Dr. White Hodge grew up in a rural town in West Texas. Growing up in a low-income neighborhood and having no positive male role model in the family, Dan turned to the streets and quickly realized that he was good at hustling. His mom moved him to the Bay Area during his freshman year in high school and Dan continued his life on the streets. Yet, all the while, Dan knew there was more, but no one had helped him realize that potential. After seeing his mom strung out on Crack Cocaine and witnessing a good friend being shot, Dan decided that he needed to make some changes. With the support of mentors & educators Dan was able to turn his life around and receive a second chance. Dan returned to college and earned his BA, he graduated cum laude from Cal State Monterey Bay where he focused on academic attainment and self-esteem among African American Adolescents. But didn’t’ stop there. Dan continued on and earned his PhD.
Dr. White Hodge covers topics such as:
Self-esteem
Diversity Training
Violence Prevention| Urban Sociology| Conflict Resolution| Intercultural Communication| Engaging the Hip Hop Culture
As a Speaker
Dr. White Hodge introduces his own story of struggle with poverty, gangs and delinquency. He speaks about his own personal transformation with the support of a mentor who helped change his life.
Dan uses humor, narrative, & vivid multi-media presentations to deliver a 21st century message geared for young people and the challenges they face today. He continues to research the Gen Y generation and their trends, culture, and norms as he also helps parents and educators gain a better understanding on this emerging generation. Dan is also an expert in all facets of Hip Hop culture and deals well with students involved in that culture.
Dan White Hodge is a dynamic speaker, scholar, Hip Hop expert, & racial bridge builder that connects Urban Popular culture (Including but not limited to Hip Hop, Race/ Ethnicity, class, socio-cultural concerns, social structures)) with daily life events. He can speak to staff on a variety of topics that deal with: student motivation, understanding Hip Hop culture, communication in the home, & racial issues. Having lived the urban life, Dan fully understands and acknowledges the struggles young people as well as parents face. Dr. White Hodge is bilingual in Spanish.