NEWS AND UPDATES
January 19, 2025
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On Martin Luther King Jr. Day, ask yourself, 'How can I help others?'
Former Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White was one of King's proteges. He writes about following King's examples and committing to publice service and volunteer work. He helped me as a college student at Alabama State College. I attended the Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in downtown Montgomery, where Dr. King served as the pastor, and I got to listen to and observe him firsthand.
I didn’t realize at the time that this effort, designed primarily to help kids stay in school and away from gangs, drugs and alcohol, would be going strong in 2025. I’m proud of the fact that more than 20,000 kids have participated in this program, helping put them on a path to success to give back to their communities as teachers, police officers, firefighters, doctors, lawyers — the list goes on and on.
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​n honor of Dr. King, let us commit ourselves to the following four ideals:
• Never dislike or discriminate against someone because of race, creed or color.
• Learn to love your fellow man and woman.
• Do something good for someone every day.
• Give back to those less fortunate when you become successful.
July 14, 2019
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Secretary of State Jesse White, chairman of the Jesse White Foundation, distributed 500 trunks on Sunday, July 14, to high school graduates who will be attending college this fall. The trunk included items necessary for students to prepare for their collegiate careers. The trunks included over 50 items, including bed linens, towels, school supplies, toiletries and more. Over 160 electronic raffle items were also provided, including iPads, laptops, printers, tablets, and TVs.
This is the fifth year that Jesse White has organized this program for college-bound students. “It’s important that we provide the students with the necessary items to help them transition to college life,” White said. “This program is designed to help our young people succeed in college.”
The 500 students represent 126 high schools throughout the city of Chicago and suburbs. These students will be attending 201 different colleges or universities in 34 states.
April 1, 2017
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Classes open for both adults and children!
Starting April 1st, 2017, Grandmaster Hongchao Zhang will be teaching Taiji (Tai chi) Quan, Xingyi Quan, Bagua palm at 5 p.m. on Mondays and Thursdays. He will also be teaching Shaolin, wrestling, Free combat, and joints-lock starting at 6 p.m. on Mondays and Thursdays.
Location: Jesse White Community Center, 412 W. Chicago Avenue, Chicago IL 60610
For more information, please call 773-728-8682
He will also be teaching Taiji at 9 a.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays, Taiji at 11 a.m., Qi gong at 12pm, and Shaolin at 1 p.m. on Saturdays
Location: 3940 N. Lincoln Ave. 2nd floor, Chicago. Please call 773-728-8682 for more information.
July 17, 2016
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On Sunday, July 17, Jesse White hosted his 2nd annual “Off to College Trunk Party.” Over 500 students received essential items for their dorm room and academic career. This event was sponsored by the Jesse White Foundation, in partnership with the Gary Life Education Initiative.
Students, their families and friends, arrived at the Jesse White Community Center on Chicago Avenue and were given items such as linens, school supplies, electronics, toiletries, food, and more.
We would especially like to thank The Rand Family, Rotary International, Associated Bank, Jesse White Tumblers, Loyola University ROTC, Sam’s Club, Service League of Northwest Indiana, Subway, Tony Spavone, Tony’s Fresh Market, United Supply, Darcy J. Johnson Foundation and the Wild Garden.
Some pictures from the event have been included in the "gallery".
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College Students Get Care Packages at Trunk Party
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