James Black on the march!
James Black has been the subject of many articles, but his rapid progress is taken on new heights. Black has now vaulted over 2300 in the USCF rating list and recently showed off his famed blitz prowess in beating both IM Greg Shahade and GM Grigory Kaidanov in blitz battles.
After Justus Williams demolished the field at the U.S. Chess School with 13.5/14, both he and Black (second with 10/14) got a chance to mix it up with these veteran masters and the teachers at the camp.
Williams was unable to continue his blazing form against Kaidanov, but his friend and fellow 13-year Master Black would beat both Shahade and Kaidanov in an impressive display. The action was caught by Elizabeth Vicary who coaches both players at I.S. 318. What is certain about Black is that his work ethic is paying off. Check this out!
IM Greg Shahade vs. NM James Black
NM James Black vs. GM Gregory Kaidanov
on his way to 2300, two im’s bit the dust!!
Way to go Justus! 13.5/14 You gotta be kidding.
Way to go James carving up some fire breathing dragons!
I could feel the pain of IM Shahade and GM Kaidanov when James reached his seemingly inevitable absolute seventh in each game Ha Ha!
By the way, is James the youngest African-American to be rated 2300+ in a tournament?
…keeping an eye on the youngsters
Justus Williams current 2255 w/ recent tourney peak of 2291. James Black current 2275 w/ recent tourney peak of 2314.
Josh Colas current 2198 w/ recent tourney peak of 2259.
Jehron Bryant current 2219 w/ recent tourney peak of 2225
Nigel Bryant current 2099 w/ recent tourney peak of 2123
Darrian Robinson current 2054 w/ recent tourney peak of 2073
And 2 more of interest…
Kassa Korley current 2377 w/ recent tourney peak of 2383
Farai Mandizha current 2498 w/ recent tourney peak of 2499 Ha Ha starving for a point!
Daaim, Thanks for a well spoken point of view. I believe there is no moral crime in the admiration of accomplishments of individuals who look like yourself, your children’s or your immediate relatives. People general celebrate because they hope the role model accomplishments will serve to inspire and motivate others. While answers are being sought to motivate both urban and rural AA youth for greater academic achievement, I see chess programs offering a simple tool. I guess those who complain of a site like the Chess Drum or the celebration of young AA masters have no vested or personal interest in motivating anyone.
Daaim, I think you articulate for a lot of us. Clearly, this gentleman felt he had to express his opinion on this subject and having done so, I’d hope that he feels a lot better. Now, “ can we all get along? ” The boys have recently teamed up and are working together. If they’ve moved on then some of us need to do the same. Perhaps, in the future, unproductive opinions should be ignored.
I agree with you 100%! Things certainly have gotten a lot better for most of us, but we must continue to do for self until all of us can say the playing ground is equal.
It looks like Josh is creeping up on his comrades. His March published rating is 2273 USCF. He’s been in 8 events since Liberty Bell including one on Valentines day where he climbed to 2291 after his results. Justus has played in 1 event since Liberty Bell, and James has played in 3. Their March published ratings are 2314 and 2317 respectively.