Dr. Umar Johnson, a psychologist and activist, discusses the opening of The Frederick Douglass Academy.

In this episode of Cannon’s Class TV with Nick Cannon, Dr. Umar Johnson discusses the vision behind his Frederick Douglass Marcus Garvey (FDG) Academy, a school he is developing to address the educational challenges faced by Black youth, particularly young Black men.

Mission Over Career:Dr. Umar explains that he sacrificed certain aspects of his career as a school psychologist to focus on creating the FDG Academy. He emphasizes that his mission to improve education and support Black children outweighed the stability of a traditional career path.

Founding of the FDG Academy:Dr. Umar was inspired in 2014 by the sale of St. Paul’s College, an Historically Black College and University (HBCU). He began raising funds to purchase and establish his own school, which he successfully acquired in 2019.

The FDG Academy is nearing completion, with a grand opening expected soon. Despite facing criticism and allegations of fraud, Dr. Umar asserts that his efforts have undergone transparent audits, and the FDG Academy Corporation officially owns the school’s property.

Critique of the Public School System:Dr. Umar is highly critical of the public school system, describing it as a “plantation” for Black children. He argues that public schools prepare Black boys for prison and Black girls for poverty, as the system is structured to produce low-wage earners rather than empowered individuals. He believes that public education discourages Black students from embracing their identity and potential.

Limitations of Homeschooling: Dr. Umar acknowledges that many Black parents are turning to homeschooling to avoid the challenges of public education. However, he views homeschooling as a temporary solution rather than a long-term fix.

He notes that many Black households are single-parent families, where mothers shoulder immense responsibilities. In his view, homeschooling cannot be a scalable solution for the Black community under these circumstances.

Importance of Black Male Teachers: Dr. Umar emphasizes the scarcity of Black male teachers within the education system. He argues that these educators play a vital role in providing mentorship, guidance, and positive role models for Black boys. Their influence extends beyond academics, helping to counter the destructive cycles of violence and low self-esteem that many Black boys face.

Systemic Barriers:Dr. Umar identifies systemic barriers, such as teacher unions predominantly led by white individuals, which he believes hinder the entry of Black male teachers into classrooms on a larger scale. He suggests that increasing the number of Black male teachers would challenge the current demographics and may necessitate significant restructuring that unions typically resist.

Dr. Umar’s vision for the FDG Academy represents a broader initiative aimed at creating a self-sustaining educational environment that prioritizes the holistic development of Black children. It seeks to address the limitations of the existing public education system and the socioeconomic challenges impacting Black communities.

Supporting initiatives like Dr. Umar Johnson’s FDG Academy—and others aimed at fostering Black excellence—is essential for equipping Black children to thrive and compete globally.

A well-rounded, culturally attuned education gives black children the tools to overcome societal challenges and helps instill a strong sense of identity, purpose, and resilience.

By rallying behind efforts to create independent schools focused on Black empowerment, the community can create safe and nurturing environments where children are taught by educators who not only believe in them but are invested in their long-term success.

Dr. Umar’s commitment to providing a space for Black youth to excel exemplifies a greater vision of self-determination in education, one that aims to dismantle cycles of systemic barriers by opening doors for others to uplift and educate. Supporting these schools means investing in the future leaders, innovators, and change-makers within the Black community who will shape the world.