We’re paying tribute to the magic of 65 years of the Jesse White Tumblers!
Former Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White founded the youth organization in 1959 as a positive outlet for at-risk Chicago youth. To date, around 20,000 children have learned how to do backflips and somersaults from a team of teachers, including 90-year-old lifelong public servant Jesse White, who’s still active with the group, even after his retirement from being Illinois’ longest-serving Secretary of State.
He told the Chicago Sun-Times, “Less than 20 have got themselves in trouble with the law as a result of being a part of this program because there’s no drinking, smoking, swearing, dropping out of school or practicing pharmacy without a license. They’ll say to you that they’d rather be in trouble with the police than with Mr. White.”
There was a commemoration of the landmark anniversary and White’s legacy of service and teaching young people to aim high with their dreams on Tuesday with the dedication of a large statue in front of the Jesse White Park & Fieldhouse in the Cabrini-Green neighborhood.
& Remember to always celebrate your magic! xo
