Jesse White Tumblers to Perform at Halftime Today

Nashville, Tenn – Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White and his group, the Jessie White Tumblers, will be in Nashville this Thursday as part of their college tour at Fisk University. The group, which has performed during halftime at NBA games, will also perform during the women's and men's basketball games when the Fisk Bulldogs take on the University of the Virgin Islands.

"We are honored to have the tumblers on campus," said Fisk Athletic Director Valencia Jordan. "We love giving our fans more than just a game. We give them an experience they won't forget. Having the Jessie White Tumblers perform will be a memorable treat. We look forward to hosting them."

Secretary White's athletic prowess includes playing Major League Baseball for the Chicago Cubs. He was a gymnast as a kid, taught gymnastics in college, and worked as a gymnastics coach and teacher for the Chicago Park District YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago. The matchup is the first of four themes for the final home games. The theme for Thursday is "Can & Croc Night". Fans are asked to bring non-perishable foods to be donated to a local non-profit. We are encouraging attendees to wear their favorite Crocs and take a picture on the "Croc Cam".

Before the games, the tumblers and the Fisk Gymnastics team will host a meet and greet.

 The Jesse White Tumblers were created in 1959 to provide a positive alternative for inner-city kids. Team members must stay away from gangs, drugs, and alcohol, stay in school, and maintain a minimum "C" average. The team consists of male and female participants as young as age 6. The Jesse White Tumblers attract national and international attention and have performed throughout the United States, Canada, Hong Kong, Bermuda, Belize, China, Israel, Tokyo, Japan, and Zagreb, Croatia. The team has also been featured in commercials, national television shows, and motion pictures.