Media Stories
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Chess activist Ernest Levert still healing after aneurysm
Back in April, social chess activist Ernest “Ern” Levert, Jr. of Columbus, Ohio suffered a brain aneurysm and was put in a medically-induced coma. Once he regained consciousness, his life and those of his family members changed forever. The Columbus community was devastated at the news. Local news covered the…
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Derrick Rose retires… chess next?
Derrick Rose elevating during his peak years for the Chicago Bulls.Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images Derrick Rose announced his retirement yesterday from his 16-year basketball career. The highlight of his career was becoming the youngest player to win the 2011 Most Valuable Player award. From the Englewood community of Chicago’s…
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The story of Shama Yisrael, the first female African-American Chess Master
National Master Shama YisraelPhoto by Otis Wilson/954 Chess Club Shama Yisrael earned the title of National Master last weekend, becoming the first African-American woman to earn the coveted honor. After playing in several tournaments in a week’s time, the 20-year-old earned her last few points at the Pincrest Independence Open.…
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Tani Adewumi wins U.S. Cadet!
U.S. Chess Online reports another milestone for FM Tani Adewumi! Now 13 years old, Adewumi won the 2024 U.S. Cadet title in Lisle, Illinois. The tournament was held June 20th-23rd and invited the top players under 16. Winning with a score of 6/7, he was a full two points ahead…
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Chess molds NBA Champion, Jaylen Brown
A couple of nights ago, Jaylen Brown of the Boston Celtics became an NBA Champion. He was also voted the Most Valuable Player of the series, justifying his mammoth five-year, $304 million contract signed the previous year. There were questions about whether the dynamic duo of Brown and fellow All-Star…
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Nigeria’s “The Battle of the Ages” fought to exciting draw!
“The Battle of the Ages” kicked off on June 11th, pitting global ambassador Tunde Onakoya against Nigerian phenom Deborah Quickpen. The atmosphere was electric, and the venue was splendid, with many dignitaries attending the intergenerational match. The Daniel Ford Foundation sponsored the match, which took place in Lagos. The Initiatives…
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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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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 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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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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