Jesse White is the longest serving Secretary of State in Illinois (1999-2023), 24 years; Cook County Recorder of Deeds (1993-1999); a member of the Illinois General Assembly (16 years). He served in the Chicago Public Schools for 30 years; he served in the Army and in the Illinois National Guard. He also played minor league baseball for the Chicago Cubs. While in college in Alabama, Martin Luther King, Jr. was his pastor.

Before his political career, he was best know for his performance troupe, the Jesse White Tumblers, which he formed in 1959 to teach urban youth the value of athletics and staying in school. His athletes are required to maintain a C-average or better grades and away from alcohol, drugs, and tobacco. More than 18,000 youth have come through his program. In retirement from politics he is still actively involved with the Tumblers.

Veteran: Army 101st Airborne Division

Alum
Alabama State University (College) and Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity
Lincoln Park High School (Waller High School)

Honorary Jesse C. White Way

100 West to 800 West Division Street

Approved

Ward: 42

b. June 23, 1934 in Alton, Illinois

Near
Jesse White Field House
412 West Chicago Avenue

Source

http://jessewhitetumblingteam.com/

WGN-TV Interview: https://youtu.be/yKPimx-0plg?si=emMZjORZar2mNK5i

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jesse_White_(politician)

Illinois Organ and Tissue Donation Program. https://youtu.be/cw54o9HjSrY?si=aHG1ERRtB37Amtgh