USA

  • 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: 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 »
  • 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…

    Read More »
  • 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…

    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 »
  • Wilbert Paige Memorial: Round #6

    Wilbert Paige Memorial(14-23rd of July 2001, Harlem NY, Hotel Theresa) Round #6 (Thursday, 19 July 2001) Pre-game analysis: Rogers came off of an exciting draw and will attempt to keep his norm hopes alive against the winless Colding. Colding had chances against Morrison, but little else has gone his way…

    Read More »
  • Wilbert Paige Memorial: Round #5

    Wilbert Paige Memorial(14-23rd of July 2001, Harlem NY, Hotel Theresa) Round #5 (Wednesday, 18 July 2001) Pre-game analysis: Interesting matchups. Ernest “Steve” Colding, the proprietor of a new chess club in Brooklyn has been shut out of the win column, but don’t write him out of this matchup. Kobese of…

    Read More »
Back to top button