Some time ago, The Chess Drum ran a story about Rene Phillips, a New Orleans native who suffered total losses during Hurricane Katrina. His tragic story can be added to the rolls of the thousands of harrowing stories told during those dark and memorable days. However, such stories always have a silver lining and this one is no exception.

Phillips and his family decided to rebuild in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and were welcomed both by the city of Philadelphia and then the Black chess community. The players in Philly organized a fundraiser and a flowing of support followed. Glenn Bady wrote an account of this episode which has now become a part of Philadelphia chess history.

Posted by The Chess Drum: 15 October 2005