Earvin “Magic” Johnson, the NBA legend and Lansing native, recently returned to his hometown to honor his late father, Earvin Johnson Sr., with a heartfelt tribute that blends nostalgia, family legacy, and community spirit. In a recent interview, Johnson’s face lit up as he recounted memories of his childhood in Lansing, Michigan, and the profound influence his father’s passion for restoring classic cars had on his life. The inaugural Earvin Johnson Sr. Law Enforcement and Community Car and Truck Show, held on August 24, 2024, at Union Missionary Baptist Church, was more than just an event—it was a realization of his father’s dream and a way for Johnson to give back to the community that shaped him.

Growing up in Lansing’s West Side neighborhood, Johnson was one of seven children in a hardworking family. His father, a General Motors assembly worker, and his mother, Christine, a school custodian, instilled in him a relentless work ethic. Johnson vividly recalls cold Michigan mornings, helping his father on his garbage route, a job that earned him the childhood nickname “Garbage Man” among neighborhood kids. Despite the teasing, these moments forged a bond with his father, who balanced multiple jobs, including part-time work at a Shell gas station where he fixed cars. It was here, amidst the hum of engines and the gleam of polished chrome, that Earvin Sr.’s love for cars took root—a passion he passed down to his son.

Earvin Sr., who passed away in March 2023 at the age of 88, was a man of simple yet profound loves: Michigan State, the Los Angeles Lakers, and classic cars. Johnson remembers his father’s joy in restoring vintage vehicles, particularly his cherished Riviera, which a young Magic would borrow for joyrides. “My father loved cars,” Johnson shared with a smile. “He’d spend hours working on them, making them shine like they just rolled off the lot.” This passion wasn’t just about mechanics; it was about pride, craftsmanship, and creating something beautiful from the past. Johnson’s own car collection, which includes a 1979 Mercedes-Benz 450 SL and other classic and modern vehicles, reflects this inherited appreciation for automotive artistry.

The idea for the car show came from a conversation with James Stokes, a former teammate from Lansing Everett High School, where Johnson earned his “Magic” moniker after a triple-double performance as a sophomore. Stokes proposed a car show at Union Missionary Baptist Church, where Earvin Sr. was a devoted member, to honor his legacy. Johnson immediately saw it as a “game changer.” The event, held in the church’s parking lot, drew hundreds of mid-Michigan residents to admire classic cars like a 1958 Chevrolet Impala and a 1973 Impala, vehicles that echoed the era of his father’s passion. Johnson mingled with attendees, taking photos and sharing stories, his 6-foot-9 frame towering over the crowd as he connected with fans and old friends.

Beyond celebrating his father’s love for cars, the car show served a deeper purpose. Proceeds benefited two local organizations: Michigan Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.) and Santa’s First Responders, a group of police officers, firefighters, and educators who bring holiday cheer to underprivileged children. Johnson emphasized the importance of supporting first responders, noting, “They put their lives on the line every day to protect our community.” The event bridged communities, fostering unity and goodwill, as Pastor Kenny Craig of Union Missionary Baptist Church observed. For Johnson, it was a way to carry forward his father’s legacy of hard work and community service.

Reflecting on his childhood, Johnson credits Lansing for grounding him. Despite his global fame, he remains tied to the city where he led Everett High School to a state championship and later starred at Michigan State University, winning a national title in 1979. “Lansing made me who I am,” he said, recalling how his parents’ sacrifices and the community’s support shaped his journey from a local kid to an NBA icon. The car show, he hopes, will become an annual tradition, keeping his father’s memory alive while inspiring the next generation.

As Johnson walked among the gleaming cars, he imagined his father’s reaction. “He would’ve been crying,” he said, his voice soft with emotion. “This is everything he loved—cars, community, and family.” For Magic, the event was a full-circle moment, a chance to honor the man who taught him to dream big and work hard, all while giving back to the place he still calls home.