FEATURED SPEAKER

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Dr. Umar Johnson is a Doctor of Clinical Psychology, Certified School Psychologist, educator, author, and internationally recognized Pan-Afrikanist known for his advocacy surrounding the education, mental health, and empowerment of Afrikan and Afrikan-American children and families. Widely respected for his passionate lectures and grassroots activism, Dr. Umar has become one of the most requested Black scholars and speakers of the 21st century.

A paternal kinsman to renowned abolitionist Frederick Douglass and Bishop Alexander Wayman, the 7th Bishop of the AME Church, Dr. Umar’s work centers on educational justice, cultural identity, family structure, economic empowerment, and Pan-Afrikanism. He is especially recognized for his expertise in identifying misdiagnosed learning disabilities and ADHD classifications among Black students and for advocating against disproportionality in special education placement.

Dr. Umar is the founder and president of the National Independent Black Parent Association (NIBPA), an organization committed to combating educational and academic inequities affecting Black children in areas such as special education, school discipline, school policy, school finance, homeschooling, and parent advocacy. He is also founder of the “Unapologetically Afrikan,” “Unapologetically Black,” and “Afrikan Family First” movements.

An accomplished educational diagnostician and child therapist, Dr. Umar specializes in working with behaviorally challenged and emotionally impacted youth, particularly Black males. His groundbreaking book, Psycho-Academic Holocaust: The Special Education and ADHD Wars Against Black Boys, is recognized as the first publication written by an African-American male school psychologist specifically designed to help Black parents advocate against inappropriate special education placement and ADHD misdiagnosis.

Dr. Umar is also founder and lead tour guide for the annual “Unapologetically Afrikan” Black College & Consciousness Tour, designed to expose youth ages 11–17 to the rich legacy of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) while teaching Afrikan history, leadership, and cultural consciousness. In addition, he hosts annual educational tours to the Afrikan continent to help reconnect Afrikans in the diaspora with their ancestral heritage and identity.

His appearances on major media platforms include The Breakfast Club, News One Now, The Tom Joyner Morning Show, The Bev Smith Show, and Bravo’s Real Housewives of Atlanta. Dr. Umar’s lectures, quotes, and teachings have also been referenced in music and artwork by numerous Hip-Hop artists and Black creatives worldwide.

Currently, Dr. Umar is working toward the development of The Frederick Douglass & Marcus Garvey RBG International Leadership Academy for Boys, envisioned as America’s first Pan-Afrikanist residential academy for Black boys focused on leadership, economics, discipline, and global Afrikan consciousness. His long-term vision includes expanding the academy to provide similar opportunities for Black girls as well.

Dr. Umar Johnson will be a featured speaker at the City of Franklin’s 4th Annual Juneteenth Celebration taking place on Thursday, June 18, 2026, at 7:00 PM at Paul D. Camp Community College.

In addition to his featured appearance at the Juneteenth Celebration, Dr. Umar will also be making surprise visits throughout the community, including appearances at Barrett's Landing as part of the citywide celebration experience.

For additional information regarding Dr. Umar Johnson, speaking engagements, books, tours, and upcoming initiatives, please visit:

Dr. Umar Johnson Official Website