ABOUT
About The Jesse White Tumbling Team
At just 25 years old, Jesse White founded the Jesse White Tumbling Team in 1959 with a powerful vision: to provide young people with a positive path forward through education, discipline, teamwork, and community service. His mission was to help youth build confidence, character, and leadership skills while avoiding the challenges of gangs, drugs, alcohol, and violence.
What began as a small neighborhood program has grown into one of the nation’s most respected youth development organizations. More than 18,000 young people have participated in the program, with alumni going on to successful careers as educators, business leaders, military personnel, first responders, healthcare professionals, public servants, and community leaders.
The program serves boys and girls beginning at age six and emphasizes both personal and academic achievement. Team members are expected to stay in school, maintain at least a “C” average, demonstrate responsibility and respect, and serve as positive role models in their communities.
Today, the Jesse White Tumbling Team includes 11 performance units that present hundreds of exhibitions each year at events across the country and around the world. The Team has earned national and international recognition through performances in the United States, Canada, Hong Kong, Bermuda, Belize, China, Israel, Japan, and Croatia, as well as appearances on television, in commercials, and in motion pictures.
Education remains at the heart of the program. Through academic expectations and tutoring support, the Jesse White Tumbling Team continues to fulfill Jesse White’s vision of helping young people reach their full potential and prepare for lives of success, leadership, and service.
About Jesse White
Jesse White is a lifelong educator, youth mentor, public servant, veteran, professional athlete, and founder of the Jesse White Tumbling Team. Before entering public office, White spent 33 years with Chicago Public Schools as a teacher and administrator while also serving as a gymnastics coach and instructor for the Chicago Park District and the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago.
A native of Alton, Illinois, White graduated from Alabama State College (now Alabama State University) in 1957, where he was mentored by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and earned all-conference honors in baseball and basketball. He later played professional baseball in the Chicago Cubs organization and served his country as a paratrooper with the United States Army’s 101st Airborne Division, Army Reserve, and Illinois National Guard.
To further his commitment to youth, White established the Jesse White Foundation, which provides college scholarships, hosts an annual “Trunk Party” supplying more than 500 incoming college freshmen with essential college supplies—including laptop computers—and supports families and seniors in need through its annual holiday food distributions.
White served 16 years in the Illinois General Assembly before being elected Cook County Recorder of Deeds in 1992 and Illinois Secretary of State in 1998. He became both the first African American and the longest-serving individual to hold that office. During his tenure, he modernized state operations, strengthened driver safety programs, improved commercial and teen driver licensing, and helped transform Illinois’ Organ/Tissue Donor Registry into one of the nation’s most successful programs.
Throughout his career, Jesse White has remained dedicated to creating opportunities for young people through education, mentorship, athletics, and service. His greatest legacy—the Jesse White Tumbling Team—continues to demonstrate the power of discipline, opportunity, and high expectations to transform lives and strengthen communities.
About Head Coach Emmanuel McGhee Sr.
Emmanuel McGhee Sr. has been a proud member of the Jesse White Tumbling Team since 2000 and has dedicated more than two decades to carrying forward the Team’s tradition of excellence. After joining the coaching staff under the leadership of Mr. Jesse White in 2008, Emmanuel became known for his athletic ability and high-flying performances, earning the nickname “Superman” from 2006 to 2013.
Recognizing his leadership, dedication, and commitment to the Team’s mission, Mr. Jesse White personally selected Emmanuel to serve as Head Coach in 2020.
As Head Coach, Emmanuel oversees the Team’s training program, leads a staff of 10 assistant coaches, and has helped guide more than 1,000 athletes throughout his coaching career. His coaching philosophy reflects the values established by Mr. White—leading with compassion while providing the discipline and guidance young people need to reach their full potential.
Beyond developing talented athletes, Emmanuel is committed to building character, confidence, leadership, and life skills in every tumbler. Through mentorship, education, and opportunity, he continues to advance the Jesse White Tumbling Team’s mission of empowering youth and strengthening communities.
