A little over a week ago, I published two critical articles about Umar Johnson. In those pieces, I questioned his credibility, even going so far as to suggest he was a charlatan. I criticized what appeared to be a lack of transparency regarding the funds he collected and expressed skepticism about his long-promised school project. I openly wondered if Dr. Umar Johnson had ever truly earned his doctorate.
To address my doubts, I conducted thorough research. I delved into yearbooks, graduation programs, and even graduation ceremony videos from institutions he reportedly attended. I invested my own resources to verify his academic credentials. While I stopped short of definitively stating he wasn’t a doctor, I strongly implied it, leveraging my writing to lead readers to that conclusion regarding Dr. Umar Johnson.
I was wrong.
It has come to my attention, and subsequently been verified by the National Student Clearinghouse, that Umar Johnson does indeed hold a doctorate in psychology. A verification certificate confirms his credentials, which is publicly accessible.
My error in questioning Dr. Umar Johnson’s credentials stems from a frustration I often encounter: the stubbornness of individuals, particularly those with narcissistic tendencies, who prioritize being right over truth and understanding. This behavior, often seen in those unwilling to admit fault, resonated with my initial perception of Dr. Umar Johnson.
However, acknowledging my mistake about Dr. Umar Johnson’s doctorate doesn’t negate all of my previous concerns. I have consistently stated my agreement with many of Dr. Umar Johnson’s viewpoints. My reservations were partly fueled by the fact that many people grant him credibility because he presents himself as “Doctor” Umar Johnson. This title, if unearned, would have been a foundation built on deception.
It’s crucial to understand that possessing a “white man’s degree,” as some might frame it, doesn’t inherently validate or invalidate Dr. Umar Johnson’s perspectives. My issue was with the potential misrepresentation of his credentials by Dr. Umar Johnson himself. If the “doctor” title was fraudulent, it would cast a shadow on his entire platform.
Some may argue that correcting the record on his doctorate now lends Dr. Umar Johnson more legitimacy. Conversely, his supporters might accuse me of slander and demand recompense. However, I challenge anyone to revisit my previous articles and pinpoint any factual inaccuracies, aside from my incorrect assumption about his doctoral status.
I aim for objectivity. My previous criticisms were not a personal attack, and this correction is not an endorsement of Dr. Umar Johnson. My writing style often employs humor and sarcasm, which can be interpreted as arrogance. While some may dislike this approach, I remain comfortable with it because I am willing to admit when I am wrong.
My admission regarding Dr. Umar Johnson’s doctorate does not retract my other criticisms. The whereabouts of the significant funds he has collected remain unclear. There is still no concrete evidence of progress on the school he has promised to build. My views on his stances on homosexuality and misogyny remain unchanged. I still question the veracity of his claims regarding his lineage and his interpretation of historical figures. And the allegations surrounding his personal conduct persist.
Despite these criticisms, I recognize that Dr. Umar Johnson articulates some valuable ideas and rhetoric. Dismissing everything he says solely based on the aforementioned concerns would be imprudent. However, I maintain that his message is often diluted by unfounded claims, conspiracy theories, and divisive rhetoric. I believe he exploits the trust of those seeking knowledge but lacking critical thinking skills.
Ultimately, I believe in nuance. It is possible for an individual to possess academic qualifications and still exhibit aspects of charlatanism. The question of financial transparency surrounding Dr. Umar Johnson’s projects remains pertinent. I sincerely hope he fulfills his promise to build a school for Black boys. But one thing is now unequivocally clear:
His name is Doctor Umar Johnson.
