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Opinion/Editorials
Reflections on the 2024 HBCU Chess Classic
Nearly a month has passed since the HBCU Chess Classic ended in Atlanta, Georgia. Held April 20th and 21st, it was the second edition of an important movement for chess at “HBCUs” or Historically-Black Colleges & Universities. Certainly, getting chess on more HBCU campuses may help students see the intrinsic…
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HBCU Chess
HBCU Chess Spotlight: Spelman College
Jamila Thompson is a graduating senior at Spelman College. The native New Yorker was taught chess by her father and continued her passion as a collegiate. While at Spelman, she joined other chess players in the Atlanta University Center (AUC) to match wits. Morehouse College hosted the club meetings and…
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USA
HBCU Chess Spotlight: Hampton University
Hampton University traveled 22 hours to the 2024 HBCU Chess Classic in Atlanta after a last-minute effort by the Hampton Alumni Association to fund their travel. As Breon McCray III described it, they nearly had to nix the trip when they could not raise the requisite funds to travel. They…
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HBCU Chess
HBCU Chess Spotlight: North Carolina A&T
North Carolina A&T Aggies, 1st place team (2024 HBCU Chess Classic)Photo by Daaim Shabazz/The Chess Drum Dressed in their North Carolina A&T gear, “Aggie Pride” was on full display at the 2024 HBCU Chess Classic. Currently the largest HBCU, the Aggies rode six hours from North Carolina to Atlanta to…
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HBCU Chess
HBCU Chess Spotlight: Howard University
Howard University has a long and esteemed history as an institution. One of the most well-known universities in the country, it also doubles as a premier HBCU (Historically Black College and University). There is also a very long history in terms of chess. Journalist Jamaal Abdul-Alim gave a presentation to…
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Media Stories
Meet the Kings & Queens of HBCU Chess!
HBCU Chess has a long but largely undocumented history. During the 2024 HBCU Chess Classic hosted by The Black Odyssey, six Historically Black Colleges and Universities (known as “HBCUs”) gathered to participate in the 2nd annual event. Hampton, Howard, Morehouse, and North Carolina A&T, each fielded two teams. While Florida…
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Drum Majors
Gregory Acholonu featured “Chess on the Brain”
In a fascinating podcast, FM Gregory Acholonu was a guest on “Chess on the Brain,” talking about a range of topics. The host was National Master David Bennett, who asked the DC native questions ranging from current events to the Black chess scene in DC, including the “Black Knights,” the…
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Media Stories
FAMU’s Caleb Parker is 2024 HBCU Chess Champion!
Daniel Buckley (Engineering), Florian Dorleans (FAMU Alumnus), Caleb Parker (Computer Information Systems), Lee Parker (School of Allied Health), Dr. Daaim Shabazz (School of Business & Industry) At the 2nd HBCU Chess Classic, Florida A&M sophomore Caleb Parker won the individual event with 5/5. The event was held at the Georgia…
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Drum Majors
Glenn Bady becomes FIDE Trainer!
Life Master Glenn Bady has been involved in chess for nearly 50 years and was part of the contingent of Philadelphia-area masters from the Black community. Bady paired with the late Wilbert Paige at West Philadelphia High School to match rival Bartram High, which fielded Norman Rogers and Raymond Robinson.…
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Media Stories
Maurice Ashley speaks on new books!
Grandmaster Maurice Ashley has been busy lately despite taking a break from commentating. On the cover of the latest Chess Life magazine, Ashley strikes a menacing pose while clasping the black king, his right hand ever ready for defense or attack. This pose symbolizes everything that chess is. It is…
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