Magic Johnson: Now is the time to invest in black communities

NBA Hall of Famer Earvin "Magic" Johnson is still dishing out assists, even if he's not in command of the Los Angeles Lakers' "Showtime" offense.

Johnson, whose Magic Brand has a presence in more than 80 U.S. cities, is trying to get more jobs in urban areas where he says African-Americans need work most.

In a conversation with theGrio, Johnson called the African-American unemployment rate "devastating."

"We have to now have a plan of action to put African-Americans back to work," Johnson said. "You can have a general plan which we need because [President Barack Obama] has to turn this whole recession and the economy around. But then you can have an initiative where it's just geared towards black males and females..."

The 12-time All-Star said targeted partnerships between prominent organizations such as the National Urban League and NAACP and the federal government could be a start.

Johnson's most recent partnership with food giant Sodexo has helped provide both jobs and food services for many African-Americans across the country.