Drum Majors
-
Historic Moments: Black History Month: A Special Tribute!!
The Moors of Spain The month of February brings us much reverence from those who have blazed the trail so that we may strive for higher heights. In this “Black History Month,” and on the 1st anniversary of The Chess Drum (12 February 2002), we take time to honor those…
Read More » -
Historic Moments: A Sketch of the Legendary Frank Street
The first thing you may have noticed about this page is the pensive pose of a young man on the cover of America’s national chess magazine, Chess Life. The figure on the cover is a living legend by the name of Frank Street, Jr. Mr. Street was blazing the trails…
Read More » -
The Making of The Chess Drum
From time to time, I’m asked a number of questions about the website, The Chess Drum. The site has developed over the past year and players who I meet at tournaments want to know the hows and the whys, so to speak. Well… there’s a short answer and a long…
Read More » -
Historic Moments: Featuring Cuba’s Rogelio Ortega
Cuba’s Native Son Rogelio Ortega The island of Cuba has a great many traditions. With its distinct blend of Spanish and African heritage, Cuba bustles with energy and its citizens are friendly, easy-going and very passionate. One passion that pervades the Cuban society is chess. The birthplace of former World…
Read More » -
What does the future hold for Black Chess?
Leroy Muhammad during a brief comeback in 1978. Muhammad, born Leroy Jackson, was a scholastic star in the 60s and the third Black player to achieve National Master title. Photo by Bill Merrell. When one looks at the current state of affairs of chess among people of the African diaspora,…
Read More » -
Historic Moments: The 2001 World Open (Philadelphia)
Following are pictures from the historic 2001 World Open. This tournament featured a contingent of African players touring the U.S. The usual excitement filled the air as many of the Black players scored impressive results. To see a larger view of thumbnails, click on image. The colored photographs were taken…
Read More » -
Reflections on the Wilbert Paige Memorial
The 2nd Harlem Renaissance!!All photos Daaim Shabazz (The Chess Drum) On the 13 July 2001, 10 players of African descent traveled to historic Harlem to help fulfill a dream for many. The Wilbert Paige Memorial tournament, which had been conceived months earlier by Dr. Jones Murphy Jr. and put together…
Read More » -
Wilbert Paige Memorial: Round #9
Wilbert Paige Memorial(14-23rd of July 2001, Harlem NY, Hotel Theresa) Round #9 Tuesday, 23 July 2001) Pre-game analysis: The heat is on for two players in the penultimate round of the Wilbert Paige Memorial tournament! Both FM William “The Exterminator” Morrison and NM Norman “Pete” Rogers will have to come…
Read More » -
Wilbert Paige Memorial: Round #8
Wilbert Paige Memorial(14-23rd of July 2001, Harlem NY, Hotel Theresa) Round #8 (Monday, 22 July 2001) Exchanging and getting autographs… classic moment!Bob Ali getting autograph from Amon Simutowe Wilbert Paige Memorial players and commentators. Seated (L-R) IM Amon Simutowe, NM Grace Nsubuga, GM Maurice Ashley (commentator), FM Ronald Simpson, IM…
Read More » -
Wilbert Paige Memorial: Round #7
Wilbert Paige Memorial(14-23rd of July 2001, Harlem NY, Hotel Theresa) Round #7 (Sunday, 21 July 2001) IM Oladapo Adu of Nigeria visiting the tournament from Maryland and chatting with IM Amon Simutowe Pre-game analysis: Play resumes after the rest day taken on the 20th. Solomon needs a win to keep…
Read More »
