The Legacy of the “Black Knight”

Daaim Shabazz Send an email July 22, 2014
18 2,304 5 minutes read

Black Knight)

Those who live in the DMV (DC, Maryland, Virginia) area will know the lure of chess in the parks. These places are known for their grittiness and hard-scrabble activities give a forum to many creative personalities… one of which is chess. Washington, DC is known as the nation’s capitol, but for chess players, Dupont Circle is the watering hole for chess players. There have been a number of players who have passed through this park, but one of the names often mentioned is that of “Black Knight”.

James “Black Knight” Taylor began playing chess during the turbulent 60s and adopted the nickname because none of the books he read as a teenager featured any Black players. Born in Roanoke, Virginia, but raised in Richmond, he started playing chess in the 60s before going on to serve in the Vietnam War and earning four Bronze Stars for valor.

James Taylor teaching his passion in the DC inner city.

James “Black Knight” Taylor teaching his passion in the DC inner city.

After returning to the U.S., he settled in Washington, DC in 1981 and with him he brought a love of chess. This is where he became the 1st Black player to win the DC Amateur Championship and where his legend was born. With this victory came a reputation that was honed in Dupont Circle, a famous park that attracts chess players… and hustlers.

During this time, he set out on a mission… a mission to bring his love for chess to those who would not ordinarily have the interest or the confidence to learn the game. Taylor decided to share his passion for the game by opening up a “Chess University” to teach the game to children in impoverished areas.

DuPont Circle

The scene at the famous Dupont Circle, Washington, DC.

DuPont Circle

“Black Knight” at Chess University International in Washington, DC and…

DuPont Circle

… with the irrepressible and legendary, Emory Tate!

A face wizened with life’s battles, but impressed with his inward smiles, Taylor’s generosity was commended by Howard University and many players around him. “He didn’t get much help,” said his long-time friend Charles Smith. Smith, now in Alabama running “Magic City Chess”, glowed when speaking of Taylor and his Chess University project. The pride Taylor had in his Chess University was apparent and he came to the 2004 World Open with t-shirts. It is part of this altruism that warms the heart.

When Tuduetso Sabure of Botswana became the first Black woman to earn the Women’s Grandmaster title, he began communicating with her, sending donations, books and other materials to Botswana to further her pursuits. Sabure no longer on the tournament circuit, but Taylor’s efforts were appreciated.

“Black Knight” at African-American Civil War Memorial
“THE SPIRIT OF FREEDOM”
Washington, DC.

DuPont Circle

Engaging in blitz battle!

Black Knight wants to be remembered as one who gave for the advancement of chess in the Black community. He has lived through the struggles of being a “street master” in a literal sense when he trod on the hard-scrabble streets of DC trying to spread his knowledge of the game. Sometimes it was a lonely and thankless pursuit, but he soldiered on.

Recently, Taylor has been suffering from failing health from the effects of terminal cancer. At the time of this writing he is at the McGuire Veteran’s Administration Medical Center in Richmond, Virginia ((804) 675-5000 ext. 6110) being treated, but the prognosis is grim. From henceforth, each day for him will be a blessing.

While talking to him he asked me about the recent Tate-Ashley game and reminisced on old times. He also mentioned that he had never been the subject of an interview. Well… The Chess Drum was able to do an interview with Black Knight. Stay tuned!

(Update 8-8-2014: It is my sincere regret to inform the chess community and particularly The Chess Drum audience that James “Black Knight” Taylor passed away at 11:20am. I received the initial message from his close friend Charles Smith and it was confirmed by his niece Pam McFarlane.)

(Update 8-7-2014: Called but no answer.)

(Update 8-5-2014: Talked to Black Knight today. I was glad he received a package I sent. Found out it was sitting at the nurse’s station for several days. It featured a Chess Drum t-shirt and a Wilbert Paige booklet. He speaks above a whisper and it has become hard to hear him. There are times when he musters up the energy to say the words he intends. He ended the conversation by saying “Thank you” twice.)

(Update 8-4-2014: Called him from the rest stop on my way back from Orlando. Told him I had scored 6/9 and he seemed very happy. On two attempts I could not make out a question. He then made a strong effort to enunciate very clearly. “Were you the brother with the highest score?” 🙂 Still looking for the package I overnighted him last week.)

(Update 8-2-2014: Spoke with him briefly before I went in to play my game and told him he was in my thoughts.)

(Update 7-31-2014: Spoke with Black Knight with his good friend Charles Smith. He sounded a bit weakened, but at times he made an effort to speak louder. It was the effort of a fighter.)

(Update 7-30-2014: Called Black Knight before my game at the U.S. Open and also had his good friend Charles Smith in on the call. Voice was above a whisper. Nate Speight paid him a visit and later told me that his voice is going in and out, but that he was coherent.)

(Update 7-28-2014: Talked to Black Knight today. Did not talk long because he was being treated.)

(Update 7-27-2014: Talked to Black Knight for about 15 minutes. Still alert. He is receiving calls and visits. One of the chess players helped him get his cell phone turned back on. He will be able to access the internet and read these comments… hopefully. I have told him about the well-wishes.)

(Update 7-26-2014: Talked to Black Knight for about 20-30 minutes. He was a bit more subdued and said he was doing “the best he could do”. Nate Speight and a friend of his Ernest visited and they actually played a game which made Black Knight very happy. They had a good talk which was recorded and Ernest videotaped them playing chess. He also got the spaghetti he requested a day earlier. He also spoke of a phone call he got from Lawrence and said it was a wonderful conversation (see Lawrence comment below). He also received a printed copy of this article. I did an interview, but some of it was hard to make out. On certain subjects he would get excited.)

(Update 7-25-2014: Called him today while Nate Speight was visiting. He is a chess player who read this article and is based in Richmond. He decided to visit and brought him a chess set and some fresh juices! :-))

(Update 7-24-2014: Feeling better. We had an 40-minute chat about his life and he told me about all the people that inspired him in chess. He will have some chess visitors on Saturday and said he wants to play some games.)

(Update 7-23-2014: Spoke with Black Knight today and the doctors said his condition is worsening, but he is still coherent and mind is keen. Amazed at how many articles he recalls from The Chess Drum. I’m calling every day.)

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Daaim Shabazz Send an email July 22, 2014
18 2,304 5 minutes read

18 Comments

    1. He asked me if I had seen the game. Not one of Maurice’s best games. I’ve included the link. Chris Torres said it is a Grand Prix Attack, but it transposed into a Sicilian Scheveningen.

      Reply

      1. oh thanks , i thought he may have had some insights on the game, i see it now, yeah Rg8 not so hot.

        Reply

  2. I remember him VERY well growing up in the chess scene down there, and am sad to hear of his condition. Just gave him a call and we reminisced a bit. He WILL be missed.

    Reply

  3. A very nice article on a soldier for chess since the 60’s. The name Black Knight sound like a legend or a tactical chess player. The Knight will destroy your whole kingdom with one powerful move. I also met a chess player at the Chicago Open and he was wearing a Black Night chess club shirt. I said that is a nice shirt. The guy gave me one the next day, I wore it all the time. Today I get to meet the real Black Night thanks to your article. There is a chess player in Orlando named Black Night.

    Reply

  4. Black Knight, I salute and honor you – I strongly appreciated your willingness and readiness to help my family’s school when it was
    needed!
    I wish you better days and lasting spirits.
    With deep regard,
    Kimani A. Stancil

    Reply

      1. I’m sending this email for my great niece Jaborah Crews , who is also James “Black Knight” Taylor’s granddaughter. Jaborah moved her grandfather to Richmond, VA to lived with her; after being here a month he was hospitalized VAMC until his death.She is asking for assistance in burying her grandfather. She can be contacted on facebook Jaborah Crews or call her at 804-258-3411 for more information.

        Sincerely, Zaheerah

        Reply

  5. Spoke with Mr.Taylor today I had the good fortune of playing him at
    Dupont Circle back in the day . I let him know I really appreciated our chess relationship.

    Reply

  6. Back in the 90’s I spent a month in DC on work detail and got chess lesson while meeting some of the regulars in DuPont Circle. Not sure if I met or observed Mr. Taylor but I am sure it would have been a pleasure. My skills as a 42 year old adult who was just getting into chess was comparable to a 1st grade but I got a real lesson in chess and life. There was one player (a minister/taxi driver) who took a personal interest in my dilemma. I wish I could recall his name and wonder if he is still a regular. He kept telling me I must learn the Grünfeld Defence. If someone knows him tell him the kid from California says hello and still does not know the Grunfeld but is the local chess club president!

    Reply

  7. Black Knight is a great guy. Thank you for acknowledging his efforts. Hope those whom he had an acquaintance really continue to “be all they can be” because of his encouragement. We performed a “Dual Simul” together and I learned of his calmness, integrity and LOVE for others.
    Be Blessed.

    Reply

  8. Mr. Shabazz…David Sherman here. It’s Friday Aug 8 9 pm…Tell me please that it’s not too late to visit. I can go down tomorrow. I knew Knight was sick but no one let me know anything up here in DC.

    Reply

    1. Dave it’s been to long. Thanks for caring. We spent many long days at the DuPont Circle and I have many fond memories of you,Knight, Lefty and the whole D.C. Chess scene back in the 90’s. Our friend is gone but oh what memories we still have.

      Reply

  9. The most inspiring abvocate of chess I have ever meant. His inspiration led me to become a level IV chess coach. The Black Knight also inspired me to become the last African American Amature D.C. Champion. My friend James “BlackKnight” Taylor will always be remembered by me and now the chess playing community thanked to Dr. Shabazz and his chess drum. You are wonderful and this web site is where we all come home to. Thank you for what you did for James Black Knight Taylor and the chess community! You are love!!

    Reply

  10. The chess village has lost a warrior. I mourn his passing. It is a loss of profound significance. When I first started competing in chess in the early 1980s Knight was one of the first hustlers I came in contact with at DuPont Circle. What a pleasure treasure he was.

    Reply

  11. Here’s to one of the best inspiring personalities in my life. James “Black Knight” Taylor was a true artist of the game; not just a hustler. His vision and wisdom will be well missed. As one of the rising talents in DuPont Circle until family life it’s toll; I always wanted to mimic his play; but was not quite able to reach those levels until my later years. But, when he was very active at the circle is when we would spend countless hours playing blitz and going over famous games; especially with the legendary Emory Tate. The fellowship and the knowledge sharing was vey beneficial. My Condolences, he will be well missed.

    Reply

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