When Dr. Umar Johnson Stepped into WVON: A Conversation Chicago Won’t Forget

On Tuesday, June 10th, The Afternoon Show with Atiba Buchanan and LaDonna Raeh hosted a momentous, in-person interview with none other than Dr. Umar Ifatunde Johnson, the internationally known psychologist, Pan-Afrikanist, and unapologetic advocate for African-centered education. And trust us — it was one for the books.

WVON 1690 AM has always been a platform for truth, community, and cultural elevation. But when Dr. Umar walked into the studio that day, the energy shifted. You could feel it. This wasn’t just an interview — it was a full-on activation.

🏙️ Gentrification, Displacement & the School System

The conversation kicked off with a hard-hitting breakdown of gentrification in Chicago and how it’s not just pricing Black families out of their neighborhoods — it’s also disconnecting our children from stable, culturally grounded education. Dr. Umar challenged the idea that urban renewal is neutral, reminding listeners that these “improvements” often come at the cost of Black legacy, culture, and identity.

He connected the dots between school closures, charter expansion, and how displacement is destabilizing academic performance in Black communities. He reminded us: “You can’t fight for your child’s future if you don’t have a home to live in or a school that sees them.”

📚 African-Centered Education Is Not Optional — It’s Essential

Dr. Umar didn’t mince words. He emphasized the urgency of creating African-centered schools, where Black children are not pathologized but empowered. He broke down how the public school system is over-diagnosing Black boys with ADHD, funneling them into special ed, and preparing them for incarceration rather than leadership.

He spoke of Pan-Afrikan education as a sacred duty, not just a political goal. “Our children must be taught who they are, where they come from, and what they are here to do,” he said. “Anything less is sabotage.”

🧊 Yes, We Talked About the “Snow Bunny Crisis” Too

And in true Dr. Umar fashion, the topic of interracial relationships came up — including that moment when LaDonna Raeh proudly wore a custom-made “Snow Bunnies” T-shirt, designed with the letters “S” and “W” in a different color so that “NO” boldly stood out.

Dr. Umar noticed. He smiled. He saluted the symbolism. It was clear that the conversation — while heavy — also had room for humor, authenticity, and real connection.

🌍 Should Black People Get Involved in Global Conflicts?

When asked about current global crises — from Gaza to potential civil unrest in the U.S. — Dr. Umar warned against allowing Black emotion to be manipulated. “We must be very careful when we’re asked to show up for others who have never shown up for us,” he said. Still, he acknowledged the interconnectedness of oppression and how Pan-Afrikanism means having discernment, not detachment.

💬 Final Thoughts

This wasn’t a polite sit-down. This was a cultural intervention. Dr. Umar called for spiritual alignment, sexual discipline, educational revolution, and community accountability — and our WVON audience was locked in the entire time.

As always, we ended the show with the words that ground our mission:

“In order to change our narrative, we must learn, speak, and teach our greatness.”

Missed the interview?

📻 Catch the replay on iHeartRadio or on our Facebook Live archive.

📞 And don’t forget to join us every weekday on The Afternoon Show with Atiba Buchanan and LaDonna Raeh — only on WVON 1690 AM.

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