From Panama to Pastoral Leadership: Dr. Renaldo White’s Journey of Faith, Culture & Resilience (Ep. 197) - Part 2

Episode Summary

In this extended conversation from The Immigrant Experience in America, host Simone W. Johnson-Smith talks with Dr. Reynaldo White—a Panamanian‑born pastor, educator, author, and former concert pianist now living in Alabama. Over three parts, they explore Dr. White’s journey from growing up in poverty near the Panama Canal to serving as a pastor and community leader in the American South.

He explains how his Ph.D. in educational leadership and his bilingual books opened doors both in Alabama and abroad. The episode traces the evolution of his writing career—starting as stories for his students, transforming into memoirs, children’s books, and Spanish‑language texts—and how those books now fund a school for former child addicts in Nairobi, Kenya. Dr. White also shares deeply personal stories: his family’s decision to carry a pregnancy to term despite grim medical odds, the miraculous survival of his granddaughter born at 23 weeks, and his belief that prayer played a key role in her recovery.

The conversation delves into parenting and discipline as Dr. White recounts adopting two boys with severe autism, drawing lessons about consistency, love, and community support. He describes how military service provided structure for his sons and other young men, detailing the path from basic training to Advanced Individual Training (AIT) and the career opportunities that follow. Dr. White also reflects on his years as a concert pianist performing in 69 countries and how he stepped back from touring to care for his family and devote himself to teaching and ministry. The episode closes with a call to remember that communities thrive when they help raise each other’s children and with an invitation to share and support immigrant stories.

Guest Bio

Dr. Reynaldo White is a Panamanian‑American pastor, educator, author, and musician. After immigrating to Miami as a child when his father joined the U.S. Army, he earned degrees in music performance and educational leadership (Ph.D.) and served as a concert pianist, performing in 69 countries. Dr. White now pastors a church in Alabama and teaches English Language Learners. He has authored more than fifteen books—memoirs, children’s books, and bilingual editions—that chronicle immigrant life and support a Nairobi school. He and his wife Jennifer are parents and foster parents to several children, including two adopted sons with autism and a granddaughter whose premature birth inspired renewed faith.

Key Takeaways

• Navigating culture in Alabama: Dr. White describes serving in a state that often sees race only in terms of “black” and “white,” leaving Afro‑Latinos invisible. He stresses the need for leadership and understanding in such communities.

• Stories into books: Encouraged by students, he wrote childhood tales that became memoirs and children’s books in English and Spanish. His writing not only preserves immigrant narratives but also funds education abroad.

• Faith and miracles: Dr. White recounts the premature birth of his granddaughter at 23 weeks and the prayerful journey that led to her survival. The experience deepened his faith and reinforced his belief in miracles.

• Discipline and structure: Raising adopted sons with severe autism taught him the value of consistency. He advocates for clear boundaries and recommends military training for young adults seeking discipline and career skills.

• Adoption and fostering: He and his wife adopted two boys with autism and later took in foster children. Dr. White shares the challenges of meeting special needs and the blessings of watching the children thrive.

• Community parenting: Echoing the proverb “it takes a village,” he urges parents to lean on trusted community members. He believes strong communities can transform children’s lives and relieve overwhelmed parents.

• Music and ministry: Before focusing on education and ministry, Dr. White toured as a concert pianist. He hopes to return to performance now that his sons are grown, blending his artistic and pastoral callings.

 

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The Immigrant Experience in America

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