My name is Daaim Shabazz, Associate Professor of Business at Florida A&M University (USA). My name is pronounced Da-eem Sha-boz. I'm quite pleased to present The Chess Drum (launched on 12 February 2001), an online magazine whose time in history has come. Welcome!

For too long, the Black chess-playing segment has been overlooked. By examining existing chess magazines and websites worldwide, there is little variety in terms of reported stories.  Thus, this vehicle seeks to offer contributions and gain inclusion into (not exclusion from) the worldwide chess community. The Chess Drum is a chess website from a different perspective.

The purpose of this communicative vehicle is (1) to highlight the chess activities within the worldwide African Diaspora (2) to serve as a vehicle for fostering a greater sense of community with in the chess world, and (3) to facilitate the sharing of ideas and knowledge and (4) to demonstrate the true universality of chess.

Each issue will feature News Briefs of current events around the world. The "Fire on Board!" segment will feature an exciting game (with analysis). "Chess Crackers" will test your combinational vision as several positions are presented for you to solve. "The Talking Drum" will feature an interview by a chess personality. The "The 65th Square" seeks to expand the horizons of chess by examining social issues related to chess players, chess commentary, and the overall chess experience.

Finally, we present various aspects of a village with various segments. The "Chess Academy" is a forum that may help one to improve his/her chess skills. "Historic Moments" will capture historic chess moments giving us an understanding of its widespread appeal to players around the world. In our Chess Village, we provide the "Drum Majors of Chess."  These chess masters of African descent may have gone unrecognized, so profiles are available with the information highlighting their chess accomplishments. Also included is "Your Chess Market" which serves as the ultimate resource for chess players of the greater community.

This communicative vehicle is operated and owned by one individual and is a privately-funded vehicle promoting chess. Hopefully, the pages on this site will serve as an inspiration for Black players around the world to achieve the highest heights in an activity we all love.  I am asking for the support of individuals, clubs and federations to help raise the level of awareness in such an untapped market of chess players.

If you would like to report any news you deem useful to this site, you can use "Keep the Beat Going" (mailing address is included), or send me an e-mail. If you would like to find out more about this site or arrange an interview, go to the "Press Packet." Your help is greatly appreciated.  Enjoy your stay and please come again!


Sincerely,

Daaim Shabazz, The Chess Drum
P. O. Box 7663
Tallahassee, Florida 32314-7663 (USA)
webmaster@thechessdrum.net