On December 5th, I had the honor of attending an enlightening event at the Wyandanch Library in New York, where I met the dynamic and unapologetically Black thought leader, Dr. Umar Johnson. Known as the Prince of Pan-Africanism, Dr. Umar has sparked countless discussions with his bold perspectives on education, Black unity, and self-empowerment.
I’ll admit, like many, I initially questioned some of his views. Social media, with its barrage of out-of-context clips, can often paint a misleading picture. However, this event reminded me of the importance of engaging directly with ideas rather than relying on fragmented narratives.
The evening centered around the theme, “The ABCs of Special Education & ADHD: Diagnosing the Misdiagnoses.” Dr. Umar addressed the often-overlooked disparities in how Black children are diagnosed and treated within the education system. He urged parents to take proactive steps, emphasizing the power of reading and literacy. “Put books in our children’s hands,” he said, underscoring how improved literacy skills can strengthen speech, confidence, and future opportunities.
This message struck a personal chord with me. Over the past year, I’ve rediscovered the joys of reading, and it has been transformative—not just as a source of knowledge but as a tool to grow as a communicator and thinker.
Dr. Umar also touched on his recurring themes of self-love, unity, and organization within the Black community. His words reminded us that when we come together with purpose and strategy, we unlock a collective “cheat code” for progress and success.
Meeting Dr. Umar Johnson in person was an inspiring experience. His unapologetic passion for uplifting the Black community is contagious, and it left me motivated to continue investing in education, empowerment, and unity.
Check out the photo below of my encounter with Dr. Umar—an unforgettable moment with a leader dedicated to change.
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