'Magic' Johnson shares 'magical' advice with Stillman graduates

Basketball legend Earvin "Magic" Johnson passed along some magical advice to the graduating class at Stillman College during the school's May 9 commencement ceremony. "You have this big opportunity in front of you. It's what you do with it that's important, no excuses," said Johnson, who built a Hall of Fame basketball career before building billion-dollar business empire.

"You can become anything you want to become as long as you prepare, and you believe in yourself. You can go as far as you want to go. " Around 114 students became Stillman College graduates during the commencement ceremony, held at the campus’ Sheppard Lawn in Tuscaloosa.

During the ceremony, Stillman College gave Johnson an honorary doctor of business administration degree. Stillman also made Johnson an honorary member of the basketball team, presenting him with a framed jersey. Stillman College President Yolanda Page praised Johnson "...

for his commitment to education and Black generational excellence. He is a true representative of the type of merit Stillman has continued to instill in our communities for the last 150 years. ” More: Stillman College opens I Dream Big Charter School in Tuscaloosa The private, historically Black college affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (USA), founded in 1876, is marking its sesquicentennial this year.