The Jesse White Tumblers, formed 67 years ago by former Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White to keep Chicago youth away from gangs and drugs, brought their flips, somersaults and other gravity-defying tricks to NBC’s popular reality competition show “America’s Got Talent” in California.
After their performance, which premiered Tuesday night, the group now known as the Jesse White Tumbling Team received a standing ovation and four “yes” votes from the panel of celebrity judges — Howie Mandel, Mel B, Simon Cowell and Sofía Vergara — to advance to the next round of competition as the show continues its 21st season. […]
“I thought it was sensational,” said judge Simon Cowell, who eventually went up to shake White’s hand onstage. “You’re following an act with lasers and pyrotechnics, and this was all about you as a group, as individuals, being great, putting the hours in … I mean it really, really paid off.” […]
“’America’s Got Talent’ is a highlight of all we’ve been able to accomplish with this program,” White, now 92, told Block Club. The youngest tumbler performing with the team on the show was just 8 years old.
This was really fun to watch and the comments from Howie, Simon et al were inspiring. The only thing that surprises me is why haven’t the Jesse White Tumblers been on AGT before??
Jesse brought his Team to our local YMCA. My kids were wide-eyed and what kids, not much older than they are, could do right in front of their eyes. I had to assure mine it was all real and not some fake/trick. Plus it took hard, long work to be able to make what the Team did look so easy.
I was a 14 year old Page when I was introduced to State Rep Jessie White on the House floor. I was intrigued that he played minor league ball for the Cubs as a young man. He bought me an ice cream which made a big impression on me. What a fine gentleman.
==The only thing that surprises me is why haven’t the Jesse White Tumblers been on AGT before??==
For real, right? They are so wonderful, and it’s great to see the age ranges of the kids working together. And, of course, Jessie. Definitely a treasure. So fabulous that he was able to travel with them for this.
Agree with everyone above. The team came to JRTC every year that I worked there and I must say they are super impressive but also very scary in person. You can’t believe some of those leaps and twists are happening in front of your eyes.
Jesse himself still did a few somersaults until I think he hit 80.
A perennial crowd pleasing group at a local Independence Day parade. Not just the high flying flips, but the speedy logistics of moving the mini trampoline and mats along the parade route to perform their stunts every couple blocks. Simply an amazing group.
I’ve had the pleasure of watching the tumblers up close a few times. In addition to their athletic prowess, I’ve always been impressed at what good kids these are. If a youngster falls, an older tumbler is always there with a helping hand and a kind word. Jesse has imbued these people with character.
Jesse saluting the crowd before he walked off the stage was almost as good as the performance and shows why he was the longest serving IL SOS. While he participated in the performance last night, I’m going to say it now… when the competition gets harder, Jesse himself will have a WOW moment to ensure the team advances to the next round.
- West Side the Best Side - Wednesday, Jul 8, 26 @ 7:51 pm:
Met Jesse when I was running for office and he was an extremely pleasant man. Saw the Tumblers numerous times at parades. Spent years in the Cook County criminal justice system and never knew of any of the Tumblers who ever caught a case. Considering that at least in the early years they were all from Gabriel Green that was quite a testament to Jesse’s leadership abilities and the role model he was.
- West Side the Best Side - Wednesday, Jul 8, 26 @ 7:56 pm:
- Blazzzer - Wednesday, Jul 8, 26 @ 12:03 pm:
Nice to see some press that makes me proud to be from Illinois
- Blue to the Bone - Wednesday, Jul 8, 26 @ 12:09 pm:
This is truly Chicago’s team. A group we can all root for. Well done!
- Rich Miller - Wednesday, Jul 8, 26 @ 12:21 pm:
Jesse White is an American treasure.
- SpiDem - Wednesday, Jul 8, 26 @ 12:23 pm:
A living legend and a legit American Hero. Blessed to know him
- Tom - Wednesday, Jul 8, 26 @ 12:26 pm:
A great man who had great staff and still keeps good people around him.
- Proud Papa Bear - Wednesday, Jul 8, 26 @ 12:27 pm:
I still remember seeing him at the Special Olympics. He was in an alcove, by himself, out of the way, wiping down mats. A true servant leader.
- Norseman - Wednesday, Jul 8, 26 @ 12:38 pm:
Jesse is a very special person. They don’t make many of them anymore so celebrate those we have.
- Steve Rogers - Wednesday, Jul 8, 26 @ 12:54 pm:
This was really fun to watch and the comments from Howie, Simon et al were inspiring. The only thing that surprises me is why haven’t the Jesse White Tumblers been on AGT before??
- DEE - Wednesday, Jul 8, 26 @ 12:54 pm:
Jesse brought his Team to our local YMCA. My kids were wide-eyed and what kids, not much older than they are, could do right in front of their eyes. I had to assure mine it was all real and not some fake/trick. Plus it took hard, long work to be able to make what the Team did look so easy.
- Ares - Wednesday, Jul 8, 26 @ 12:59 pm:
A great person and public servant, who in each left the place better than he found it.
- Miller Time (no relation) - Wednesday, Jul 8, 26 @ 1:11 pm:
I had to watch the tumblers twice! They were awesome 30+ years ago, and they’re still terrific.
- here we go again - Wednesday, Jul 8, 26 @ 1:27 pm:
Jesse White is a national treasure. The best Illinois has to offer. Very happy for him. Such great work he’s done.
- Dotnonymous x - Wednesday, Jul 8, 26 @ 1:44 pm:
Jesse White is public service personified.
- JoanP - Wednesday, Jul 8, 26 @ 2:15 pm:
Jesse White is a treasure. And so are these kids.
- Reformed Blonde - Wednesday, Jul 8, 26 @ 2:24 pm:
There will only ever be one Jesse White. Living legend and American hero.
Meanwhile… is anyone placing bets on potential shirtless photos that might be deployed from a current officeholder in an attempt to redirect focus?
- Stones - Wednesday, Jul 8, 26 @ 2:27 pm:
I was a 14 year old Page when I was introduced to State Rep Jessie White on the House floor. I was intrigued that he played minor league ball for the Cubs as a young man. He bought me an ice cream which made a big impression on me. What a fine gentleman.
- Leslie K - Wednesday, Jul 8, 26 @ 3:55 pm:
==The only thing that surprises me is why haven’t the Jesse White Tumblers been on AGT before??==
For real, right? They are so wonderful, and it’s great to see the age ranges of the kids working together. And, of course, Jessie. Definitely a treasure. So fabulous that he was able to travel with them for this.
- Friendly Bob Adams - Wednesday, Jul 8, 26 @ 4:24 pm:
Agree with everyone above. The team came to JRTC every year that I worked there and I must say they are super impressive but also very scary in person. You can’t believe some of those leaps and twists are happening in front of your eyes.
Jesse himself still did a few somersaults until I think he hit 80.
- From DaZoo - Wednesday, Jul 8, 26 @ 4:37 pm:
A perennial crowd pleasing group at a local Independence Day parade. Not just the high flying flips, but the speedy logistics of moving the mini trampoline and mats along the parade route to perform their stunts every couple blocks. Simply an amazing group.
- Ben Tre - Wednesday, Jul 8, 26 @ 5:00 pm:
I’ve had the pleasure of watching the tumblers up close a few times. In addition to their athletic prowess, I’ve always been impressed at what good kids these are. If a youngster falls, an older tumbler is always there with a helping hand and a kind word. Jesse has imbued these people with character.
- Strategy Geek - Wednesday, Jul 8, 26 @ 5:08 pm:
Amen to Jesse being a national treasure, Rich. Cheering on the tumblers is something that ought to unite the whole state, North & South, red & blue.
- Don't Bloc Me In - Wednesday, Jul 8, 26 @ 5:45 pm:
Bless those joyful young people, and bless Jesse for all the good things he’s accomplished.
- (Sigh) - Wednesday, Jul 8, 26 @ 7:09 pm:
Jesse saluting the crowd before he walked off the stage was almost as good as the performance and shows why he was the longest serving IL SOS. While he participated in the performance last night, I’m going to say it now… when the competition gets harder, Jesse himself will have a WOW moment to ensure the team advances to the next round.
- West Side the Best Side - Wednesday, Jul 8, 26 @ 7:51 pm:
Met Jesse when I was running for office and he was an extremely pleasant man. Saw the Tumblers numerous times at parades. Spent years in the Cook County criminal justice system and never knew of any of the Tumblers who ever caught a case. Considering that at least in the early years they were all from Gabriel Green that was quite a testament to Jesse’s leadership abilities and the role model he was.
- West Side the Best Side - Wednesday, Jul 8, 26 @ 7:56 pm:
Cabrini,not Gabriel. #$#@ automiscorrect.
- Frida's Boss - Wednesday, Jul 8, 26 @ 10:44 pm:
The most popular politician in the history of Illinois. Bar none.
- OneMan - Wednesday, Jul 8, 26 @ 10:47 pm:
Was a bit disappointed they didn’t get a golden buzzer.
- Dirty Red - Wednesday, Jul 8, 26 @ 11:56 pm:
Legend.
- Hon. Don Gerard - Thursday, Jul 9, 26 @ 3:15 pm:
He is the Ernie Banks of public servants. I had the opportunity to meet him once and he could not have been more kind and good-natured.