Richard White
Inspirational Speaker on Homelessness & Resilience, Professor, Principal Tubist & Best-Selling Author
Richard White
Inspirational Speaker on Homelessness & Resilience, Professor, Principal Tubist & Best-Selling Author
Biography
Dr. Richard Antoine White’s journey began not in boardrooms or classrooms—but on the streets. Having experienced homelessness and poverty firsthand, he carries the scars, insights, and urgency of someone who has risen through adversity. That lived story now fuels his mission.
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.
Today, Richard is a recognized professor at the University of New Mexico and a seasoned consultant in higher education, and has been recently appointed Brand Ambassador for the College of Fine Arts at the University of New Mexico . 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.
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. But it is his story of survival, resilience, and transformation that he brings front and center in every message.
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, Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra, Malaysian Philharmonic, Santa Fe Opera, Sphinx Symphony, Chineke Orchestra and many others. He is also an Adams 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.
From Homelessness to Hope: Thriving Against the Odds
Many speak of overcoming challenges—few have overcome the kind of challenges that homelessness and deep poverty impose. Richard White is one of those few. Having lived through life without shelter, stability, or safety, he emerged not by chance, but through determination, grit, and the presence of caring educators, community leaders, and mentors who believed in him when he didn’t yet believe in himself.
This talk invites audiences into hear more than a survival story. Richard surfaces lessons about hope, agency, and transformation. He connects his personal journey to systems in education, social support, and community infrastructure, offering practical strategies for leaders, educators, and change-makers who want to support individuals rising from homelessness and poverty.
Richard’s story is one of thriving. And in sharing it, he calls us all to do more than help—he invites us to transform.
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.
The Unsung Heroes: Celebrating the Dedication & Impact of Educators in Shaping Future Generations
This speech will explore the profound dedication of educators who tirelessly work to connect with and inspire their students. It will highlight the transformative power of education and the role of teachers as both instructors and lifelong learners. By acknowledging the challenges educators face and their unwavering commitment to excellence, the speech will pay tribute to their invaluable contributions to society. Additionally, it will emphasize the dynamic relationship between teachers and students, showcasing how students' unique perspectives drive educational innovation and growth.
Bridging the Gap: The Five Educative Languages in Modern Education
In today's rapidly evolving educational landscape, the need for effective communication between educators and learners has never been more critical. This speech will explore the innovative concept of the Five Educative Languages, inspired by the renowned Five Love Languages, as a transformative framework for enhancing teacher-student relationships. By delving into five distinct teaching styles—The Visionary, The Storyteller, The Motivator, The Truth Teller, and The Freestyler—this presentation aims to provide educators and administrators with practical strategies for adapting their methods to diverse learning styles. Attendees will gain insights into fostering a more inclusive and effective learning environment, where every student feels valued and understood. Join us as we discuss how these approaches can bridge the communication gap in education, ultimately leading to enriched learning experiences and the unlocking of each student's potential.
Testimonials
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