Jesse White

Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White made history by being the first African American elected Secretary of State for Illinois. The Secretary of State's office is responsible for issuing license plates and titles, maintaining driver records and overseeing the State Library, State Archives and the organ and tissue donor program. Whites signed with the Chicago Cubs organization where he played professional baseball for several seasons, was elected recorder of deeds before becoming secretary of State. White founded the Jesse White Tumbling Team to serve as a positive alternative for children residing in the Chicago area. Since its inception, more than 10,700 young men and women have performed with the team. For over forty years, the Jesse White Tumbling Team has served as a positive alternative for underprivileged Chicago children.