Real. Talent.

After last night’s “decision” by LeBron James, it’s fitting to discuss something positive about the sporting world.

One of the highlights every summer is the 4^th of July parade that occurs in our town. As I recently wrote in “Snap. Shot.” you have the typical floats, politicians and marching bands---but the highlight every year occurs when the Jesse White Tumblers perform. Jesse White is the Secretary of State in Illinois. Unlike most corrupt politicians you find in the “Land of Lincoln,” this man seems to really bring a positive direction to the youth of Chicago.

Nearly 51 years ago, Mr. White founded the “Jesse White Tumbling Team;” he didn’t do it for political motivation, he did it to “serve as a positive alternative for children residing in the Chicago area.” (Since its inception, more than 10,700 young men and women have performed with the team.). To see these young men and women in action is flat out incredible. They work as a team, and together put on a show that takes place blazing hot weather.

The interesting thing, I have never seen Jesse White at the event; all the more impressive when you see countless politicians parading about, handing out candy, and believing we all are really happy to see them in the parade. (I have no idea who most of them are---and don’t really care.) The Jesse White Tumblers are phenomenal, and because they are named after him, he has incredible name recognition.

The team has very strict rules when you consider that every kid (6 years old and up) is from the inner city projects, must stay in school and maintain a “C” average. Most important, any form of gang or drug participation automatically removes you from the squad---I suspect this is a big deterrent if you really are committed to the team. The Tumblers have appeared at NFL, NBA and MLB games and if you saw the movie, “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” they were in it as well.

So where will these kids end up? Hopefully in a different environment from where they started and proud of who they are as teammates.

Which brings us back to LeBron James.

James did not grown up with a silver spoon; his Mom was 16 when he was born, they had very little, the one difference---James had enormous talent on the basketball court. It’s too bad he couldn’t think back to these times, when he was making his “decision”—last night he broke the hearts of an entire city. He will never be welcomed back to his town—the area where he grew up and where he was understood and loved.

The photo above was taken last week at the 4^th of July parade in Glen Ellyn. I did Photoshop the picture to black and white, and kept the performers in color. For me it signified how these young men and women stand out in a very crowded field and are working as a team to better themselves. I hope one day all athletes remember the importance of team work---sure money is important, but so are the people who make you look and perform at such a higher standard. The Miami Heat have 4 people on their team at this point---you need 5 to play.

Thanks for stopping by.