ILLINOIS SECRETARY OF STATE, OFFICE OF JESSE WHITE | I enjoyed photographing Illinois Secretary of State and State Librarian, Jesse Clark White.  He is such a delightful person. Upon entering his office, knowing that my Photographer’s Assistant is from the Philippines, he gleefully greets us with the traditional Tagalong greeting, “Mabuhay!”  His office has an impressive collection of Asian art.

My shoot with him was pretty quick, but very meaningful.  Amid a very busy office and a very demanding schedule, he maintains such impressive poise and attentiveness to his guests. My assistant and I appreciated his warm welcome and statements about our services:  “I like your style.  You and Veronica are quite impressive….very professional!”

His office is filled with awards, photos of dignitaries and special memorabilia; one he is especially proud of is an image of him at President Barack Obama’s Inauguration Ceremony in Washington, D.C.  Jesse White, the founder (1959) and coach of The Jesse White Tumblers, created the team to provide a recreational, athletic, educational and cultural enrichment experience for the team members.  That day, Secretary White and the Jesse White Tumblers were slated to head out and perform in Belize.  How exciting!  The members that comprise this impressive troupe are at-risk boys; this juvenile delinquency prevention initiative was designed to help youngsters grow to be upstanding young men.  I hope to feature more about them in a few months when the weather is warmer and they are “tumbling” outdoors.

Secretary White, “Salamat!”  Thank you for warmly receiving us!  Veronica and I shall treasure your kindness.

 

 

Shannon Wright
Editor | Luxury, Fine Art Photographer
@loveshannonxo
@blaqwright

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