Jesse White (politician) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jesse White
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White in 2015
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| 37th Secretary of State of Illinois | |
| In office January 11, 1999 – January 9, 2023 |
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| Governor |
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| Preceded by | George Ryan |
| Succeeded by | Alexi Giannoulias |
| Cook County Recorder of Deeds | |
| In office December 1, 1992 – January 11, 1999 |
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| Preceded by | Carol Moseley Braun |
| Succeeded by | Eugene Moore |
| Member of the Illinois House of Representatives | |
| In office January 8, 1979 – December 1, 1992 |
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| Preceded by | James Houlihan |
| Succeeded by | Robert LeFlore |
| Constituency | 8th district (1983–1992) 13th district (1979–1983) |
| In office January 8, 1975 – January 12, 1977 |
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| Preceded by | Robert L. Thompson |
| Succeeded by | Daniel P. O'Brien/ Elroy C. Sandquist Jr. |
| Constituency | 13th district |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Jesse Clark White
June 23, 1934 Alton, Illinois, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Children | 1 |
| Education | Alabama State University (BA) |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Branch/service |  United States Army |
| Years of service | 1957–1959 |
| Unit | 101st Airborne Division • Illinois National Guard |
Jesse Clark White (born June 23, 1934) is an American educator, politician, and former athlete from Illinois. As a member of the Democratic Party, he served as the Secretary of State of Illinois from 1999 to 2023. He held this job longer than anyone else in the United States.
White was a very popular politician. He decided not to run for the job again in 2022. Before becoming Secretary of State, he worked as the Cook County Recorder of Deeds and was a member of the Illinois House of Representatives.
Growing up in Chicago, White went to Alabama State University on a sports scholarship. He played minor league baseball in the 1950s and 1960s. During that time, he also started a famous youth gymnastics group called the Jesse White Tumbling Team. He later became a teacher and school administrator in Chicago Public Schools.
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Early Life and Sports
Jesse White was born in Alton, Illinois. He went to Alabama State University, where he played baseball and basketball. He graduated in 1957. While in college, he met the famous civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr..
White was a talented athlete. He was an all-city baseball and basketball player at his high school in Chicago. In 1995, he was added to the Chicago Public League Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame.
After college, White served in the United States Army from 1957 to 1959 as a paratrooper in the famous 101st Airborne Division. He also served in the Illinois National Guard. After the army, he played professional minor league baseball for the Chicago Cubs organization. In 2021, the Cubs honored him by making him a "Cub for life."
The Jesse White Tumbling Team
In 1959, White started the Jesse White Tumbling Team. He wanted to give kids in Chicago a positive and fun activity to do. The team became famous for its amazing gymnastic shows. Since it started, more than 18,500 young people have been part of the team.
For 33 years, White also worked for the Chicago Public Schools as a teacher and administrator. He was dedicated to helping young people succeed.
A Career in Politics
White became interested in politics and was elected to the Illinois General Assembly in 1974. This is where state laws are made. He served there for 16 years.
In 1992, he was elected as the Cook County Recorder of Deeds. This office is in charge of keeping important public records. He was elected to this job again in 1996.
In 1998, White was elected as the Secretary of State of Illinois. He was so popular that he was re-elected five more times, in 2002, 2006, 2010, 2014, and 2018.
Serving as Secretary of State
As Secretary of State, White was in charge of many things, including driver's licenses and state libraries. He worked hard to make roads safer.
- Teen Driver Safety: In 2007, he helped pass a new law for teen drivers. This law created a better program for new drivers to gain experience safely. After the law was passed, the number of serious car accidents involving teens dropped.
- Organ Donation: White encouraged people to become organ and tissue donors. He helped create a state list where people could legally promise to donate. Millions of people have signed up for this list.
- Better Service: He used technology to make it easier for people to get services. This meant shorter waiting times at driver's license offices.
When the governor of Illinois, Rod Blagojevich, was accused of serious wrongdoing, he tried to appoint someone to the U.S. Senate. White refused to sign the official papers for the appointment. He believed it was important to follow the rules and act with honesty. The Illinois Supreme Court agreed that White did not have to sign the document. This event showed people across the country that White was committed to doing the right thing.
Awards and Honors
Throughout his life, Jesse White has received many awards for his work.
In 1999, he was honored by the Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame as a Friend of the Community for his support.
In 2015, the Chicago History Museum gave him the Jane Addams Award. This award recognized his great service to the community.
