Inspired by a Friendship That Changed History
In the 1930s, a Black janitor and a Jewish doctor forged an unlikely friendship that would change lives for generations. That story is the foundation of everything we do.
Meet Randolph L. White
1896
Born in 1896 near Charlottesville, Virginia, Randolph L. White was a man of resilience and determination. Denied a full education in his home state, he moved to Ohio to earn his high school diploma — because Virginia only educated Black students through 8th grade. He joined the 9th Calvary of the US Army, one of the all-black regiments and often referred to as Buffalo Soldiers.
Meet Dr. William H. Goodwin
1911
Dr. Goodwin had served as a Lt. Colonel in the US Army and joined the medical faculty of the University of Virginia as an adjunct professor of surgery and gynecology around 1911. He would go on to serve as the Hospital’s Administrator and Chair for more than 25 years.
From Janitor to Hospital Leader
1930
In the early 1930s, Randolph took a job as a janitor at UVA Hospital. There, Dr. William H. Goodwin, a Jewish physician and hospital administrator, recognized Randolph’s leadership and promoted him to Head Orderly. This role put Randolph in charge of hiring all the orderlies, maids, cooks, and janitors for the hospital—effectively hiring the majority of Blacks in Charlottesville.
Courage in the Face of Hate
1930
With leadership came risk. This promotion put my grandfather's life in danger when he faced threats from the KKK. The situation could have ended tragically if it weren't for his service revolver.
One Decision Set a Miracle in Motion
1954
Dr. Goodwin would never see the impact his recognition of my grandfather would have on him or his descendants. Sadly, he died of a heart attack in 1937. Randolph went on to lead the desegregation of UVA Hospital. He became an oxygen therapist, patented a respiratory valve later sold to the U.S. Navy, and, in 1954, became the publisher of The Charlottesville-Albemarle Tribune — Virginia’s oldest Black-owned newspaper.
That Legacy Lives On
Randolph L. White’s granddaughter, Dana W. White, would grow up to serve as Chief Spokesperson for the U.S. military. And today, she leads The R.L. White Foundation — carrying forward the values of friendship, courage, and progress that started it all.
This Is Our Why
The story of Randolph L. White and Dr. Goodwin isn’t just a story. It’s a roadmap for what’s possible when communities come together with respect, purpose, and action.