Dr. Umar Johnson is turning to his supporters after claiming that both his personal bank account and the account tied to his Frederick Douglass Marcus Garvey Academy have been frozen.
The activist and speaker shared the news in a video posted to social media, revealing that he discovered the issue while replying to a friend who had reached out asking for financial help, but shortly thereafter, he realized that he was the one who needed some financial assistance.
Now, Johnson says he’s seeking donations to help get back on his feet following what he called a hacking attempt.
“For my loyal supporters out there, if you can spare a few dollars, so I can take care of Queen Mother Ifantunde and myself, until my bank account is frozen or cancelled so I can get my money back and open up a new account, please hit my Apple Pay or hit my PayPal,” he said in the video.
@realonesknow__ Dr Umar Johnson says that his bank accounts have been fraudulently frozen and now he’s broke!!! #drumarjohnson #realonesknow ♬ original sound – realonesknow__
Johnson did not share further details about what led to the alleged freeze or when the issue began.
Dr. Umar Johnson initially announced his intention to build the Frederick Douglass Marcus Garvey Academy in June 2010 and has been actively fundraising for the school since then.
The school is intended to be a private school for African American children, focusing on academic excellence and cultural awareness, but almost a decade and a half later, the school has still not been built.