Dr. Umar Johnson and Nick Cannon Stir Controversy by Claiming Black Women Originated Polygamy. Dr. Umar Johnson and Nick Cannon have ignited a heated debate on social media with their recent assertions that Black women were the original proponents of polygamy. During a “Counsel Culture” session, Dr. Umar claimed that polygamy was a strategic choice rooted in African cultures to ensure the well-being and stability of their communities, rather than being about personal gratification.
Dr. Umar, a well-known Pan-Africanist, and Nick Cannon, an entertainer famous for his unconventional family structure, discussed how the concept of a man having multiple wives was an African value system designed to uphold community stability. Dr. Umar explained that women in these societies endorsed polygamy because of the principle of Ubuntu, which means “I am because we are.” This principle emphasized collective well-being over individual desires.
“It was the women who said that men are going to have more than one wife,”
Dr. Umar explained. “They came from a principle of Ubuntu: ‘I am because we are’; I’m not winning unless my sister is winning. And since men die sooner than women on average — and of course, they die because of war and other unnatural factors; we’re normally outlived by women — we gotta make sure the community is stable.”
Dr. Umar argued that a lack of men in the community would lead to destabilization. Therefore, polygamy was not about fulfilling personal desires but ensuring that all children had a father figure and all women had a husband. This perspective, he suggested, was vital for the community’s long-term stability and prosperity.
Nick Cannon, who has fathered 12 children with six different women and often faces criticism for his non-traditional family setup, echoed Dr. Umar’s sentiments. Cannon defended his lifestyle by emphasizing his commitment to being a present father despite not adhering to conventional marriage norms.
Dr. Umar’s and Cannon’s views quickly became a lightning rod for controversy. Critics argued that the two men were using polygamy to justify infidelity and avoid responsibility. “The truth is that most men who talk about polygamy know nothing about responsibility. They just want to use it as an excuse to seek pleasure,” one critic wrote.
Another pointed out the omission of polyandry, where women have multiple husbands, in the discussion. “There were also tribes that had many husbands, but you’re not bringing that part up, just that men who had many women, huh? Okay,” a user commented.
The debate also highlighted the contradiction Dr. Umar noted among some Black women who claim to oppose polygamy but still find themselves as mistresses to married men. “If you are against plural marriage, how did you manage to end up as his mistress, and he’s married?” Dr. Umar questioned. He suggested that these women are not against polygamy but against being publicly accountable for it.
However, not all reactions were against Dr. Umar and Cannon. Some supporters argued that their perspectives shed light on historical and cultural practices often misunderstood or misrepresented in modern discussions about relationships and family structures.
In 2021, Dr. Umar married two women in a New York ceremony, where polygamy is illegal, further fueling the debate about his views and personal life. Cannon, on the other hand, continues to face backlash for his family choices, with some criticizing his approach as lacking responsibility despite his claims of being a committed father.
As the discussion continues to unfold, it is clear that the views of Dr. Umar and Nick Cannon have struck a chord, igniting conversations about the origins of polygamy, its role in society, and the responsibilities that come with such relationships. Whether seen as a historical truth or a convenient excuse, the debate over polygamy and its implications remains a contentious issue that will likely persist in the public discourse.
