In May 1977, Rhonda White was part of a group of students that took over Hellems Hall on the CU-Boulder campus, protesting CU’s plan to eliminate the Educational Opportunity Program, a program that made the college dreams of many African American students possible. As a young person, she was forced to fight outside of the classroom for a chance to earn her degree inside the classroom.
The 17-hour takeover changed her life.
But even before that day, Rhonda White was on a journey of discovery, of affirmation, of the realization of self, of the acceptance of herself as valuable even in places that were not welcoming, of fighting and winning impossible battles. This is the essence of Rhonda. Her constant ability to overcome, to excel, and to live her best life.
The daughter of an Air Force pilot, she was born in Philadelphia. Her family travelled around the United States and to Europe, opening her up to a world of possibilities. Combined with the grounding of a loving mother, and two powerful grandmothers, she learned to handle the challenges that presented themselves – always taking the roads less travelled – getting to know and appreciate different people and the beauty within them.
Rhonda’s journey took her from from CU to Grambling University, to New York, to the Pentagon in Washington, to the real estate profession, to helping people in the mental health field, to raising a son who made it to the National Basketball Association. It was not the life that she expected, but it was and still is, a live lived well.
She is still seeking. Still on her journey. Still in the midst of a great adventure. Still with miles to go before she can sleep.
This is Rhonda White…
