Umar Johnson

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Umar Johnson
Johnson in 2016
Born
Jermaine Shoemake

(1974-08-21) August 21, 1974 (age 49)
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Alma materMillersville University of Pennsylvania (BA&Sc)
Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (Psy.D.)
Occupations

Umar Rashad Ibn Abdullah-Johnson (born Jermaine Shoemake; August 21, 1974) is an American Black activist,[1] social media personality,[2] school psychologist, and motivational speaker.[3] A controversial figure, Johnson is a Pan-Africanist who condemns homosexuality and interracial marriage.[4][5]

Early life and education

Johnson is a native of North Philadelphia.[6] His stepmother, Bernice Elizabeth Dockins Abdullah-Johnson, was a preschool teacher.[7]

Johnson graduated from Millersville University[8] before graduating in 2012 from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine with a Psy.D. in clinical psychology.[4][9]

Career

Johnson (left) in 2015.

Book and documentary appearance

In 2011, he was featured on The Untold History of People of Aboriginal, Moor, and African Descent, directed by Tariq Nasheed.[10] In 2013, Johnson published Psycho-Academic Holocaust: The Special Education & ADHD Wars Against Black Boys, a book in which he contended that attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) was increasingly misdiagnosed in Black communities and that the American education system used ADHD to stigmatize black children.[11][12] In a 2017 video clip, Johnson claimed that ADHD and learning disabilities do "not exist."[1]

School project

In June 2014, Johnson said he would raise $5 million to buy the former campus of Saint Paul's College in Lawrenceville, Virginia, which had closed down in 2013 due to financial struggles, and rename it to Frederick Douglass Marcus Garvey Academy, which he said would be a boarding school for Black boys.[13][14] He claimed to have sufficient funds to buy the Saint Paul's site in 2014, but did not do so.[15] In 2015, Johnson claimed that he would open the school the following year; he failed to do so.[15]

Charing Ball, writing in the online magazine MadameNoire, discouraged donations for the project, citing Johnson's "homophobic and misogynistic" commentary in YouTube videos.[16] In 2015, he opened a GoFundMe to raise money to "acquire and rehabilitate" either the former Saint Paul's or Chamberlain-Hunt Academy in Port Gibson, Mississippi.[8] In 2017, The Root criticized Johnson for failing to provide financial documentation demonstrating whether he actually used any of the funds for the school.[8] In April 2017, Johnson founded the National Independent Black Parent Association in Leimert Park, Los Angeles.[17]

Although Johnson claimed to have applied for 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit status in 2015, there was no record of an application with the IRS as of 2017.[8] In 2019, a Root commentator criticized Johnson for never providing a business plan, obtaining a license, publishing receipts, or taking other steps toward construction of the school, despite Johnson's claim in 2017 to have raised $400,000[15] or $700,000 for the school.[8] In April 2021, Johnson said that construction was complete but that the school was not ready for classes.[18]

In an Instagram post dated March 1, 2023, Johnson announced that he plans to open the school in time for the 2024–25 school year.[19]

Social media commentary, activism, and controversies

Johnson is most known for his divisive social media commentary,[6][2] and his provocative remarks over the years, mostly on race.[20]

In 2018, Johnson said that his main Facebook and GoFundMe accounts had been shut down, but that his Instagram (then with 342,000 followers) remained active.[4] His Instagram following had risen to 789,000 by late 2021; at that time he also had 163,000 Twitter followers.[2]

Johnson's commentary is pan-Africanist (which Johnson renders as "Pan-Afrikanist"); he has called for Black Americans to identify with African people globally rather than with individual religions, nationalities, professions, and fraternal organizations.[2] He referred to himself on his website as the "prince of Pan-Africanism."[21] He engaged in a Twitter feud with Feminista Jones, a Philadelphia-based black feminist commentator and activist.[22] He has criticized black Americans for celebrating Independence Day.[20] He has denounced various Black public figures, including actor Jonathan Majors (for dating a white woman), college football coach Deion Sanders (for leaving the historically black Jackson State to coach at Colorado), and Oprah Winfrey (for being identified with feminism and LGBT rights).[20]

In speech and social media posts, Johnson has promoted misinformation, including a viral Instagram post falsely claiming that Bill Gates sought for "at least 3 billion people" to die as part of a population control scheme.[23] Johnson has also baselessly accused the Population Council and Planned Parenthood of "using homosexuality as a population control strategy in the black community."[16][21]

In contrast to mainstream psychology, he has referred to homosexuality as a mental disorder and claimed to be able to "treat" it.[21] In a 2021 speech at Lehigh University, Johnson criticized former President Barack Obama, claiming that his administration "gave my civil rights over to the LGBTQ, ... the feminist movement, ... the Mexicans."[2] In various speeches, Johnson also criticized President Joe Biden, contending that he had not done enough to protect Black people from police violence.[24][25] In a 2023 interview on The Breakfast Club radio show, Johnson discouraged Black people from voting, said he had not voted for many years, and described the Democratic Party as "a White, racist institution" that "is just as racist as the Republican Party."[26] In a 2023 interview on Joe Budden's podcast, Johnson criticized Black people who believed that Eminem was the greatest rapper of all time, asserting that it "speaks to how psychologically ill we are as a race of people" and "No non-African can ever be the best of anything African. It's an insult to the ancestors. It's an insult to the race."[27]

In social media posts, Johnson has criticized interracial marriage, opposed same-sex marriage, and promoted various conspiracy theories.[2] In January 2020, after the death of Kobe Bryant, Johnson falsely suggested that the helicopter was sabotaged as part of an assassination attempt ordered by the NBA and the pharmaceutical industry.[28][29][30] In 2020, after NFL player DeSean Jackson was disciplined for making antisemitic Instagram posts, Johnson suggested that Jackson's views were valid and that he should not apologize for them.[6] In May 2021, Johnson criticized Kevin Samuels saying that he was "slandering and criticizing Black women who don’t emulate Eurocentric standards of beauty and success."[31][32] In September 2021, he hosted an Instagram Live where he married two women.[33]

Claim to be a Frederick Douglass descendant

Johnson has repeatedly claimed to have a familial connection with Frederick Douglass, often claiming to be a "direct descendant" of the 19th-century abolitionist and civil rights leader.[8][21] The Douglass family released a statement saying that "We can tell you with 100% certainty that he [Johnson] is not a descendant of Frederick Douglass."[8]

2018 Pennsylvania State Board of Psychology hearing

In December 2017, Johnson was ordered to attend a hearing before the Pennsylvania State Board of Psychology the following month.[34][35] He faced charges of engaging in the practice of psychology without a license.[36] Johnson denied that he had claimed to be a practicing licensed psychologist, and the Board did not strip him of a license.[37][38]

Reception

Many people have criticized Johnson, including commentators in the magazines The Root [15][39][8] and TheGrio.[40] South African commentator Khanya Mtshali, writing in a 2022 op-ed in the South African newspaper Mail & Guardian, likened Johnson to Louis Farrakhan and said that both men "trafficked in a goofy performance of pan-Africanism."[41] Anwar Curtis, an opinion contributor to PennLive, defended Johnson, describing him in a 2017 op-ed as a "noted conservative and Afro-centric thinker" and "dedicated ... vessel for his people."[42]

Various observers,[4] including The Root commentators,[15] have called Johnson a "hotep," a term that refers to a grouping of Afrocentric commentators who espouse a mixture of black radicalism and social conservatism.[4] Molefi Kete Asante argues that Johnson lacks a grasp of Afrocentric academic theory and philosophy and thus cannot be termed Afrocentric.[4]

References

  1. ^ a b Ellie Borst. "ADHD was not invented to disadvantage Black children and increase pharmaceutical sales". PolitiFact. Retrieved September 21, 2022.
  2. ^ a b c d e f Eli Mundy and Isabella Insingo, Dr. Umar Johnson speaks about critical race theory at Lehigh, The Brown & White (Lehigh University) (November 18, 2021).
  3. ^ Swenson, Ali (August 30, 2022). "Clip of Fox host is altered to add motivational speaker". Associated Press. Retrieved August 23, 2023.
  4. ^ a b c d e f Newhosue, Sam (January 5, 2018). "'Divisive' Dr. Umar Johnson accused of misrepresentation by state psychology board". Metro. Retrieved April 4, 2024.
  5. ^ Dungca, Nicole (January 15, 2014). "Psychologist who calls homosexuality a mental illness to speak at Jefferson High as part of diversity initiative". The Oregonian.
  6. ^ a b c Marcus Hayes, How DeSean Jackson, Malcolm Jenkins, and the bottom-line Eagles failed, Philadelphia Inquirer (July 11, 2020): "authored by divisive social media star Umar Johnson, a North Philadelphia native"
  7. ^ "Obituary: Abdullah-Johnson". Philadelphia Daily News. March 1, 2018 [March 17, 1995].
  8. ^ a b c d e f g h Harriot, Michael (July 11, 2017). "We Fact-Checked Umar Johnson's Hotep Tantrum With Roland Martin Because Someone Had To". The Root.
  9. ^ Harriot, Michael (July 18, 2017). "I Was Wrong. His Name Is Doctor Umar Johnson". The Root.
  10. ^ Butler, Andreas (December 23, 2016). "'The Prince of Pan- Afrikanism'". Florida Courier.
  11. ^ "'Prince of Pan-Africanism' Dr. Umar to lecture here". Indianapolis Recorder. January 30, 2015.
  12. ^ "ADHD Wars Against Black Boys: Dr. Umar Johnson Details How To Combat Misdiagnosis Of The Learning Disorder". NewsOne. April 16, 2015.
  13. ^ Clark, Kevin L. (June 18, 2014). "EDUCATOR LAUNCHES INITIATIVE TO FUND ALL-BLACK BOYS ACADEMY". Black Enterprise.
  14. ^ Watson, Jamal (June 5, 2014). "Activist Umar Johnson Attempting to Buy St. Paul's College". Diverse.
  15. ^ a b c d e Michael Harriot, Umar Johnson Doesn't Announce Location of His Academy of (Con) Arts and Sciences ... Again, The Root (January 2, 2019).
  16. ^ a b Ball, Charing (June 24, 2014). "It's Not A Good Idea To Support Dr. Umar Johnson's All-Black Boys Academy". MadameNoire.
  17. ^ Buck, Kimberlee (July 20, 2017). "Building Stronger Black Children through NIBPA". Los Angeles Sentinel.
  18. ^ Henry, Carma (April 29, 2021). "Dr. Umar Johnson Gives 'Bittersweet' Update on His School For Black Boys". The Westside Gazette.
  19. ^ Wright, Bruce C.T. (March 2, 2023). "After Delays, Dr. Umar Johnson 'Finally' Sets An Opening Date For His School For Black Boys". NewsOne. Retrieved April 4, 2024.
  20. ^ a b c Bruce C.T. Wright, Dr. Umar Johnson Quotes On Race: Controversial Things Pan-Afrikan Psychologist Has Said Over The Years, NewsOne (December 27, 2023).
  21. ^ a b c d Jeremy M. Lazarus, VSU shuts down appearance by controversial psychologist, Richmond Free Press (November 18, 2016).
  22. ^ Elizabeth Wellington, You can't be a conscientious woman of color without embracing the feminist inside you, says author Feminista Jones. She's right, Philadelphia Inquirer (February 19, 2019).
  23. ^ Daniel Funke, Bill Gates didn't say '3 billion people need to die' to reverse climate change, Politifact (January 27, 2021).
  24. ^ Gunn, Tamantha (April 26, 2021). "Dr. Umar criticizes President Biden for not doing more to help Black people". Revolt.
  25. ^ Savaga, Niara (April 28, 2021). "'Black Elected Officials Sitting There Quiet': Dr. Umar Johnson Demands Black Leaders Hold Biden Accountable to Help Protect Black People from Police Violence". Atlanta Black Star.
  26. ^ Daniel Rogers (January 6, 2020). "OPINION: Dr. Johnson's Questionable Political Awareness". The Black Wall Street Times.
  27. ^ Trent Fitzgerald (December 28, 2023). "Dr. Umar Responds to Backlash Over His Debatable Eminem Comments". XXL.
  28. ^ Shaw, A.R. (January 31, 2020). "Psychologist Umar Johnson says Kobe Bryant was assassinated by NBA, big pharma". Rolling Out.
  29. ^ MaGee, Ny (January 31, 2020). "Dr. Umar Johnson Links Kobe Bryant's Death to Big Pharma Conspiracy". EURweb.
  30. ^ S., Lynn (January 29, 2020). "Dr. Umar Johnson Under Fire For Outrageous Kobe Bryant Death Conspiracy Theory". HotNewHipHop.
  31. ^ Clark, Kevin L. (May 6, 2021). "The Woketep/YouTubian Wars Begin As Dr. Umar Johnson Calls Out Kevin Samuels". Essence.
  32. ^ Wells, Veronica (May 6, 2021). "Dr. Umar Johnson Is Right About Kevin Samuels Making Money Off Making Black Women Feel Bad". MadameNoire.
  33. ^ Thornton, Cedric (September 16, 2021). "Pan African Dr. Umar Johnson 'Marries' 2 Women in Ceremony Shown On Instagram Live". Black Enterprise.
  34. ^ Kenney, Tanasia (December 22, 2017). "Dr. Umar Johnson Ordered to Stand Trial, Accuses State of Trying to Strip His 'Psychology Credentials'". Atlanta Black Star.
  35. ^ "Dr. Umar Johnson Under Investigation Over His Psychology License". NewsOne. December 26, 2017.
  36. ^ Muhammad, Michael Z. (January 17, 2018). "The crucifixion of Umar Johnson?". The Final Call.
  37. ^ Harriot, Michael (January 8, 2018). "A Firsthand Account of the Legal Hearing, Support Rally, Church Service—and Attack—of Umar Johnson". The Root.
  38. ^ Newhouse, Sam (January 8, 2018). "Dr. Umar declares victory after hearing over license". Metro.
  39. ^ Harriot, Michael (July 5, 2017). "Everything You Wanted to Know About the Umar Johnson Memes but Were Afraid to Ask". The Root.
  40. ^ "Why Black platforms must stop uplifting Umar Johnson". TheGrio. July 13, 2017.
  41. ^ Khanya Mtshali, The age of podcasters as thought leaders is upon us, (October 6, 2022).
  42. ^ Curtis, Anwar (January 17, 2018). "What's really behind the attacks on popular speaker and black activist Umar Johnson?". The Patriot-News.
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