HBCU Spotlight: Harper Jackson (Morehouse)
Photo by Daaim Shabazz/The Chess Drum
Harper Jackson of Morehouse College led his team to a third-place finish in the 3rd HBCU Chess Classic. Jackson, a Detroit native, got his start under Kevin Fite while at Bates Academy. Fite, the legendary chess mentor and founder of the Detroit City Chess Club, has produced thousands of successful students over the decades. Jackson spoke of him with deep fondness and extolled the values of chess.
“Playing chess can be applied to more areas of your life than just the board. In decision making, chess is extremely useful.”
~Harper Jackson in the 11th grade
Photo by Kimberly P. Mitchell/Detroit Free Press
Before meeting Fite, Jackson learned chess from his father at age six and played in his first tournament at age 11. He went on to become the captain of the Cass Tech chess team and earned All-City honors. Jackson earned almost 100 rating points in his last National High School tournament, the under-1600 tournament, scoring 5.5/7. Just finishing his freshman year, he is leading the Morehouse Chess Club into a new era and the goal of making chess a fixture on campus.
Jackson was one of the students who hosted GM Maurice Ashley in Detroit during a visit in 2022. He was inspired by Ashley, saying, “I was the host of the event, and I had to welcome Mr. Ashley. I had to say a few things about how Mr. Ashley became the person that he is. And as the very first African American grandmaster in chess ever, that is huge.”
Photo by Junfu Han/Detroit Free Press
Photo by Daaim Shabazz/The Chess Drum
Besides his aspirations in the legal field, he also has goals in chess. These goals have been demonstrated in his marketing of chess. During his interview with The Chess Drum, his novel approach was simple… set up a chessboard at a social event, and watch people walk over for a challenge. The strategy worked like a charm, and Jackson nabbed five students who would become players on the team.
With Jackson at the helm, the Morehouse Chess Club will be in good hands. Hopefully, the club can grow into a social platform embodying the excellence that graced the African-American Hall of Fame at King Chapel. Jackson and his Vice President thought it would be a fitting venue for the event. The choice received praise from the players who attended.
Some of the players from the other HBCUs were able to walk around the hallowed grounds of “The House.” Many past giants had set goals for themselves and strived for excellence in memorable ways. The challenge of Morehouse College and HBCUs is captured in the spirit of legendary Morehouse College President Benjamin Elijah Mays.
