Well, I’m not sure if Umar Johnson could be added to that short list of haters, but the speaker had an interview on a radio station where he spoke about the opening of LeBron James’s new school. Umar explained that LeBron James did not own the I Promise school because it is impossible for anyone to own a public school. “I think one of the biggest myths about LeBron James’ school is that he did not open a school,” he said “You cannot open a public school, you cannot own a public school and you cannot run a public school. The only entity that can own a public school is the state; facts.” he continued.
The question was brought up because Umar has been public about his desire to open up his own school for the Black community. He has received backlash because he has had fundraisers and GoFundme accounts for people to contribute to his efforts, but has yet to achieve his goal. That criticism kind of intensified when LeBron James participated in the opening of the I Promise school. Umar explained that what he is trying to do cannot be compared to LeBron or other celebrities who contribute to schools. “What I’m trying to do is the exact opposite. I’m trying to give Black children some Black teachers; not White teachers. I’m not blaming him; it’s only his money and fame. None of my subjects taught at my school will be taught at Akron public schools” he said. He added “No disrespect to that brother because I obviously have a lot of respect for him. Talk to me when one of these rich negroes uses their money to build an independent school, with Black teachers out of their own money, where they control the curriculum and most of all they hire the teachers. LeBron James didn’t hire a single soul at that school. This is not what people think it is. This is no different from Jalen Rose charter school in Detroit, and Puff Daddy’s school in New York.”
To his credit, Umar did say that LeBron was the greatest basketball player off the court for speaking up on issues in the Black community. However, it did sound like he was giving a backhand compliment when comparing his efforts in what he is trying to do in opening up his own school. I talked with my friend about Umar’s interview, and he made a good point. Although he said he respects Umar, it seems like Black people always have something negative to say about other Black people doing something good. The question I have, is do you think Umar Johnson was hating on LeBron or simply telling the truth? Leave your comments below.