Chess' 1st African-American Grandmaster Enters Hall of Fame

[Eugene]

Source: Associated Press

Chess' 1st African-American Grandmaster Enters Hall of Fame

By DEEPTI HAJELA, ASSOCIATED PRESS
NEW YORK — Apr 16, 2016, 8:51 PM ET

Maurice Ashley was 14 when he saw a high school friend playing chess and challenged him to a match. He lost badly, but it sparked a love affair that started him playing nearly non-stop ever since.

There were the countless hours competing against the hustlers in city parks, and the serious players at chess clubs in Manhattan. There were the years spent against increasingly tougher competition in college, and ultimately against the best of the best at tournaments around the country and abroad.

All that playing has led the 50-year-old Ashley to some trailblazing accomplishments — the first African-American to be designated as a chess grandmaster, and last Wednesday, the first African-American to be inducted into the U.S. Chess Hall of Fame in St. Louis. He received his honor as the U.S. Chess Championship got underway, with Ashley taking on commentating duties.

When he got the call in January that he was being inducted, for his contributions as a player, coach and commentator, Ashley said tears came to his eyes.

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Read more: http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/chess-1st-black-grandmaster-enters-hall-fame-38447825

[egalitegirl]

1. Thanks for posting this news!

This is an inspiring report!

[rock]

2. Nice

I was not familiar with his name. I'll replay some of his games on www.chessgames.com. Thanks.

[brush]

3. What, no photo? Not even one at the link. I had to google him.

Congratulations to, Maurice Ashley.

[tclambert]

5. How about this?

[brush]

7. Thank you. That's a good shot.

[xfundy]

4. Awesome!

So often people of color have had to go well beyond outperforming others to be considered "worthy." This man hit it out of the park.

[Jeb Bartlet]

6. Ashley is a great man

and a true inspiration to thousands of young people. He is a worthy addition to the chess hall of fame, well deserved, hearty congratulations.

[Jack Rabbit]

8. Mr. Ashly does live online commentary from chess tournaments nowadays

He can be seen online this week giving analysis of positions as they arise at the US Chess Championship in St. Louis. Tomorrow's broadcast begins at 11 am PDT.