Drum Majors
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The story of Shama Yisrael, the first female African-American Chess Master
Shama Yisrael in the process of making history at the 2024 Pincrest Independence Open.Photo courtesy of South Miami 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…
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Saad Elmi gets 2nd IM norm!
Saad Elmi of Norway earned his 2nd IM norm at the Zadar GM Norm Tournament in Croatia. He ended on an undefeated 6/9, drawing all three GMs in the field. Now at 18, Elmi has collected two IM norms and according to mentor GM Pontus Carlsson, “He just missed the…
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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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Bernard Parham, chess innovator, passes away
Bernard Parham I, the 1967 Indiana State Champion and creator of the Matrix Chess System, has passed away. His son Bernard II relayed the news to The Chess Drum, “Resigned against diabetes on Wednesday, June 19th—one day after reaching his 58th wedding anniversary.” Born on October 30, 1946, to Eddie…
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Watu Kobese premiers in new podcast!
South African International Master Watu Kobese International Master Watu Kobese has a chess resume as long as he is tall. He has added yet another venture into his portfolio. In what has become a popular trend in chess, Kobese sent The Chess Drum a message introducing a podcast titled “Chess,…
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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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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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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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Amin, February win 2024 African Individuals!
GM Bassem Amin and WIM Jesse February took the titles at the 2024 African Individual Chess Championship (AICC). It would be Amin’s seventh (2009, 2013, 2015 and 2017, 2018, 2022, 2024) and February’s second (winning in 2021). While Amin was dominant throughout the tournament, February had to wait until the last round when the…
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Jacorey Bynum makes National Master!
Jacorey Bynum broke the 2200 barrier last weekend at the Southern Chess Classic, earning the coveted title of National Master! It is a testament to the values of chess education. Jacorey BynumPhoto from jbking07 (chess.com) Jacorey learned to play chess in August 2017 as a positive outlet during a difficult…
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