Happy Friday Obots! Today we feature more stars in the world of Chess. Baraka Shabazz Originally born in Denver, Colorado, Baraka spent her early years in Anchorage, Alaska, with her stepfather Yusef Shabazz and mother Raqiba Shabazz. Mr. Shabazz bought a chess set for the family and taught his children the moves. Baraka showed glimmers of talent. It wasn’t long before she … [Read more...] about Friday Open Thread: The Chess Masters
Chess Masters
Thursday Open Thread: The Chess Masters
Good Morning Obots! The history of African-americans succeeding in the world of Chess is vast and rich. Born April 21, 1855 in Frederick, Maryland, Theophilus Thompson is identified in various sources as being the first Black chess player of note. As a domestic servant, he managed to learn chess from John K. Hanshew, the publisher of The Maryland Chess Review in 1872. Mr. … [Read more...] about Thursday Open Thread: The Chess Masters
Masters Of The Game: James, Justus and Joshua
(h/t Smartypants) Meet James Black Jr, Justus Williams and Joshua Coles....Chess Masters Fewer than 2 percent of the 77,000 members of the United States Chess Federation are masters — and just 13 of them are under the age of 14. Among that select group of prodigies are three black players from the New York City area — Justus Williams, Joshua Colas and James Black … [Read more...] about Masters Of The Game: James, Justus and Joshua