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UNIA NEWS & VIEWS
MINISTER OF EDUCATION RESIGNS 
Greetings Family:
I hope this email finds you all in the best of health and enjoying these final weeks of the summer season. As for me I am still daydreaming about the blessed tour that I just returned from 11 days ago. I hope to have my pictures for all to see at the upcoming convention. There will be over 1,400 and I am actively trying to find a couple of photo albums large enough to accommodate the pictures, I now see why everyone goes digital (smile). Now I will get back to the purpose of this email. Nearly one year ago I was asked by the Honorable President-General Redman Battle to assume the post of Minister of Education. I didn't ask for the position but gladly accepted it as an opportunity to help contribute to the uplift of our Race on a more direct and universal scale. However, since my appointment I have had to face some shocking realities, chief among which was the fact that my position was supposed to be primarily ceremonial and symbolic with me doing only what was asked when extremely necessary. As a supreme workhorse, being limited by other peoples perceptions of what the ministry should and should not do (with no constitutional provisions until recently which were very limiting), I forged ahead and decided, since my constant requests for a financial budget went unheaded even though approved at the Executive Council meeting, I decided to spend my own funds for the benefit of the Ministry, the Race and the UNIA-ACL. Although I have been a member of the Great Association for (8) years, I have never been reimbursed or subsidized for a single cent that I have spent on behalf of the UNIA-ACL, locally, nationally or internationally. It will be stated that I have never asked for funds or never sought to raise them. This is totally untrue, for just a few months ago the membership of Division #121 approved a budget as part of the Building Redemption Initiative that I had developed in an attempt to restore the 2nd and 3rd floors of the Thomas W. Harvey Hall. Despite this budget being approved, I was grudgingly given a check that was returned to me by my bank and marked "NSF", which means insufficient funds. I was told by the customer service center that their was not enough funds in the divisional account or someone named on the account chose to the cancel the check. The check was for $328.00 dollars; how could we not have that much money in our divisional coffers is beyond me. As this was not the first act of treachery that I have faced during my sojourn with Division #121, I had decided to write a letter to the membership of Division #121 expressing my concerns regarding the treatment and dishonesty that I have been receiving ever since I was elected 3rd Vice President several years ago. Incidentally, this sabotage increased when I was recently elected 1st Vice President receiving each and every vote from the membership save two (the nominee and the nominator). Anyhow, before presenting my letter to the body I went to the President-General to conference with him about my intentions. This took place several months ago before elections. He told me I could not reveal the letter at the business meeting because I did not have his blessing. I told him I did like the fact that he doesn't support my work and that he assassinates my character before other members of the Division. He threatened to strip me of the Ministry and to expel me from the UNIA if I showed the letter. I told him I had a constitutional right to do so, but he insisted on his position. Ultimately, I was allowed to show my letter (probably because I would have risked expulsion and done so anyway). The membership that evening were in support of my charges with many, including elders, also stating that they could feel that lack of support for me by the President-General and his sidekick Johnny "stifle all progress" Gossett. I only share this one incident, because there are many stories that I can share, because I want you to know that I am speaking from my heart and soul with the whole truth, all of the truth, and nothing but the truth. I respect the President-General, and despite what others say whenever he has needed me personally or professionally I have been there. When he had no way to get food for his store, I would remove all of my psychological and audio equipment from my truck, take early leaves from work to take him around town to get what he needed. At convention, I stayed an extra day just so he could ride home in comfort and security. When Johnny is not at the Hall I make sure he gets home. And despite all of these new faces suddenly being preoccupied with his security, I have been part of his security for the last eight years. I was the major sponsor of a painting of the President-General that was created as a gift to him for his birthday. I want to be clear, 99% of Division #121 supports me and my work. However, the two or three individuals who stifle my efforts at every turn are the ones who yield the power. In addition, to the Division #121 "Umar Must Go!" Campaign I have also had to contend with certain personalities on the Parent-Body whose "search and destroy" efforts couldn't quite be applied in my case due to the level of support and popularity I enjoy; so instead a well-organized system of espionage and secretive character assassination was initiated. A campaign so thorough that even when I arrived in Senegal for the last leg of my tour they had a Division#121 spy waiting for me, following me everywhere I went and taking note on everything I did for the first two days my the Senegalese tour. This spy incidentally was influenced to become a Garveyite through me, and joined through me but later became jealous at the amount of success and support I began to receive throughout the city of Philadelphia. He helped destroy my Building Redemption Initiative, worked tirelessly to keep me from being elected 1st Vice President, nominated someone against me which didn't work because of my overall Divisional support, has been engaged in character assassination ever since, has agreed to serve as divisional spy for a certain person who seems to feel threatened by my rise, influence and work with every step that I make . Someone who smiles in my face and bad mouths me behind my back. Someone who acts like he is my friend but wishes all the while I would disappear from the face of the UNIA so he can sleep better at night knowing that the "Umar Problem" has been solved. Someone who sends his friends to do his dirty work instead of doing it himself. Let me say that my work has in no way been directed at trying to become the next President-General. Negroes are the most "title-struck" Race on the planet. I don't care about titles I would rather do the work. Furthermore, I don't know who gave certain people the right to assume "ownership" of the UNIA-ACL. I thought this organization belonged to all of us, not just four or five people who feel that they have been around long enough that they can now assume the role of "Dictator". Let me calm down and bring this email to a close. I knew that going to Africa was going to be a bit more than any of my enemies could stand to bare. I prophesized that upon my return I would either be forced out or have to resign from my posts. I have chosen to do the later. Because my power as a Garveyite has far surpassed the work and expectations of any of these Race Haters the time has now come for one man to be sacrificed to bring about the peace of an entire movement. For the Sake of the Great Association I am willing to offered up on the alter of organizational martyrdom. I sensed that the end was near for me when I refused to endorse any "click" over any other when the "D.C.-NYC-JAMAICA STRIFE" took place. I though all parties were equally right and equally wrong and refused to side with any because none of you were man or woman enough to admit your wrongdoings. For taking such a stance I was left standing alone which didn't bother me but paved the way for the decision that I am making today. "Did Umar have plans to become President-General?" I would be lying, any young leader in the UNIA would be lying , if he were to say he wouldn't like to one day fulfill the post held by the Right Excellent Honorable Marcus Garvey. "Did Umar think he would be the next President-General?" Of course not! There are men, one in particular, other than those who think they should be next whom I feel could do a remarkable job in that position if given the chance. "Does Umar think he is made of the stuff that makes President-Generals?" I am well aware, as are my enemies, of the talents that God(SWT) and the Ancestors blessed me with and am sure that I could have done the job in remarkable fashion. "Does Umar think he is more capable of the post than those who have been working to bring about his demise?" You Damn Right!, Each and Every One! Before I close, let me say for those honest Garveyites who want the truth, I swear by God (SWT) that I have not nor am I currently in communication with any expelled members or there supporters. Umar is a leader and not a follower. Truth be told, when I was first given the Ministry some of them attacked and criticized me almost as much as what I am going through now. I stand alone, I don't scratch when I don't itch and I don't dance unless I hear some music. I can't be made to do or say anything that is against my will and I just thought you all needed to hear that before the "pre-convention conspiracy theories" start being circulated. Despite the anticks of one-half dozen people, I love this organization and will do nothing to aide anyone who seeks its downfall. I don't need titles to feel important and I don't need titles to get work done. Everything I do for the Ministry I was doing before I joined the Parent Body. Despite what we may feel about individuals, we must respect the offices of the UNIA-ACL that they hold. Sometimes you have to focus on the Office and not the Officer when you disagree with their actions. African Redemption is near and dear to me. I made promises when I was over there and my word is bond. Therefore, I intend to keep good on my promises. Fortunately, I was able to meet non-Garveyites as well on my tour of the Great Continent who can help me proceed with my initiatives and goals. I will still help the youth programs, assist the parent organizations, hold my conferences, help build the libraries and start the investment program. Out of respect of the Great Association, of which I will remain a rank-and-file member, I will not try to imposter as an official or Parent Body member. Just being Umar Abdullah-Johnson has and will open up enough doors for me to help uplift my Race. Other that the relinquishing of my titles nothing will change. I will still keep my speaking engagements for the Divisions, I will still work as hard as I have for the Great Association, and I will still continue to the be the #1 source of new membership for Division #121. Nothing will change folks, except hopefully, the level of jealousy and animosity in this Association. It's funny, as a psychologist I am well aware that jealousy is not really directed at the victim it is simply displaced upon the victim because the hater can't honestly look at himself. In other words, the anger is really directed at themselves for what they don't have, not what you have. It's about wishing they had your God-given talents and hating themselves because they don't. I am going in peace, after I send this email I shall become silent and refocus upon what I must do for myself and the Movement. Because I am sure you will hear about it, I plan to establish a small-structure through which I can accomplish some of the things that I wanted to do through the UNIA. Even if expelled, I will always be a UNIA member yesterday, today and for all-times. "Did you try to reconcile before giving up my posts?" Yes, I did. Last night I attended study group along with five UNIA elder brothers. I told them there was something very important that I needed to discuss with them. I stated, in short, that I haven't been able to make full use of my leadership talents and would like the President-General's blessing to offer me not a new division, but a chapter of the existing Division so that I could spread my wings. I assured them that everything would go through the Division as the chapter would simply be a subordinate arm, but yet it would give me the chance to lead. I thought that everyone would benefit in such an arrangement because we would all still belong to the same division. Of the six of us present, the opinions were split three-to-three. Attention was then diverted away from the topic at hand, a debate ensued, and then the meeting was prematurely stopped and I was told by the President-General and Johnny Gossett that they had things to do and we had to leave. This was quite interesting because we normally stay and discuss any issue no matter how late it gets, but I guess since I had support for having my handcuffs cut off and giving me a chance to lead, everyone had to leave all of a sudden. As sure as the sky is blue many of you will be told that Umar has been very disrespectful to the President-General. From what I have learned this was the major plank of the "Umar Must Go!" campaign. But I want you to ask them if that's the case why wasn't he removed from the Ministry sooner, and why does he have so much support among the members of his Division. The answer to the question is simple. In any dictatorial regime any question, inquiry or disagreement automatically means insubordination. Insecurity breeds a natural desire for absolute control and that control extends all the way down the line even unto the thoughts of the very members themselves. I am not disrespectful but I am a solider for justice, equality and fairplay and when I don't see that I must speak up; it's as simple as that. To my enemies, please dont' turn this into a circus. I am at peace now, accept my words and move on. I will not be bothering you any more by outworking you. I will become a mere supporter and contributing member so let me fade to black as I am trying to do. For if I see any emails with any ridiculous lies and misconceptions I may have to reveal a lot more about some of you than I already have and I don't want to do that. I am sure that we can be Brothers again soon, once my threat has faded. I think that Cheikh Diop would be an excellent replacement as Minister of Education and he will have my full support although I am sure he will not need it. I wish that some of you could be a fly on the wall at some of the mass meetings and business sessions that take place here in Philadelphia. For if you could you would know that what I am saying is the absolute truth. The way people are silenced, belittled, and the way meetings are prematurely ended when the body disagrees with the leadership. I wish you could see how hardly anything gets done but all we do is talk, talk, talk week after week. But you may never get that chance. Have you ever known me to be a liar? Have you even known me to swear by God (SWT) that I am telling the truth and not to be? Then don't start believing it now. Forgive me for not writing this letter with the brisk efficiency and literary genius of some of my other works, but it's hard to focus on clarity and precision when you are forced to write something you never thought in you wildest dreams would have to be offered. Effective immediately, Umar Abdullah-Johnson hereby resigns as both UNIA-ACL Minister of Education and 1st Vice President of the Thomas W. Harvey Memorial Division #121 but will remain a dues paying member until the "Umar Must Go!" campaign exacts its final and ultimate goal. YOUR BROTHER, UMAR ABDULLAH-JOHNSON THE MODERN DAY MALCOLM X 215-425-4804 "Men cry "Peace! Peace!" but they refuse to do the things that make for peace. Conflicts are never resolved without trustful give and take on both sides. If we don't have goodwill toward men in this world we will destroy ourselves by the misuse of our own instruments and our own power. There is nothing more tragic in this world than to know right and not do it!" Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. "Some of my enemies are of my own organization!" The Honorable Marcus Mosiah Garvey "I don't care what these haters say about me! It only let's me know they can't go a day without me! They scared of me succeeding that's the reason they doubt me! Because if I wasn't the Man they wouldn't be thinking about me! Shawn "Jay-Z" Carter, The Best of Both Worlds II UNIA NEWS & VIEWS Vol.1  
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