dedicated the World AIDS Museum and Educational Center to the millions of people affected by the virus. Expected to open to the public in early 2014, this museum, located near Fort Lauderdale, Florida, will be the first to dedicate its entirety to the history of the HIV/AIDS epidemic.

Twenty-two years ago, Magic Johnson announced to the world that he was HIV positive. The immense support of community through varying donations and an outpouring of encouragement gave rise to the creation of the Magic Johnson Foundation (MJF) in the same year. Since then, the MJF has implemented several programs that focus on testing, prevention and treatment for people living with the virus.

The World AIDS Museum, which is based in Wilton Manors, Florida, is the brainchild of a group of individuals who have a personal history with HIV and a mutual passion for sharing the historical impact of the virus on the world. Through traveling and interactive exhibits, the museum will be accessible to individuals worldwide. The exhibits invite anyone to participate by contributing their own stories, which will add up to a more universal account of the HIV/AIDS epidemic.

For more information, visit www.WorldAIDSMuseum.org 


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