Hip-Hop Chess Federation’s V-Day!
Adisa Banjoko celebrated the Hip-Hop Chess Federation’s 5th Anniversary by hosting the day of festivities. The “V-Day” festival featured tournament play, martial arts demos and performances by local artists.
The chess world is unfamiliar with the HHCF as the organization’s activities have been confined largely to the Bay area. When talking to Banjoko he often mentions this discord in somewhat of a defensive way. Here is why:
Banjoko says he’s often misunderstood by stodgy traditionalists in the chess world, who point to the fact that he’ not a master, grandmaster or even a competitive player, and use that as an excuse to disparage his organization. “When you mention the Hip-Hop Chess Federation,” he says, “people will kind of chuckle, and they do it from a place of arrogance and ignorance.”
Banjoko has also been interview by Forbes Online and gave a very poignant interview about the fusion of chess, martial arts and hip-hop. His philosophical outlook represents a fresh and enlightening perspective that we have not seen.
Adisa Banjoko with GM Vinay Bhat and T-K.A.S.H. at “V-Day Festival.
Photo from https://www.hiphopchess.blogspot.com.
While the HHCF is not the first to fuse hip-hop and chess, at five years, it is more than a “flash-in-the-pan” and appears to have found a niche. After the “V-Day” one wonders what is next for the HHCF. Banjoko speaks of expanding and apparently has a chapter in Romania of all places.
There is certainly a caution to expanding so quickly without developing a foundation at home, but he hopes to continue promoting his fusion philosophy in the hopes to teach the principles of non-violence and civility.
Congrat to Adisa!! Wonderful event kids and adults had a good time. If you get a chance look for the great panel discussion on you tube when it becomes available. GM Bhat is such a nice guy to show up just because he wanted to be there and did a simul on the spur of the moment. I went down in defeat but only after I got 4 checks in. I hope youth leaders in our urban area take notice and realize the power of innovation in reaching our youth through positive experiences.
Looking forward to it. Some interesting perspectives.
Hip-Hop Chess Federation 5-Year Anniversary
Video by Hip-Hop Chess Federation.