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History of Afro-Brazilian Chess
While in Brazil last March, I often scanned the landscape for any sign of chess activity. Of course, chess is played widely in Brazil and the populous country produces some of the strongest players in Latin America. However, when I asked a lecturer about this history of chess among Afro-Brazilians,…
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USA
Historic Moments: James McCune Smith: Essay on CHESS
There are many heroes in Black history, but many have been long forgotten or at least unappreciated. Chess in the times of the Civil War took on a particular significance as it was often perceived as symbol of refinement and erudition. James McCune Smith was such a man of erudition.…
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Historic Moments
The Caged Bird: The Story of T.A. Thompson
Theophilus Thompson There are many mysteries in chess history, blank spots that have remained unfilled. One of the largest is the life of Theophilus Augustus Thompson, the talented American problemist of African decent. Jeremy Gaige’s Chess Personalia, the leading source of biographical data on chessists, only provides a single entry…
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Drum Majors
Historic Moments: A Conversation with Walter Harris
Every now and then I would gaze at the sliver of paper on my desk and see the name “Walter Harris” with a telephone number. It had been given to me by Charles Covington who keeps in contact with him. He thought it may be a good idea for me…
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Africa
Historic Moments: Stanley Chumfwa qualifies for FIDE World Cup!
After a stellar performance at the 2005 African Championships, Stanley Chumfwa shared his impressions of his performance and his prospects for the future with The Chess Drum. He earned a trip to the FIDE World Cup which will start on December 3rd in Elista, Russia. Stanley Chumfwa – ZambiaPhoto by…
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The Caribbean Tigers of Chess?
Back in the 70s several Asian nations took on an aggressive path to economic growth. The level of growth was unprecedented as foreign direct investment poured into the region. The nations comprising of this region would see double-digit growth rates for nearly a decade and would eventually become known as…
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The Chess Drum
Hurricane Katrina: A Black Chess Player’s Story
Hurricane Katrina: A Black Chess Player’s Story by Glenn Bady Hurricane Katrina slammed ashore New Orleans producing 110 + Kt winds, flooding 15-20 feet above normal. August 30, 2005 levees “broke” in New Orleans and water pours in covering 80% city and raising 20 feet in some areas. Fortunately, during…
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Historic Moments
Historic Moments: Michael Davis: 2004 U.S. Blind Champion
Alan Dicey vs. Michael Davis at the 2004 U.S. Blind Championship. Davis won the game enroute to a 4-0 performance and his first championship. Michael Davis of New York won the 2004 U.S. Blind Championship among six players scoring a perfect 4-0. The tournament was held in conjunction with the…
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Black Girls in Chess: Keeping Men in Check!
clockwise (l-r): Boikhutso Mudongo (Botswana), Medina Parrilla (USA), Sabrina Chevannes (England), Brianna Conley (USA), Deborah Richards (Jamaica), Jessica Wamala (USA). Women’s chess has come a long way since the days of old when the only women at a tournament were spouses. In 2005, many more females can be found “behind…
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