The Chess Drum
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Philadelphia’s Akeem Gregory-Thompson
The Twin Dynamos Akeem Gregory-ThompsonPhoto by Daaim Shabazz Bruce Thompson Sr., beams with pride when speaking of his chess playing sons, Bruce Jr. and Akeem. Akeem was persistent in his request to learn the game that had captured his imagination. Bruce Sr. states, “Akeem used to ask me occasionally, to…
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The Benefits of Scholastic Chess
The Carver H.S. chess team, 1981. Pictured above is a picture taken from The Chicago Defender (April 14, 1981). The photo accompanied a story titled, “Checkmate with Soul” about the chess team at Carver High School, a public school powerhouse of the late-70s to mid-80s. Melvin Alsberry (seated left) was…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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Wilbert Paige Memorial: Round #3
Wilbert Paige Memorial (14-23rd of July 2001, Harlem NY, Hotel Theresa)Round #3 (Monday, 16 July 2001) Pre-game analysis: Simpson-Colding features an old “Black Bear” matchup which should produce some fireworks. Both players are tactical and know each other style’s very well. Look for an exciting battle. Kobese-Simutowe features the “old”…
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Wilbert Paige Memorial: Round #2
Wilbert Paige Memorial(14-23rd of July 2001, Harlem NY, Hotel Theresa) Round #2 (Sunday, 15 July 2001) Pre-game analysis: Look for Colding to rebound from a tough loss to Muhammad. In that game, Steve wasn’t allowed to play the type of tactical game he enjoys, but must be careful not to…
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Wilbert Paige Memorial: Round #1
Wilbert Paige Memorial(14-23rd of July 2001, Harlem NY, Hotel Theresa) Round #1 (Saturday, 14 July 2001) Pre-game analysis: In Colding-Muhammad, Colding’s tactical skills will be hard-pressed to penetrate Muhammad’s preparation and farsightedness. Schleifer-Simutowe has the making of a explosive battle. . . both with a preference for double-edged positions. Rogers-Simpson…
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2001 Wilbert Paige Memorial (Harlem, NY)
Welcome to the Wilbert Paige Memorial tournament! (14-23rd of July 2001, Harlem NY, Hotel Theresa) Brief Chess Biography NM Wilbert Paige Photo by Jerry BibuldNM Wilbert Paige, a Philadelphia native, first gained a serious interest in chess while attending West Philadelphia High School and played from 1975-77 on the chess…
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The Making of Chess Brotherhoods
Looking at the expanse of the Black chess world, there apparently exists the desire to sharpen one’s game on those friends who are considered to be worthy opponents. Steel sharpens steel, the saying goes. Chicago Chess Clashes In the early to mid 80s, Chicago had a raging debate on whether…
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