Detroit City Wire

Senator Michael Webber has introduced a bill to rename part of Grand River Avenue in downtown East Lansing after Earvin “Magic” Johnson. The legislation, Senate Bill 534, proposes that the stretch of Grand River Avenue (M-43) from North Harrison Road to Hagadorn Road be designated as “Magic Johnson Way.”

Webber, a Republican from Rochester Hills, referenced his own experience as a Michigan State University student and noted Johnson’s impact on the school’s basketball program. “As a proud Spartan, I know first-hand the long-lasting legacy that Magic Johnson established during his time at Michigan State,” said Webber. “I was a student when the Spartans won their most recent national title, and many would agree the success of the men’s basketball program was largely influenced by what Johnson was able to do on the court.”

Representative Kathy Schmaltz, also an MSU alumna, announced plans to introduce similar legislation in the Michigan House of Representatives. Schmaltz highlighted her past interactions with Johnson during her career as a news anchor in Lansing. “As a Lansing news anchor for many years, I enjoyed talking with Magic and watching as he continued to excel in athletics,” said Schmaltz, R-Jackson. “Renaming the most traveled road through downtown East Lansing only further adds to his legacy and helps ensure he is forever remembered for his contributions to the university, the community and the athletics program.”

If approved by both chambers and signed into law, this would formally recognize Magic Johnson’s influence on Michigan State University and its surrounding community.