Latest news with #JesseWhite
Miami Herald
12-08-2025
- Politics
- Miami Herald
Illinois names building after former HBCU athlete
Illinois has officially renamed one of its landmark government buildings to honor a celebrated Alabama State University (ASU) graduate and HBCU building at 115 South LaSalle Street in Chicago is now the Jesse White State of Illinois follows unanimous approval from both the Illinois House and Senate. A Ceremony Honoring a Legacy Governor J.B. Pritzker joined state officials, community leaders, and Jesse White himself for the dedication building is home to more than 15 state includes the Chicago offices of the Illinois Secretary of State and the Illinois Attorney General. From HBCU Graduate to Illinois Icon Jesse White earned his bachelor's degree from Alabama State University, an HBCU, in 1957, when it was still called Alabama State there he played both baseball and basketball, He went on to become the first African American elected Illinois Secretary of State in 1999, serving until that, White served 16 years in the Illinois House of Representatives and six years as Cook County Recorder of public service career began as a schoolteacher. Words from Jesse White "I am proud to have a State of Illinois building named in my honor," White said."I hope that the Jesse White State Building will inspire future generations of all backgrounds to serve with honor and excellence." More Than a Public Servant White's impact goes far beyond 1959, he founded the Jesse White Tumblers, an internationally known youth program that has influenced thousands of young Secretary of State, he improved customer service, modernized technology, and promoted organ and tissue donation across Illinois. His achievements are a source of pride for the HBCU community, proving that graduates of historically Black colleges and universities can rise to the highest levels of public service. Praise from Governor Pritzker Governor Pritzker called White "the longest serving Secretary of State in our history."He credited White with championing honest government and ending corrupt practices."I cannot think of a more appropriate name than the Jesse White State of Illinois Building," Pritzker said."It will serve generations and stand as a symbol of strong, effective government." Quick Facts About Jesse White Graduated from ASU, an HBCU, in African American Illinois Secretary of 24 years in the Illinois House of Representatives and as Cook County Recorder of the Jesse White Tumblers in 1959. The new name is more than a sign on a is a lasting tribute to an HBCU trailblazer whose decades of leadership, mentorship, and service have shaped the state of Illinois. The post Illinois names building after former HBCU athlete appeared first on HBCU Gameday. Copyright HBCU Gameday 2012-2025
Yahoo
06-08-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Juliana Stratton earns 2 big endorsements in Illinois Senate primary race
The Brief Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton earned two big endorsements in her Democratic primary race for the U.S. Senate. Ex-Congressman Bobby Rush and former Secretary of State Jesse White are backing her candidacy for the open primary. Stratton and two sitting members of Congress are vying for the nomination after Sen. Dick Durbin said he'll retire after this term. Two elder statesmen in the Democratic Party in Illinois are backing Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton for the U.S. Senate primary. Former Congressman Bobby Rush, who represented much of the South Side of Chicago for 30 years, and former Secretary of State Jesse White, whose career spanned nearly 50 years, announced their endorsement for Stratton on Wednesday. "These are two public servants that I have looked up to throughout my career, who opened doors for so many of us. I'm grateful for the trail they blazed and their trust in me as I take my fight for working families to Washington," said Stratton in a statement. The backstory Stratton, who has served as Gov. JB Pritzker's second-in-command since 2019, is vying for the Democratic nomination in a crowded field of high-profile candidates. White made history as the first Black Secretary of State for Illinois and served for six terms in office, the most ever. "Juliana Stratton embodies Illinois' spirit of service, grounded leadership, and a deep commitment to justice. From raising the minimum wage to protecting women's rights and tackling gun violence, she's delivered real results that put people first," White said in a statement. Rush was the co-founder of the Illinois chapter of the Black Panther Party before serving in Congress where he was key in passing the Emmet Till Antilynching Act of 2022. He also notably defeated then-State Sen. Barack Obama in the Democratic primary race in 2000. Stratton has already received endorsements from Pritzker and Tammy Duckworth, the other sitting U.S. senator from Illinois. It's an open seat after longtime Sen. Dick Durbin announced earlier this year that he would not seek re-election in 2026. Other Democratic candidates include U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, of Schaumburg, and U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly, of Matteson.
