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Richard White
Inspirational Speaker, Professor, Principal Tubist & Best-Selling Author
Richard White
Inspirational Speaker, Professor, Principal Tubist & Best-Selling Author
Biography
Dr. Richard Antoine White is a recognized professor at the University of New Mexico and a seasoned consultant in higher education, specializing in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Holding a bachelor’s degree from Johns Hopkins Peabody Institute, and both master’s and doctoral degrees from Indiana University, Dr. White is also a certified DEI practitioner from Cornell University and recently completed a certificate in Financial Success for Nonprofits at the school.
At an age when many of us were headed off to nursery school, a young Richard, aka "Raw Tuba," was homeless and coping with deprivation and poverty. Richard often went in search of his mother, who, while struggling with alcoholism, sometimes disappeared. Richard would go to all the places he had located his mom previously until he once again found her. One fateful night, Richard almost died searching for his mom in the snow and was taken in, fostered and eventually adopted by his grandparents.
It turned out to be his saving grace. Living with his grandparents was an adjustment. But then, Richard joined a band and discovered a talent and a sense of purpose. With support from a few caring educators and mentors, Richard began to thrive. He gained confidence and learned the valuable lesson that he could reach his full potential. First in his family to attend and graduate from college, Richard gained the limitless power that choice brings.
His vulnerability and willingness to share his life's story told by Early Light Media is the inspiration behind the award-winning documentary Hi, I'm Richard Antoine White. He is the bestselling author of the memoir I'm Possible: A Story of Survival, a Tuba, and the Small Miracle of a Big Dream, and an inspirational speaker who has traveled the world sharing inspirational thoughts and philosophies that have motivated him. He is also a Principal Tubist of the New Mexico Philharmonic and the Santa Fe Symphony.
His profound commitment to education and the arts is further exemplified by his founding of the R.A.W. Tuba Ranch in Cedar Crest, NM. Through the RawTuba Foundation, he champions inclusive after-school programs in music and art, catering to individuals aged 5-105, with the aim to inspire hope and elevate possibilities. Richard’s expertise and passionate advocacy for the arts and education make him a pivotal figure in shaping future generations.
Due to his work, Richard was recently awarded the Johns Hopkins Alumni Association Community Champion Award. The award recognizes outstanding contributions that address critical social, economic and environmental needs throughout our society and communities, including local communities.
With over two decades of performing on the world’s classical music stages, Richard has matured into a musician known for his clear sound and stylistic flexibility. He is the first African-American in the world to receive a doctorate of music in tuba performance.
Richard has performed with the Canadian Brass Quintet, Indiana University Faculty Brass Quintet, New Mexico Symphony Brass Quintet, Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, Colorado Symphony Orchestra, Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, Malaysian Philharmonic, Santa Fe Opera, Sphinx Symphony, Chineke Orchestra and many others. He is also an Adams and Conn-Selmer Artist.
Prior to moving to New Mexico, Richard was one of the top freelance musicians in the Indianapolis area, where he recorded with such greats as movie film composer John Williams, Cincinnati Pops conductor Eric Kunzel, and the late great wind ensemble conductor Frederik Fennell.
Speaker Videos
How the Tuba Got Him Off the Streets of Baltimore | The Daily Show
Richard White Hot Takes on DEI, Tokenism, and Art
Be Prepared
Journey From Homelessness to ‘Belonging’ On Stage | PBS NewsHour
From Street to Stage | CBS News
The Daily Show Appearance Bonus Clip
R.A.W. Tuba – Official Trailer
I’m Possible: A Story of Survival, a Tuba, and the Small Miracle of a Big Dream
Science of Sound – Experiments at Home
Speech Topics
”R.A.W. Tuba”: The Power of Overcoming, Resilience & Determination
In this incredibly inspirational presentation, Dr. Richard White shares his story—from a Baltimore kid trying to live on the streets most of the time at an extremely young age to becoming the first African American in the world to receive a doctorate of music in Tuba—and how resilience and determination led him on the path to success. This talk is most suited and requested by educational institutions, youth organizations, homeless organizations and arts organizations. Upon request, this keynote can be modified for corporations by adding teamwork and leadership components.
Diversity Equity & Inclusion
Is it possible for DEI to become as common in the workplace and in our culture as NFL football on Monday night? Dr. Richard White, who is certified in Diversity and Inclusion training from Cornell University, believes it can be achieved. In this talk, he’ll share some of the best practices for getting to this goal and how by changing the social consciousness of our society by creating and showing how DEI can be expressed through meaningful dialogues in education, administration and community outreach is a great way to start.
Achieving the American Dream
In this motivational and inspiring talk, Dr. Richard White imparts words of wisdom for anyone who is just starting out or trying to find their way. Along with his own story, Dr. White shares how to achieve success and any field of human endeavor through hope, kindness, paying it forward and the power of imagination.
Testimonials
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