Nationwide — Dr. Umar Johnson is under fire after asking supporters for $500 donations in exchange for private lunches, a move meant to raise money for his Frederick Douglass Marcus Garvey Academy but criticized as exploitative and out of touch.
The Pan-African activist announced the program during a livestream, offering women a private lunch with him in exchange for a $500 donation. He said supporters could choose any restaurant in Delaware for the meeting.
“I got a new program coming out for the ladies, it’s called ‘Lunch with the Doctor,’” Johnson told viewers. “You make a $500 donation to FDMG Academy and you get a free lunch with Dr. Umar.”
According to EURweb, the pitch drew immediate backlash. Male viewers mocked him during the livestream, prompting Johnson to snap back. He told critics to “stop hating” and taunted them by suggesting their wives or girlfriends would accept his offer without hesitation. He even referred to women in their lives as “live-in prisoners,” a remark that sparked more outrage.
The criticism spread on social media. Users on X called the fundraiser embarrassing, with one advising women to “spend that $500 at the grocery store.” Another said the community should stop “financing a lunatic,” while others questioned why anyone would pay him to have lunch.
The controversy comes as Johnson continues to struggle financially. In another viral clip, he revealed his personal and academy bank accounts had been frozen after a hacking attempt. He then appealed to followers for direct support through Apple Pay and PayPal.
Johnson said he only discovered the issue when a friend reached out for money, leading him to find both accounts inaccessible. Despite setbacks, he continues to push for donations to keep his school project alive.