Dr. Umar Johnson at The Harold Washington Cultural Center for the First Day of Kwanza; and a Late Dinner at Yassa African Food

The first day of Kwanza was beautiful. If you’re not familiar with Kwanza don’t trip. Kwanza is an “African American” seven-day cultural experience recognized each year from December 26-January 1. The seven-day principles are Umoja (Unity), Kujichagulia (Self-Determination), Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility), Ujamaa (Co-operative Economics), Nia (Purpose), Kummba (Creativity), Imani (Faith).

Umoja describes the First Day of Kwanza in Chicago at the Harold Washington Cultural Center. Dr. Umar Johnson, a Doctor of Clinical Psychology and Certified School Psychologist, was a Keynote Speaker along with a line of talented Artists. Johnson is facing a legal challenge with the Commonwealth State of Pennsylvania, Bureua of Professional and Occupational Affairs aka the State Board of Psychology.

Set aside all of that, he came through the land and dropped Jewels that are worthy of sharing with Urban (Black) Parents. As a Mentor, I consider this information to be a necessary conversation especially for young parents. Most parents aren’t educated on the business of “Education”, and it’s a major responsibility that they are educated.

1. Never go to a school meeting by yourself
2. Do not get your child evaluated if they are in 3
3. Don’t communicate over the phone, always do it in writing via emails or written documents.
4. Stop telling the school your business. (*inform your children of this too)
5. Know that you have a right to a second opinion, especially if they’re claiming your child has special education needs. Legally the school will pay for the qualified specialist of your choice to evaluate your child for a second opinion.

Do your research and understand the policies that govern education. Don’t just leave it at that either, as a parent know what education is, to be able to determine what kind of education your child should receive. What a wonderful way to spend Umoja! It was a pleasure to learn better methods and theories to aid in helping us have a better understanding of developing our children.

Dr. Johnson is in the works of deciding where he will plant his first school. He’s deciding between Detroit, Atlanta, and Chicago. Allegedly, He’s had some conflicts along the way because he hasn’t gotten any returned phone calls from real estate interest. He’s had other partners and associates call to inquiry about the real estate. We’ll be contacting Dr. Umar Johnson to obtain more information about his plans with FDMG. We’ll keep you updated.

After our long day of unity he treated his staff and invited guest to dinner. If you haven’t ate at Yassa African Food , then set your date soon. We had a blast as a community, and we were treated like family. I can’t wait to see what the universe does next in Dr. Johnson’s journey.

Check out the gallery of press images from the event. Photo credits to Shabria Davidson of Sky Team Media, our Photojournalist of the evening. If you use images, I ask that you notify me and give credit to the creatives who produced the content. When contact is made you will be given all social media and credential information to use for multiple platforms. Respect our craft and art, these are non negotiable terms. Conditions made to subject vary, mass media laws apply.