The blog… right now featuring a story on Chesspark.org foundation.
NYT article on Hip-hop chess and the recent HHCF Kings Invitational in San Francisco. The Kings Invitational will be followed by the “All Queens Invitational” there in February. The Queens Invitational features a keynote panel around the subject, “Life Strategies: The Female Journey to Success.” Invited participants include: Queen Latifah, Fergie, J.K. Rowling, Emma Bentley (10yr Junior World Chess Champion), Sandra Bullock,Susan Polgar, Irina Krush, Bonnie Blair, Mia Hamm, Venus Williams, Serena Williams, Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Jada Pinkett-Smith, Jennifer Shahade, Morgan Fairchild, Kate Jackson, Julia Roberts, Missy Elliot, Roxanne Shante, Wanda Sykes, Mae Jemison and others.
Check out the Queens Invitational Sponsorship package here (pdf).
Founded by award wining Lecturer and Author, Adisa Banjoko and artist Leo “Blast” Libiran, the Hip-Hop Chess Federation (HHCF) uses music, chess and martial arts to promote unity, strategy and non-violence. The vision is rooted in the belief that our role is to provide an authentic platform that allows people the opportunity to actualize their dreams and hopes for themselves, their families and the communities they serve. “Despite the school systems best efforts and intentions, and theefforts of overworked parents, the past generations have suffered from lack of suitable education and essential resources required for a successful life,” states co-founder Adisa Banjoko, “We recognized that chess, martial arts and hip-hop unify people from multiple cultural, religious and social backgrounds. These black and white squares do not care what color you are or if you are rich or poor. The only thing they ask is “show me your strategy, your patience and your skills.” Along with recreational activities, the Hip Hop Chess Federationprovides services such as life strategy workshops and sponsor supported education scholarships. Studies show chess provides invaluable life lessons such as patience, personal accountability, focus, emotional intelligence and understanding the consequences of your actions before you act. “I recently learned of a study that illustrated prisoners participating in chess clubs had a less chance of returning to prison after their release,” Banjoko says, “I want to bring chess to the communities and get to the kids before the prison system gets to them”.
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